A Patriotic March Through Patch History

It's a day early, but we couldn't wait to say it. Happy Birthday, America! As you may or may not know, Springfield was a big part of the time leading up to when you were born. 

As Jen Connic relates in this story, the Battle of Springfield was a decisive turning point in the American Revolution. 

Signs of that historic event live in on Springfield, most visibly with the Cannon Ball House on Morris Ave. Last year, Patch contributor and frequent guest editor Lois Cantwell profiled the Cannon Ball House, and more recently, Patch editor Adam Bulger provided a tidy little update. 

But while it's the most visible, it's not the only survivor of the era. The cemetery on Mountain Ave. contains headstones and grave markers of people from that time. The Daughters of the Revolution and Springfield's Historical Society recently commemorated the burial grounds, with Springfield residents marking the occasion in appropriate period dress. 

This year was the 230th anniversary of the battle of Springfield, and Springfield's Patriot chamber and their partners marked the occasion by erecting the new Township Clock on Mountain Ave. Patch videographer Barry Kaufman was there to capture the excitement. 

You're welcome, America.