Saturday, May 10, 2025

Historic Flags for America's 250th

For today's posting, you'll see photos of a variety of early American flags in a variety of ways. But beneath (and sometimes above) each picture you will find information about each flag in the photos~

The criteria to be included in today's post, besides the obvious historical aspects, is that I must own the flag...

I remember the 200th
Now I'm taking part in the 250th!

You know I like to collect, right?

Yeah...I'm the guy that "needs more stuff!"

On top of everything I acquire, I also collect historic flags, and have done so for years - especially once I became a reenactor. It's been a fun journey --- collecting, for me, always has. Initially, my first historic flag was the Confederate stars n bars. Why that particular flag? Because this was in the early 1980s and I really loved traditional country music - still do - and it's with that connection that I purchased it. It was very old when I got it, though I have no idea of its age. I also have no idea where it is now - buried in my basement somewhere.

My next one was an original pre-1959 48 star American flag. Again, I have no idea where that one is now---like the Confederate flag, it's probably buried in a box in my basement.

Both flags are made of cloth or cotton - it's been a long time since I've seen either one.

When I became a Civil War reenactor, I picked up a replicated "Yankee" flag that would have been familiar to someone living in the northern states in 1863.

Where is it now?
Why, in my basement, of course!

Sometime back in the 1990s, I purchased red, white, and blue buntings that I hang on my front porch beginning Memorial Weekend and don't take it down until just after Labor Day Weekend. Snow and ice can really ruin these things, you know.

So, once I became a Colonial reenactor, I began to fancy the early historic flags of America. I began, as most do, with the Betsy Ross flag, then continued on from there.

As I ordered my latest, I decided I would do a post on my flag collection, and include a little history lesson with each.

First off, I very much enjoy flying my flags from the front of my house. Oftentimes, if I am outside when people walk by, I almost always will receive a comment, generally in kind ("I like your flags"). There are a few times when the passersby might ask a question, many times not sure what to think of these strange, often unfamiliar designs (time for a history lesson).

And then I'll proceed to tell them. Always a teacher, I guess.

Initially, flags were primarily used for military and government purposes, gradually gaining popularity among citizens. Ordinary Americans began flying the American flag during the Civil War in 1861. The flag's popularity soared as a symbol of Union resistance against the Confederacy. And even after the War flags were entrenched in American society. The 20th century saw patriotism rise then fall then rise then fall...depending on the circumstances---the last real peak being 9-11. Of course, there are those special days - 4th of July (Independence Day), Flag Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day - when a rise in patriotism will occur. Then there are those, such as myself and many of my friends, who will fly flags frequently or continuously. I know some who will only fly flags when their political party is in office (sad). And I know many - too many - who never fly them at all.

Better to not fly 'em than to be forced to fly 'em, right?

So...let's have, as Sheldon Cooper might say, fun with flags!

Betsy Ross Flag
An Appeal To Heaven / Pine Tree Flag
April 18, 2025---America's 250th anniversary begins...

Betsy Ross Flag

The Betsy Ross American flag is designed with 13 white stars on a blue field, arranged in a circle to represent the unity of the colonies. The stars are surrounded by 13 red and white stripes, representing the 13 colonies that declared their independence from Great Britain in 1776. It was adopted as our official flag in 1777.

There are some who do not believe Betsy Ross made this flag, that this story is just that---a story...a mythical legend, and that Declaration signer, Francis Hopkinson, is the person who actually created the first. There are many pros and cons to this story, none of which can be proven (even though many tend to use opinions as fact). And, despite the absence of written records to prove the Ross story, there is mounting evidence leading more and more historians to believe her legend could be true.

I personally believe it to be true. I do believe Betsy Ross made what we call the first American flag. But that doesn't mean Hopkinson didn't design one either (only I believe his may have been a little later). I've researched beyond opinions and facebook memes to find whatever available information I could.

The sad thing is, it only takes one person to go against the grain and then everyone tends to jump on the bandwagon, for some odd reason, and I don't understand why. However, I have no qualms about questioning, but, please, if there is no proof either way, then don't state with absolute certainty, for not only are you lying, but you look foolish as well.

My own thoughts are that I'm not so sure that Francis Hopkinson actually did create the 1st flag. Betsy Ross's own daughter, Rachel Fletcher, wrote out an affadavitt about her mother's flag: "I remember having heard my mother Elizabeth Claypoole say frequently that she, with her own hands, (while she was the widow of John Ross) made the first Star-spangled Banner that ever was made. I remember to have heard her also say that it was made on the order of a Committee, of whom Col. Ross was one, and that Robert Morris was also one of the Committee. That General Washington, acting in conference with the committee, called with them at her house."

Obviously, we have no proof either way. As is typical today, sides will be taken and the opposite side is wrong.

An Appeal To Heaven / Pine Tree Flag

"And where the Body of the People, or any single Man, is deprived of their Right, or is under the Exercise of a power without right, and have no Appeal on Earth, there they have a liberty to appeal to Heaven, whenever they judge the Cause of sufficient moment." - John Locke

In the rich tapestry of American history, few symbols carry the profound weight the "An Appeal to Heaven" flag. This iconic emblem, also known as the Pine Tree flag, holds a special place in the hearts of those who cherish American values and the relentless pursuit of liberty.

The Appeal to Heaven flag was designed by Colonel Joseph Reed, who served as the personal secretary to George Washington. Originally commissioned for use on six military cruiser ships, the flag was adopted on October 21, 1775. It became the official Massachusetts navy flag in 1776.

From CNN (May 31, 2024):

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has been criticized for a flag flown at his New Jersey vacation house that has ties to both the American Revolution and far-right ideologies. The “Appeal to Heaven” flag, as it is commonly called, also stands outside of House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office in the Capitol building and has been proudly displayed by other Republican lawmakers. It has also appeared among crowds at far-right rallies and at the January 6 Capitol insurrection.

Like many flags and historical symbols, the Appeal to Heaven flag has multiple meanings and has been used in differing capacities. The flag served as a naval ensign in Massachusetts until 1971, and until recently, flew outside San Francisco’s city hall alongside other historic flags.

Do you know what I say to this?
Screw everyone who thinks the way CNN does! Yes, I said it and I'll continue to say it.

Look, it's a historic flag from America's Revolutionary period. That's why I fly it and why I'll continue to fly it.

Sheez...whatta bunch of idiots.

By the way, here is a fun bit of (easy) trivia:
The only U.S. President to serve under the 13-star flag was George Washington. He served as President from 1789 to 1797, during which the 13-star flag was the official U.S. flag.

Taunton Flag

(from the New England Historical Society):

The people of Taunton, Massachusetts celebrate the Taunton Flag with a friendly festival on their green every October. But when first raised on an enormous liberty pole on Friday, October 21, 1774, the flag inspired an angry controversy.

The Taunton flag was one of the first flags used within the Thirteen Colonies to express dissension against the Crown. It also initially symbolised underlying loyalty to the Crown as the Union Flag was viewed as the King's Colors.

