The Danvers Historical Society invites you to follow along with us as we explore the people and events leading up to the War of Independence. Where possible, these stories will relate specifically to Danvers and the surrounding area of Essex County. Follow along and Discover Danvers!
Don't miss! Sunday, Sept. 14, 1pm : Benedict Arnold in Danvers; Presentation about this American Hero turned infamous traitor and commemoration at the Arnold monument in Danvers Square
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2 September | George Washington writes to Congress. When Washington assumed his duties in Boston, he saw no end to problems. "The abuses [problems] in this army, I fear, are considerable, and the new modelling of it [reorganization], in the face of an enemy, from whom we every hour expect an attack, is exceedingly difficult and dangerous." Library of Congress
Washington, authorizing the conversion of fishing vessels into armed ships, commissions Nicholas Broughton as a captain in the army. He is directed to take a crew aboard the schooner “Hannah, at Beverly....to cruise against such Vessels as may be found on the High Seas or elsewhere... and to take and seize all such vessels.” Road to Revolution
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
5 September | Washington releases plans to send 1051 volunteers under Benedict Arnold on the expedition against Quebec. Road to Revolution
7 September | In Beverly, the Hannah, under Captain Nicholas Broughton returns to port with her first capture, the British vessel, the Unity, with fish, provisions, lumber, and naval stores. Road to Revolution
14 September | Colonel Benedict Arnold and his troops encamp at Danvers on their march north to Quebec. In 1975, the Danvers Alarm List Company recreated this visit with a period encampment including six tents and performing numerous crafts and chores like cooking, mending, musket-ball making, guard duty, manual practice, leather working, flint chipping and game-playing. DHC Vol. 44 p. 77
To see a copy of George Washington’s orders to Arnold and its transcription, see the Library of Congress
19 September | Arnold's troops sail from Newburyport, and late that day they reach the mouth of the Kennebec. Road to Revolution
26 September | General Gage receives orders to return to England, and General Howe is named to succeed him as commander of the British Forces in America. Road to Revolution
To see the complete timeline, go to danvershistory.org