On Monday, October 24, the Boston Evening Post reported the story:

We have just received the following intelligence from Taunton… A liberty pole 112 feet long was raised. Attached to it was a Union flag with the words Liberty and Union sewed on...

The flag, also known as the Liberty and Union Flag, symbolized revolt against British oppression. The Evening Post story inspired flags with similar mottoes throughout the colonies.

One person unimpressed with the Taunton Flag was the wife of Dr. William McKinstry. According to Two Men of Taunton: "In the Course of Human Events, 1731-1829, Mrs. McKinstry,

…took no pains to conceal her contempt for the Patriots. Her neighbors endured her scorn for a while; then, one morning, these women of the New England Taunton, jealous because Mistress McKinstry was still enjoying her afternoon tea, proceeded to her house on High Street (as the women marched in Old English Taunton during Monmouth’s Rebellion), dragged her from her fireside, marched her down to the Green, and around the Liberty Pole in humiliating token of allegiance."

First Navy Jack Flag
Modern American Flag

(from Flags.com):

When was the First Navy Jack Flag created? Historians are still debating the origin of the First Navy Jack flag and whether it was the ‘first’ US Naval Jack. What we do know is that Commodore Esek Hopkins of the Continental Navy instructed his navy vessels entering the Delaware River at the beginning of the American War of Independence to hoist a flag with 13 alternating red and white stripes. Additional correspondence between Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Sicilian allies describes a naval jack featuring 13 red and white stripes with a gold rattlesnake.

That rattlesnake had long been a symbol of American resistance to British rule. It originated with Benjamin Franklin’s famous 1754 "Join, or Die” political cartoon and was eventually immortalized as the Gadsden flag. The “Don’t Tread on Me” phrase originated around the same time but wasn’t applied to the rattlesnake naval jack flag until 1880.

The flag was celebrated at the United States Bicentennial with an updated design in 1976. It had another run through the 2000s and was recently removed as the standard US Navy Jack flag in 2019. The First Navy Jack flag remains in service on one ship: the USS Constitution, the world’s oldest actively commissioned vessel still afloat.

The modern American Flag

(the following came from a variety of sources, mostly Wikipedia)

The current flag of the United States is the twenty-seventh version of the national flag. When the Thirteen Colonies were seceding from the British, there became a necessity for a flag to symbolize the patriot cause and rally individuals for the Revolution.

The flag was created as an item of military equipment to identify US ships and forts. It evolved gradually during early American history, and was not necessarily designed by any one person. The flag exploded in popularity in 1861 as a symbol of opposition to the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter. It came to symbolize the Union in the American Civil War; Union victory solidified its status as a national flag. Because of the country's emergence as a superpower in the 20th century, the flag is now among the most widely recognized symbols in the world.

Well-known nicknames for the flag include "the Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", "the Star-Spangled Banner", and "the Red, White, and Blue". The Pledge of Allegiance and the holiday Flag Day are dedicated to it. The number of stars on the flag is increased as new states join the United States. The last adjustment was made in 1960, following the admission of Hawaii.

Francis Hopkinson 13 Star Flag
Sons of Liberty Flag

Francis Hopkinson Flag

Francis Hopkinson, signer of the Declaration of Independence from New Jersey, claims that he designed the “Stars and Stripes” that was designated as the national flag. The above resolution was adopted from the Marine Committee, who had been using these guidelines for flags since July 4, 1776. Francis Hopkinson was chairman of the Navy Board’s Middle Department which was under the Marine Committee at the time that these guidelines were established in 1776. On May 25, 1780, he requested a quarter cask of wine in payment for his help in designing the national flag and aiding in designing the Great Seal for the United States. After his letter went unanswered, he asked for £2,700. The Auditor General, James Milligan, and the Chamber of Accounts, investigated his claim and noted that Hopkinson was not the only person on the Navy Committee or the three Great Seal committees, so he should not singularly be called out and compensated for his work.

My honest opinion is that I believe both stories---both Ross and Hopkinson had their hands in this and both may have been around at the same time. However, I fly both because we do not know for sure which flag was the first, nor do we have written proof, such as a receipt, to give us absolute proof.

The story of the Sons of Liberty / Rebellious Stripes Flag cannot be told without mentioning all that lead up to its creation, including the Stamp Act and the various "acts" that followed.

(from American Revolution.org)

In March 1765, the British government passed the Stamp Act – a tax imposed on different kinds of printed materials – which the colonists considered extremely unfair. The tax was created to fund British troops on the continent, and the colonists did not have any elected members in the British parliament, This is why the Stamp Act was labeled “taxation without representation”.

The Stamp Act led to widespread protests and unrest, especially towards British tax collectors. In Boston, a group of patriot businessmen called the Loyal Nine was formed to organize resistance against the Stamp Act. Later, this group evolved into the Sons of Liberty, which was formed in August 1765.

The Sons of Liberty was an underground group of patriots that organized protests and demonstrations against British taxation, which would sometimes turn violent. They were primarily a political organization, helping to sway public opinion against the British.

Boston Patriot Samuel Adams is often credited as being the founder and leader of the Sons of Liberty. Besides Sam Adams, other members of the organization included Joseph Warren, Paul Revere, Benjamin Edes, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John Lamb, William Mackay, Alexander McDougall, James Otis, Benjamin Rush and many others.

The nine stripes on the Sons of Liberty Flag represent the nine colonies that attended the Stamp Act Congress – Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and South Carolina.

This flag was used to signal meetings of the Sons of Liberty, especially at common gathering points such as the Liberty Tree in Boston, where a flag pole was erected in the summer of 1767. The first use of this flag likely dates to around August of that year.

When a meeting or a protest was to occur, a flag would be raised, where it could be seen by those around Boston Common.

In 1775, the Liberty Tree was cut down by Loyalists. The Sons of Liberty replaced it with the Liberty Pole – a flagpole that The Rebellious Stripes would later fly from.

The Sons of Liberty Flag remains an iconic symbol of colonial unity in the leadup to the American Revolution, especially against the Stamp Act. The law was repealed partly thanks to the efforts of underground movements like the Sons of Liberty.

But perhaps the most historically significant thing about this flag is how it inspired the first Stars and Stripes flag of 1777.

Culpeper Minute Men Flag

Grand Union Flag

Culpeper Minute Men Flag

Organized on July 17, 1775 under a large oak tree in “Clayton’s old field” (later known as Catalpa Farm). When the Revolutionary War came, the Culpeper Minutemen chose the Patriot side. It was at this time that they also adopted their standard bearer.

The Minute Men took part in the Battle of Great Bridge, the first Revolutionary battle on Virginia soil. The Culpeper Minute Men flag is inscribed with the words, “Liberty or Death” and “Don’t Tread on Me.”

Grand Union Flag

The first “official” flag was “the Continental Colors,” also known as the “Grand Union Flag,” which consisted of thirteen red and white stripes and the United Kingdom’s flag in the upper-left-hand corner, also known as the canton. The Continental Army flew the flag until 1777.

The Grand Union flag was created during the first year of the Revolutionary War. The designer and exact date of creation are unknown, but it is credited as the first national flag of the United States. It was an important signal that indicated increasing separation from the British.

I personally first learned about this flag while visiting Colonial Williamsburg.

Bedford Flag being carried into battle at our reenactment of Concord which originally occurred on April 19, 1775.
The Bedford Flag, that you see here in this photo, is the oldest known flag in the United States. It is associated with the Minutemen of Bedford, Massachusetts, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

As David Hackett Fischer wrote in Paul Revere's Ride: Some units carried flags of great antiquity, which had been passed down from the Puritan founders of New England. One of them survives today in the town of Bedford, Massachusetts. It was made in England sometime in the 17th century, and used as early as 1659 in Massachusetts. Against a crimson background, it shows the arm of God reaching down from the clouds, with a short sword in a mailed fist. A Latin motto reads, "Vince aut Morire" (Conquer or Die). According to traditions of the town, this flag was carried on the morning of April 19, 1775, by Cornet Nathaniel Page of the Bedford militia.

I purchased this set of miniature historical flags for my grandkids for the 4th of July celebrations in 2024. Off and on they will show an interest in some of my historic activities and interests. These flags were definitely "on," for the loved 'em.

I also bought my grandchildren the modern American flags in miniature for them to hold onto on the 4th of July 2023. I am trying to instill patriotism.

I did the same for the kids in the clssroom where I worked on my very last day of work before I retired...which was also the very last day of school for the summer. I also gave each a copy of the Declaration of Independence. Again, hoping to instill a bit of patriotism, which seems to have been sorely lost over the past few years, I told them to take a few minutes on the 4th and perhaps plant their flags in a flowerbed at their home..

Taken at my house over the last few 4th of July neighborhood fireworks.
It's become a tradition now.

Spirit of '76 / Bennington Flag
Gadsden Flag

(from Gettysburg Flag Works)

The original theory was that the Bennington Flag/Spirit of '76 was made for the Battle of Bennington in 1777 and was flown by the Green Mountain Boys. The Green Mountain Boys were a militia group that originally fought to gain Vermont its independence and adoption into the United States and played a pivotal part in the Revolutionary War. Even though this story would make sense—after all, it is called the Bennington flag—this view has been largely debunked, as the technology to create the Bennington flag didn’t even exist until the early 1800’s. A technical analysis done on the flag confirmed that the nature of its machine-woven fabric aligned with a creation date in the 19th century.

The second theory about the flag’s creation centers on Nathaniel Fillmore. This theory suggests that Fillmore wanted a flag to use during the War of 1812 that would serve as a reminder of the American spirit during the Revolutionary War. That may be why people refer to it as the “Spirit of ‘76.” Fillmore wanted a flag that would embody the sentiments of and the belief in freedom held by the American people. It is believed that Fillmore flew this flag during battles, where it could have gained more popularity.

The curator of textiles in the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of History and Technology speculated that the flag may even have been a centennial banner, made in 1876.

I personally remember seeing this flag flying frequently at Bicentennial celebrations in 1976.

(from American Flags.com)

Gadsden Flag

Benjamin Franklin is renowned throughout history for his sense of humor. In the Pennsylvania Gazette, Franklin wrote a satirical commentary in 1751, suggesting the best way to thank the British for their habit of sending all their convicted felons to America would be to send England some rattlesnakes. In 1754, Franklin drew, carved, and published an American newspaper’s first political cartoon. This one was not quite as humorous as the first. Franklin used an eight-section cut-up rattlesnake to represent the colonies. The snake’s curves were suggestive of the coastline. South Carolina was the tail, while New England was the snake head. Written underneath the snake were the threatening words, “Join, or Die.” The American people adopted the rattlesnake symbol, and it became demonstrative over the years of the people and their ambition for self-determination.

By the time 1775 rolled around, the symbol of the rattlesnake was not only visible in the newspapers. It could be seen across the 13 colonies on flags and banners, printed on paper money, and imprinted on uniform buttons.

Colonel Christopher Gadsden designed the “Don’t Tread on Me” Flag in late 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. Along with the Liberty Flag, it was flown as a motto flag by the Continental Marines. Once the United States formally adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as its official flag, the Gadsden flag was mainly only a relic from the Revolutionary era for many years. It has seen several spikes in popularity after that. The Libertarians revered it for the symbolism it showed to the rights of the individual and a minimalistic form of government during the 1970s. Interest grew again after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, during the emergence of the Tea Party, and when Alabama became the seventh state to give approval to Gadsden-designed specialty license plates in 2014.

I also very much enjoy bringing my flags to some of the reenactments I participate in. I no longer camp so I no longer have a rent set up. But when I did, I brought flags along.

This was at a Voyageur event a few years back. Now, I do not portray a Voyageur, but they do welcome me to join them as a Citizens of the American Colonies, and for that I am appreciative.
You can see three of my historical flags a-flying in the breeze coming from
Lake St. Clair.

Back when Detroit's Historic Fort Wayne used to hold reenactments, I would also bring along two and sometimes three flags. These two here were bearing the winds off of the Detroit River.

Here I am with my display at a timeline event I participated in.

The flags behind me (from left):

Grand Union Flag from 1775

Betsy Ross Flag from 1776

The Taunton Flag (Liberty & Union) from 1774

And in front we have the Gadsden Flag from late 1775

On July 31st of 2019 I had a very proud Sons of the American Revolution encounter.

Please note, at this time in my genealogy research, I have not been able to locate a Patriot veteran ancestor of the American Revolution. Of course, I've only done two family history lines - generally in a family tree, there would be 128 lines going back to your 5th great-grandparents (128 total ancestors). This is because each generation doubles, and 5th great-grandparents are 5 generations removed from you, so 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 32 x 4 = 128. Now I chose 5th great grandparents due to learning that most of my ancestors in that categorical line would have been born in time to fight in the American Revolution. It helps knowing at least two lines came over from England in 1710. So, who knows what may be found.

I did find a Patriot ancestor in my wife's line, and now she is in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

However, I was still honored by this illustrious group of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR--Detroit Metro-Chapter):

"Today, I had the honor of presenting the SAR Flag Certificate to the Giorlando family of Eastpointe, Michigan. Ken and his family are living historians, presenting and teaching various periods of American history all over the midwest. On any given day, you may find one or more of the Early American flags on display at their home. Ken is a good friend of the Detroit Metro Chapter."

In 2019 my family and I were recipients of the wonderful flag commemoration

you see me holding up.

I began collecting historic flags nearly two decades ago and have been purchasing

them ever since. I fly them at my house frequently, which garners great conversations

from passersby, and I especially love to fly them at our historical reenactments,

which also is a great teaching opportunity.

It was such an honor.

I greatly enjoy collecting and flying the historical flags of colonial America and the early Republic, but I must give thanks to Tom Bertrand for his input and sharing of his knowledge. He is a major flag collector - what is known as a vexillologist - and my first-stop go-to person for questions.

I do plan to add to this post as I continue to acquire more historic flags, so you may want to check back.

Until next time, see you in time.

To read further into my personal collection, click HERE

My Bicentennial collection part 1, part 2, and part 3

...............

Friday, May 2, 2025

Patriot's Day 250 - Semiquincentennial - at Mill Race Village: 1775 - 2025

The continuations of celebrating America250...!

. . .

"Michigan version"~

I have literally been planning for this year's Patriot's Day - the 250th of the Lexington and Concord battle reenactment/commemoration that took place in April 1775 - since early 2018. The idea for such a 250th commemoration just simply popped into my head nearly ten years ago.

So I made a few phone calls to some reenacting friends, tossing ideas back and forth. My main course of action was to keep it as accurate as possible, even if that meant for less participants. I mean, I knew we would not be getting a thousand redcoats or eighty militia/minutemen, but I, at the very least, wanted to have the look down, if nothing else. That was and is of utmost importance.

I also didn't want ir to be a one-shot deal. I wanted this reenactment to be an annual event, having the ability to see what we do right and where we could improve.

So it was in 2019 that was the first time we were able to have it, and it was a grand success. It wasn't very large, but it turned out to be pretty awesome. And more reenactors began to contact me about participating in the next year's event. Then, sadly, came 2020 when covid shut the world down, and 2021 when there was still great covid concern by many, so we did not get to do this event again until April of 2022. That year was also a great success. Even greater than 2019. Then 2023 and 2024 proved to be even grander, continuing on the uphill climb, with participation ever-growing along with a growing number of spectators.

You say you want a Revolution~

And now, here we are in 2025 - - the 250th anniversary - - and this year turned out to be a truly best ever event! I very much made the effort to make this to be as good as I could possibly do, and God shed His grace on thee, for being a comemmoration of the 250th, I could not have been any happier. There were so many pluses through the years, but here in the Semiquincentennial, it seems everything culminated together. From Paul Revere's ride to what is generally thought of as more of a skirmish than a battle at Lexington to the period entertainment from Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps to the Battle of Concord to spending time with Benjamin Franklin and my colonial friends----it was all spectacular!

This is only the military - - believe me, there were plenty more reenactors, including more military (who left before this photo)---I would say near double this amount if civilians are to be included.

It was 250 years ago - -
Paul Revere rides again!

I oftentimes portray my Revolutionary War hero, Paul Revere, and will present as the man for schools, historical societies, libraries, reenactments, and other various oraginizations. For this 250th event, I had been wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin' that I would be able to ride a horse during my Paul Revere portrayal. Actually, I had been planning such a thing in my head for a few years. It was just making this dream - this want - happen. My friend Jason, who owns and raises horses that he often uses for jousting at Renaissance and Medieval Fairs, had let me ride a horse of his about ten years ago (check out THIS page). I was in my glory! So he was the first person I thought of when the idea sprung into my brain. Happily for me, he said "yes!" when asked, so we just had to work out the details.

Days before the event, we did get everything worked out. But there was just one thing: Jade the horse hadn't been ridden in nearly a year. Now I was supposed to go to Jason's place to ride Jade and get familiar with her, except we've had quite a bit of

The day's schedule of events~

soggy weather this spring, and on the

days that were nice either Jason had plans or I had plans. Jason had a friend ride the horse and I guess the horse was pretty skittish, so he let me know he would prefer to use a lead rope. A lead rope is used to guide and control a horse, leading the horse, or handling them in various situations. I told him it was no problem - I just wanted the horse there.

So on the morning of the event, I had nervous excitement. And then I received the text from Jason that read "5 minutes out" and my excitement rose. And rose. And rose. It was actually going to happen! I was going to reenact on a horse Paul Revere's ride! I could not care any less if it was by way of a lead rope through the historic Mill Race Village town.

Jason pulled in with his truck and horse trailer. Jade was being a little skittish and even a bit obstinate as her owner tried to get her out of the trailer. And once she was out it was plain to see she was nervous. But I had no fear, only excitement. Especially given the fact that Jade was brown, just like Paul Revere's borrowed horse, Brown Beauty (through the years, there were folk who claimed his horse went by other names, but Brown Beauty is the only name with documented evidence).

Bam!! Perfect!

Many years ago, before we had children, my wife and I used to take riding lessons...and we were pretty good students. And the first rule they taught Patty and I in riding a horse was to be relaxed, for the horse can tell if you are nervous. And they need to know who's boss. Yep, I was very relaxed - I very much wanted my plans to go right.

Getting ready to settle in the saddle,
with a little help from the bench

Whatever nervousness I had, I overcame quickly, for I have degenerative lower discs in my back and sciatica in both legs so I had reason for a little initial concern. After Jade was saddled I had to climb on top of a bench to reach the stirrup, for my legs don't go as high as they used to (lol). It still was a little difficult to get on the horse. But I did---pain be damned!---I did!

I had been planning this for too long to let "a little pain" stop me! I was bound and determined to get on the horse, and with encouragement from Jason - and the bench - I soon found myself atop of this big beautiful brown beast!!

Once I was sitting in the saddle, I felt terrific! No pain or any concern. The thing about horseback riding (like riding a bike!) is you don't forget. Jason told me Jade's signals to go, to stop, and for turning.

Okay---I'm good---let's go!

Jason grabbed the lead rope and off we went~

"The Regulars are on the march!!
The Regulars are coming out!!
They are marching this way!!
Ring the warning bells!
Fire the muskets!"

As soon as we got on the brick road, I got into my "Paul Revere mode" and began to shout "The Regulars are on the march!! The Regulars are coming out!! They are marching this way!!"

Some people asked why I didn't gallop or even trot. The reason is because this was my first time ever riding this particular horse, so she was not familiar with me, nor I with her. Plus there were quite a few spectators lined up along the brick street, and with me not being a daily horse-rider, it was definitely best to keep the speed and action to a minimum. Anything can easily spook a horse, and any person, young or old, could easily get in the way and, thus, possibly get hurt.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

But as I rode upon the street and saw the line up of people there...no words can describe the feeling I had.

Once Jason saw that I was relaxed and handling the horse pretty well, he unattached the lead and it was me and "Brown Beauty" alone. Jason gave me quite a few compliments on how well I handled the horse. My confidence was strong..

For that moment I was Paul Revere and my horse was Brown Beauty, and it was April 1775!

The road from the back of the village to the front is just a short jaunt, so I went back and forth three times, each time stopping to speak to the people. At one point, Jason was there in front of everyone and I called out a round of applause in recognition for bringing the horse. I then explained the similarities: Revere's horse and the one I was riding were the same color, and both were borrowed (Revere's from Deacon John Larkin).

No lead rope, no gallups - just a walk.
I made sure to be very careful around the spectators.

Many many folks - practically everyone there - had their phones or cameras out snapping pictures, so I stopped every-so-often to speak a little about the original ride of Paul Revere.

Unfortunately, the original Brown Beauty was confiscated by British soldiers during Revere's midnight ride. When Paul Revere was captured on the way to Concord (after a brief stop in Lexington), the British took the horse to replace a sergeant's tired mount. Revere was eventually released, but he walked back to Lexington while the horse was taken by the British and was never seen by its owner again. I relayed this story to the spectators and added that there was no way the British were going to take this horse this time!

Rumor is that Mill Race wanted to make a statue, so they asked me to pose lol

I enjoyed seeing the spectators lining the street~
I had a bell-ringer stationed at the church there at Mill Race to ring the bell in the
steeple as part of the alarm.

After the day was done, I thought about how embarrasing it could have turned out if no horse was there---if Jason could not have come...if I could not mount the beauty to ride the people-lined street. I suppose I could have pulled a Monty Python and grabbed a couple of coconuts, making a clip-clopping sound as I skipped down the road.

Yeah--no---lol (no coconuts were available hee hee)~~~~

It's very fitting that I am riding past the Sons of Liberty flag, given that Paul Revere was a prominent member of that secret revolutionary organization, which was formed in response to British policies. He actively participated in resistance efforts, including creating propaganda, informing other Sons of Liberty about the Boston Tea Party, and warning colonists of British troop movements, most famously during his midnight ride.
(yes, there were a few historical flags lining the street for historical purpose).

The song "Me and Paul Revere", written by musician/comedian Steve Martin and performed with his bluegrass group Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers, was inspired by the tale of Paul Revere's ride and told from the point of view of Revere's horse, Brown Beauty. It is actually more historically accurate than the Longfellow poem by far:

Late at night in the silver light, in the stables eating hay

In came a man, an artisan, and we both rode away

He whispered in my upturned ear, “It’s time to get an’ go

’til this job’s done, we breath as one, head for the outbound road”

Me and Paul Revere oh me and Paul Revere

I’m the horse he chose of course me and Paul Revere

He told me that a thousand troops, were out to do their worst

“They want Sam Adams and Hancock, we’ve got to get there first”

Along the way to Lexington, the Regulars drew guns

They gave chase and we set pace, those boys they were outrun

Me and Paul Revere oh me and Paul Revere

On the run to Lexington me and Paul Revere

My replication ride turned out perfect!
The looks on the spectators faces, especially the children, really made this for me!

We turned North through Cambridge Town, along the mystic road

Nostrils flared and gallop strong, my legs on fire below

We got up to where they slept, woke Adams and Hancock

And they said “Who’s that? That’s Larkin’s horse, she’s steady as a rock”

Brown Beauty is my name, Brown Beauty is my name

Revere and I one and the same, Brown Beauty is my Name

The Grenadiers are on the move, let’s fill the powder horns

How much more has that horse got, Concord must be warned

Paul Revere gave me the heel, we charged the Concord road

But we were taken prisoner by ten men on patrol

Me and Paul Revere, oh, me and Paul Revere

I’m the horse he chose of course me and Paul Revere

He told them that a hundred men had spread the good alarm

“You better head away from here for Lexington is armed”

Revere stood tall and fooled them all, told them what to do

And they let him go but sadly so, they took me with them too

I never saw Revere again, I know he thinks of me

And wonders where I ended up, the night we set men free

I’m just the horse that no one knows, I’m famous though inside

Standing proudly in a field, I was Revere’s ride.

The lovely ladies of town saw me off!

I had to have a pose with the horse's owner, Jason.
Jason is beginning to build a set of 18th century clothing. He has his coat and waistcoat.
Knee breeches and a cocked hat next, mayhaps?

Jason also reenaacts the Medieval, Renaissance, and Civil War perids as well. So to add another decade can be kinda rough. But we welcome him to the 18th century.

My wife not only loves dogs, but loved horses, too!
And, yes, she knows how to ride. We used to ride together way back when.
I'd love for us to do that again sometime.

This was a high point in my living history “career”! I was on such a high - - - !!

Charlotte even made the sign!

Mill Race Village is a historic Victorian village and, therefore, has no authentic colonial buildings. In fact, there are very few buildings from before 1800 in our entire state, so we have to make do. Now, with that being said, the Cady Inn, built around 1835, and is one of the oldest structures in Northville. The Cady Inn has a wonderful look and atmosphere of a tavern from a much earlier time, including its saltbox/lean-to roof. So, for our Patriot's Day event, we rename the Cady Inn to the more historically appropriate Buckman Tavern, which still sits on Lexington Green in Massachusetts. We have a few ladies who run our version, and they have snacks for the reenactors, as well as non-alchoholic drinks. They do an amazing job in their position!

From Buckman Tavern:

"Built in 1710, this central tavern On the Green was a gathering place for both locals and travelers and the site of many important town meetings. Captain Parker and his militia gathered in this tavern in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, to await the oncoming British Redcoat troops."

My bride by my side!

A gathering inside our version of Buckman's Tavern.
The original tavern was built in the early 1700s by Benjamin Muzzey on Lexington Green.

As the first public house in the village of Lexington, it became a center for eating, drinking, and village gatherings.

By 1775, the tavern was operated by John Buckman and his wife, a descendant of Benjamin Muzzey. The village green outside the tavern served as the training grounds for the Lexington militia.

Tony is offered multiple treats from the ladies.
~~~~~~~~~

Everything was as delicious as it looks in the picture!

The ladies running Buckman's Tavern: Patty (my better half) and Charlotte- - -
Looks like my wife's a bit chilled...

There is another room in the tavern that we used for impressions such as medical and printing, (among other things).

Period pamphlets

And broadsides from both sides of the conflict.

Catching up on the latest - - -

A bit of cards and gambling...

That's my son there on the left writing letters.
On the right we have Ben Franklin. Now, Mr. Franklin was not at Lexington & Concord when the fighting broke out; he was in England, for 'twas Franklins' second mission to England in 1775 when the British fired upon colonists at Lexington and Concord, officially beginning the American Revolution.

Perhaps my son is writing of the news...?

What you see italicized below are descriptions of the Lexington Alarm that came directly from the book, Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer:

Immediately after the alarm was received, the men of Massachusetts began to assenble in their towns. Lexington's Congregational minister, Jonas Clarke, remembered that within moments of Paul Revere's arrival, "the militia of this town were alarmed, and ordered to meet on the usual place of parade." Everyone knew what to do. Literally within minutes, men throughout the town were dressing hastily and reaching for their muskets, while wives packed a few provisions in their shoulder bags...

The Lexington militia: Men of property and independence...

As the Lexington militia gathered on the Common, Captain Parker exchanged a few words with each imdividual. He did so less as their commander than as their neighbor, kinsmen, and friend. These sturdy yeomen did not expect to be told what to do by anyone. They were accustomed to judge for themselves. Many were hard-working dairy farmers in a community that was already known as a "milk town," for the Boston market. Their ages ranged from sixteen to sixty-six, but most were mature men in their thirties and forties.

Mostly dairy farmers~

They dressed in ordinary working clothes. The men were clean-shaven, with long hair worn straight or pulled back in a queue, beneath large, weather-beaten hats. One eyewitness observed that, "to a man they wore small clothes, coming down and fastening just below the knee, and long stockings with cowhide shoes ornamented by large buckles."

In the 18th century, the British King's Regular Army was a primarily infantry force, often deployed in garrisons or as part of larger campaigns. It relied heavily on voluntary recruitment, although at times, due to manpower shortages, conscription or offering army service to convicts was employed. The army was known for its discipline and regimentation, with soldiers experiencing harsh conditions and punishments, yet many were drawn to the army for reasons like escape from poverty or the chance to travel.

Our gallant Redcoats were over at the school house, a-waiting the time when they were going to march into Lexington. Throughout the eighteenth-century, their military uniform was red and for that the British soldiers were known as “Redcoats”.

Loyalist camp followers during the American Revolutionary War were women and, less often, men who accompanied the British and Loyalist armies, providing essential support services like cooking, laundry, sewing, and nursing. They were often the wives or relatives of soldiers but also included widows, runaway servants, and other individuals seeking work or refuge. Despite their vital contributions, camp followers are often overlooked in historical accounts, and their experiences, especially those of Loyalist camp followers, deserve further research.

Truth be told, I've not read anything about camp followers during Lexington & Concotd, but I am so glad that they do come along for our event, for they help teach about their position and experience as Loyalist camp-followers.

...right outside the tavern door...the Lexington Militia heeded Paul Revere's warning~~~

Captain John Parker, portrayed by Ken Roberts, gives the oath.
On the morning of the April 19, he mustered his strength and walked two miles to Lexington Green to take command of the seventy or so militiamen awaiting the British regulars. Here, Parker is said to have told his men, “Stand your ground..."

"...Don't fire unless fired upon,
but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”
The commander of Lexington's militia, Captain John Parker...had been
elected by his fellow townsmen, and they had chosen well. John Parker
was the sort of leader other men willingly follow in the face of danger.

John Parker was a Yankee farmer and merchant. By long experience, he was also an old soldier who had survived many a hard colonial campaign. Captain Parker had seen more of war than most of the British Regulars who were marching into his town.. In the early hours of April 19, he gathered up his battered equipment that had seen many years of service, and set off to meet his company.
From the book, Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fischer

In the 18th century, the militia was a community-based military force in both colonial America and Great Britain. It comprised all able-bodied men of a certain age, obligated to serve in times of need, forming the primary defense against both external threats and internal unrest. While not a modern-day standing army, it served as a crucial part of the social structure, often acting as local police and firefighters as well.

Waiting for action---

The Regulars rounded a gentle turn in the road, and the village of Lexington came into view.

This march was no drill!

This march was no drill. They had not been sent on one of "Old Woman" Gage's hated training exercises, or another of his futile demonstrations to impress the country people of New England. They began to realize that they were marching deep into a hostile country, and might have to fight before the day was done.

The order to load was another moment of truth for the Regulars. "We were surprised, not imagining in the least that we should be attacked or even molested on the march, for we had but that instant loaded and marched all night without being loaded."

The Regulars were now very near to Lexington center. In the distance they began to hear a military drum, beating a call to arms.

The column heard more alarm guns, repeating in the distance. They listened as meeting bells began to toll. The bells were not very loud---these were small, solitary country bells, changing faintly, but the sounds came from every side---west, north, and even east behind the column.

As the Regulars came closer they saw Captain John Parker's militia near the northeast corner of the Common, hurrying into line...

Paul Revere heard Parker speak to his company. "Let the troops pass by," Parker told his men. "Don't molest them without they being first."

The Lexington militia began to consult earnestly among themselves. One turned to his captain and said, "There are so few of us it is folly to stand here." But Parker had decided that the time for debate had ended. He turned to his men and told them, "The first man who offers to run shall be shot down."

The Regulars came closer.
Several men on both sides heard an officer (some say Major Pitcairn) shout, "Lay down your arms, you damned rebels! Throw down your arms, ye villains, ye rebels!"

Jonas Clarke thought that the officer said, "Ye villains, ye rebels, disperse, damn you, disperse!"

Captain Parker turned to his men and gave them new orders, different from before. He later testified, "I immediately ordered our militia to disperse and not to fire."

Jonas Clarke wrote, "Upon this, our men dispersed, but not so speedily as they might have done." In the confusion, some of the militia did not hear the order and stayed where they were. None of the militia had layed down their arms.

Lexington militiaman Elijah Sanderson saw the Regulars shoot at him, but he was amazed that nobody seemed to fall, and thought that the Redcoats were firing blanks. Then one British soldier turned and fired toward a man behind a wall. "I saw the wall smoke with the bullets hitting it," Sanderson recalled, "I then knew they were firing balls."

I did the narrating of the event~

Paul Revere's testimony indicated that he could not tell who fired first. As the two lines drew near British Lieutenant Edward Gould heard the sharp report of a gun. Like Paul Revere, he could not see where it came from, and was unable to hear it clearly...

As the bitter smell of black powder began to spread across the Common, men on both sides searched quickly around them, looking for the source of the shot. Nearly everyone, British and American, agreed that the first shot did not come from the ranks of Captain Parker's militia, or from the British infantry.

We shall never know who fired first at Lexington, or why. But everyone on the Common saw what happened next. The British infantry heard the shots , and began to fire without orders. Their officers could not control them. "Our men without any orders rushed in upon them, fired, and put them to flight."

Dispersing militia, though for some it was too late~

The two lines, British and American, were very close. The British infantry were doing autonatically what they had been taught. There was no command for "take aim" in the British manual of arms in 1775, only "present."

Heavy lead musket balls flew in all directions. The British infantry fired several ragged volleys, then charged forward without orders through the smoke, lunging with their long bayonets at anyone they found in their way.

The Common was shrouded in dense clouds of dirty white smoke. One militiaman remembered, "All was smoke when the Foot fired."

The firearms of these militiamen were as varied as the men themselves, and, as noted in David Hackett Fischer's Paul Revere's Ride, many men on this early April 19th morn armed themselves with weapons not designed for war. One man carried a "long fowling piece, without a bayonet, a horn of powder, and a seal skin pouch, filled with bullets and buckshot." Some carried arms of great antiquity. You see, most towns expected individual militiamen to supply their own weapons, and acted only to arm those who were unable to arm themselves. The most common types of firearms at Lexington & Concord were the long-barreled export fowler and the New England musket (as was carried by John Parker).

Two militiamen fell dead on the line where they had mustered. The rest were killed while trying to disperse as they had been ordered. The bodies of wounded and dead militiamen were scattered about the bloody ground.

In the houses and woods along the road, the people of Lexington listened bitterly to the British cheers and began to count their dead. Seven Lexington men had been killed (while) nine other Lexington men were wounded, some severely.

Off to Concord the Regulars marched...

The crowd seemed to enjoy witnessing their history lesson.

We had plenty of spectators lining the bricked street to watch history at Lexington come alive, while there were many more folks in different areas of Mill Race Village.

Our local TV news stations were contacted about this event - one did show up: Fox 2 News.

They interviewed me and Redcoated Regular Dalton.

Detroit's Fox 2 News!

Not sure why we didn't make the on-air news.
I sent an email to various news agencies and so did co-reenactor, Karen.
Only Fox 2 came out.

Promoting American history is always a good thing!
Especially when it's the 250th!

Sadly, we didn't make it on the air.

However, other media was contacted, including our local news weekly:

Mill Race Village is in Northville, which is about an hour's drive west of where I
live in Eastpointe, but I wanted to let history fans on the Eastside know as well,
so we got in the Eastsider.

Northville has its own local magazine called "The Ville."

Sue Marie, from Mill Race, contacted this magazine, who, in turn, contacted me,

so we were also in there as well!

Lexington was over...now onto Concord. There was no better time for the spectators to hear Revolutionary War-era music by the Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps.

These kids were (and are) amazing!

"The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps consists of students, ranging in ages 12 – 18, who gather from Plymouth and surrounding communities year round in preparation for their performance season."

Given the fact that they have period clothing added greatly rather than wear suits and tuxedos worn by some of the other groups I've seen.

Copy and paste the following link into your browser to see and hear this wonderful group:

https://www.facebook.com/pfdc.us/videos/1177891264037284

It was an honor to have The Plymouth Fife and Drum Corps join us again this year, and I look forward to them taking part with us again on the 4th of July at Mill Race Village.

Before the British arrived in Concord, women played a significant role in the Patriot cause by hiding and burying valuable items, including silver.

The ladies of Concord march to the local farms to bury their silver.

Lydia Mulliken, for example, hid her silver around her property, including in her yard, well, and shop, before fleeing for safety as the British approached. Upon her return, she found her shop burned and much of her silver stolen.

By the way, Miss Muliken was the fiance of Dr. Samuel Prescott, who rode with Paul Revere the night before, on April 18th. Sadly for her, later in the War, Dr. Prescott joined the crew of a privateer, but was captured by the British and taken to a prison camp in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the State Archives of Halifax, Dr. Samuel Prescott is listed on a prison roster as a prisoner from 1776-1777. He became ill and never recovered. Samuel, along with other deceased prisoners, are all buried in unmarked graves outside the walls of the prison at Ft. Ticonderoga.

"Nothing to see here...!"
Trying to block anyone from seeing their actions on hiding their valuables.

Other women in the area also hid valuables, including Rebecca Barrett, whose farm was a hiding place for military supplies. This was done to protect these valuable items from being confiscated or damaged by the British troops who were searching homes for contraband.

I plan to increase the coverage of this action for future Patriot's Day events
and have it on the schedule.

Women's actions, while seemingly small, were crucial in preserving the Patriot cause by ensuring the protection of necessary supplies and valuables during a chaotic and dangerous time.

Bravo to these living historians for showing another piece of history that is mostly little known - bravo to Charotte for bringing it to light and making it happen!

The various militiamen throughout the area were finding their way to Concord...

...and did a bit more drilling to be ready.

Arriving in Concord at approximately 8:00 a.m., British commanders Francis Smith and John Pitcairn order several companies, about 220 troops in all, to secure the North Bridge across the Concord River.

As the Regulars drew near, the throb of their drums could be heard.

The enemy halted near the meeting-house, sent parties of troops to various places in the town in search of publick stores, and detached men to take possession of the bridge, over which the militia had retreated.

The militiamen were ordered to load their weapons. Many had done so already; some deliberately double-shotted their muskets. There were strict orders not to fire unless the British fired first. It was agreed by the leaders that if the fighting began, which was felt to be inevitable, the Regulars must start it.

The Regulars at the bridge never imagined these 'country people' would dare to march against the King's troops.

Captain Walter Laurie saw with horror that one of his own Regulars had fired without orders. Then two other British soldiers fired before he could stop them. Then the front ranks of British troops discharged a ragged volley, much in the same manner as in Lexington. The infantry fired high, and most of their volley passed harmlessly over the heads of the militia. Thaddeus Blood remembered that "their balls whistled well."

Captain Davis of Acton was killed instantly by a ball that pierced his heart. The arterial blood squirted from his wound, and drenched the men beside him. Private Hosmer was shot dead with a bullet to the head. Still the Americans came on steadily with a discipline that astonished their enemy.

Hearing many muskets fire at one time is truly a travel-back-in-time experience!

The Bedford Flag, that you see here in this photo, is the oldest known flag in the United States. It is associated with the Minutemen of Bedford, Massachusetts, and the Battles of Lexington and Concord of 1775. I purchased it a few years ago and brought it along this year for the 250th. I have, on order, another flag that was flown at this battle, the Forster flag. You'll see that here next year..

I am proud to say we had such a flag carried into our reenactment!

The New England muskets rang out with deadly accuracy by aiming carefully and firing low. Of eight British officers at the North Bridge, four were hit in the first American fire, and at least three privates were killed. On top of that, nine others were wounded.

Historically at Concord, the Regulars found themselves caught in a trap. The New England minutemen and militia were deployed in two long files curving down the hill along the causeway. Many men in that formation had a clear shot. The British soldiers were packed in a deep churning mass; only the front rank could fire. The loss of officers compounded the confusion.

The Concord fight , with all of its unequaled and un-eclipsed glory, was won by Massachusetts militiamen.

To the amazement of the American militia, the Regulars suddenly turned and ran for their lives. It was a rare spectacle in military history.

A picked force of British infantry, famed for its indomitable courage on many a field in battle, was broken by a band of American militia.

British Ensign Lister wrote, "The weight of their fire was such that we was obliged to give way, then run with the greatest precipitance."

The British light infantry ran pell-mell back toward Concord center, defying their officers and abandoning their wounded, who were left to painfully drag themselves away.

The American militia watched, less in exhilaration than in what seems to have been a kind of shock, as the Regulars disappeared in the distance, followed by wounded men "hobbling and a-running and looking back to see if we was after them."

The road here at Mill Race was transformed into the infamous "Battle Road."

Colonial militiamen and British soldiers engaged in a fight along this route as the British retreated back to Boston. This engagement is often referred to as the "running battle" or the "Battle Road".

Finding no silver or hidden militiamen inside the Hunter House, two of The King's Regulars leave the structure untouched.

"At the next house, a British soldier and an American met each other suddenly face to face. Both presented their guns and fired at the same instant. The fire of both took a deadly effect." Edmund Foster

From Lieut. Colonel Smith, in a letter to Massachusetts Governor Gage:

"On our leaving Concord to return to Boston, they began to fire on us from behind the walls, ditches, trees, etc., which, as we marched, increased to a very great degree, and continued without the intermission of five minutes altogether, for, I believe, upwards of eighteen miles; so that I can't think but it must have been a preconcerted scheme in them, to attack the King's troops the first favorable opportunity that offered, otherwise, I think they could not, in so short a time as from our marching out, have raised such a numerous body, and for so great a space of ground."

The Regulars, the militia, and even the Plymouth fife & drum corps (a few of who marched with the British) did an amazing job showing Battle Road.

The retreat continued across a swale of open land...The few officers left in the vanguard formed a line across the road, facing backward toward the column, and tried desperately to force their men into ranks...they began to form under heavy fire.

As militia forces from other towns continued to arrive, the colonial forces had risen to about 2,000 men.

"The enemy retreated and were followed. We saw a wood at a distance, which appeared to lie on or near the road the enemy must pass. Many leaped over the wall and made for that wood. We arrived just in time to meet the enemy." Edmund Foster

The American officers were prominent in the fighting, keeping their men...engaged. More military companies from Bedford, Woburn, and Billerica joined the fight. Their numbers were small but they were aggressively led by Bedford's Captain Jonathan Wilson, who had little respect for his enemies and a great desire for close combat. Earlier that morning, when he and his men stopped on their march at the Fitch Tavern in Bedford, he was heard to boast, "We'll have every dog of them before night."

Lest anyone think what reenactors do is child's play - these muskets are the real deal (no bullet, though lol).

Firing at high elevation for safety purposes.

Battle Road was formerly known as the Old Concord Road.

Lord Hugh Percy, writing after the battles at Lexington and Concord in 1775, famously stated: "Whoever looks upon them as an irregular mob will find themselves much mistaken." He also noted that the "rebel" militia showed surprising determination and that the insurrection might not be as easily dismissed as some in England might believe.

"Concord Fight" broke the ice. "Concord Fight," the rush from the heights at North Bridge, was the first open marshalled resistance to the king. Our fathers, cautious men, took there a step that they could not take back if they would and would not if they could.

I gave a thank you speech with a round of applause for our military participants.

I am so very honored that so many came out to make this important piece of American history come to life. I believe we did the 250th of Lexington & Concord proud, but you are only as good as those who come out to make it happen, and I believe we had the best!

By the time we snapped this image, many reenactors had left.
Next year I'll have to announce the group photo for all participants - soldier and civilian.

Though I did take over 200 pictures, there were plenty of amazing photographers all over the area, snapping some amazing photos, such as what we have here, as taken by B&K Photography.

All of the participants - Redcoats and militia - looked so much the real deal!

Doug and Dalton Lee and the 49th regiment of Foote, as usual, did an awesome portrayal of General Gage's Redcoats. Great thanks to all!

These are men from varying reenacting units coming together to portray the Massachusetts militia. They, too, did an amazing job!!

I mean...the battles on this day were so well done, and the crowd - the spectators - received such a history lesson.

And still...

Preacher Jonas Clark gave a prayer - one that was said at the time.

Clarke’s impact extended far beyond the pulpit, as his influential sermons and compassionate leadership fostered a sense of unity and resilience among the people of Lexington.

As the winds of revolution swept across the colonies, Clarke’s dedication to the cause of liberty became resolute. A fervent supporter of American independence, he stepped beyond the boundaries of his pastoral duties, immersing himself in revolutionary organizations. Clarke’s involvement in groups such as the Sons of Liberty and the Committee of Safety further exemplified his commitment to the fight for freedom.

Clarke’s contributions extended far beyond the Battle of Lexington. As a spiritual leader during a time of immense turmoil, he provided moral guidance, nurturing the spirits of the patriots. His resolute belief in the righteousness of their cause inspired the soldiers on the front lines and the civilians supporting the revolution from their homes. The Battle of Lexington stood as a testament to Clarke’s unwavering commitment, and his influence reverberated throughout the American Revolution, igniting the flames of freedom that would shape the destiny of the nation.

Here I am with my good friend Norman Gerring.
Norm has been portraying the unsung hero of the American Revolution: a town minister. He comes out with us to our colonial cabin excursions and very much adds that 18th century religious experience that doesn't seem to be spoken about very often these days.

He and I are good friends outside of reenacting and oftentimes will visit Greenfield Village together, sometimes while in period clothing, other times in modern clothing.

Another good friend of mine:

Ben Franklin, who was not at Lexington & Concord (though I thought it a good idea to have a prominent Founding Father at the event for the spectators) gave a speech and spoke on a variety of topics.

Benjamin Franklin was in London when the battles of Lexington and Concord took place. He returned to Philadelphia in May 1775, shortly after the battles, and was quickly selected as a delegate to the Second Continental Congress. The congress met to discuss the revolution's goals and plan the next steps for the colonies.

Bob Stark portrays Benjamin Franklin~

G'wan!
We're all friends here!

Tony and Brent heading up the militia!
Fantastic job!

Mill Race Village put in a brick road, which, in my opinion, actually gives us more of an 18th century feel.

Lexington men - Lexington citizens~

Xavier comes from Canada to participate - I do appreciate it!

The ladies flank Captain John Parker (Ken Roberts)

Jenny and...

...Amy.

Ken, Barb, and Mark~
These three are often found doing Voyageur living history.

We had a pretty good amount of spectators.
When I spoke to them, I made sure to push that it was our nation's
Semiquincentennial - 250th.
I like to think we gave them a grand lesson in American history.
Plus they came out on such a cool, dank day!
Kudos!

Out of the five years this event has been taking place here at Mill Race Village, I have no doubt this year of 2025 - the 250th anniversary - was our best in every way. I like to think that we did honor to those back in 1775 who actually played a part in some way or another, soldier and civilian, American and British.

I wasn't old enough to really take part in the Bicentennial 50 years ago.

I am now---and I am now!!

Until next time, see you in time.

So many people to thank for making the past come to life:

~The Lee Family (Doug, Dalton, and Sheila) and the 49th Regiment of Foot

You guys are...how can I put this?...freaking awesome! Thank you! And I appreciate you understanding the need to have Redcoats to make history come to life!

~Tony Gerring and his 1st Pennsylvania group---and all from a variety of different units who portrayed the Massachusetts militia---like the Redcoats, you guys are freaking awesome! Thank you!

~Sue Marie and historic Mill Race Village - this goes without saying, for they said "yes" to my querie!!

~The Citizens of the American Colonies---and all of the civilians who came out, whether ro speak to the public, to "work" at the tavern, to hide silver, or even to add ambience---thank you!

~To Jason Monarch for bringing Jade the horse---my friend, you made my year!! This was outageously amazing! An extreme high point in my living history adventures!

~Brent and Charlotte and Mark and the SAR and...just everyone!

And thank you to the following photographers for allowing me to add their pictures to my own for this blog post:
Kevin Amos & Beth Beley (B&K Photography)

Barb Baldinger

Charlotte Bauer

Norman Gerring

Patty Giorlando (my wife)

Bob Jacobs

Ian Kushnir

Jenny Long

Amy Pempeit

Chris White

If you are interested in seeing how my previous Mill Race Patriots Day events have been:

2019

2022