Although history books indicate that the start of the American Revolution took place in Lexington and Concord on April 19th the following year in an event commonly referred to as "The shot heard round the world," the armed citizenry of Portsmouth, New Hampshire raided and took over a military stronghold, took down the British flags, and stole gunpowder and other armaments. It was a planned coordinated strike and is largely ignored by the history books. I have no idea why.
The year was 1774
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The locals were upset with their masters tyranny as the rest of country would soon join in solidarity. A force of about 400 men attacked the base and quite easily overpowered the defenses that were not expecting an uprising of this magnitude.
Despite his famous involvement later at Concorde, Paul Revere actually worked in coordinating this strike as well. The garrison was protected by a mere 6 soldiers and I gotta admire their bravery because even though they were outnumbered 400-6, they refused to surrender. A skirmish ensued including the firing of cannons at the approaching mob. The locals stormed the gates and easily overpowered the defenders.
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This mini-revolt was lead by John Langdon, who would years later go on to become the 2nd Governor of New Hampshire.
The following day additional locals returned to the fort to steal the remaining weapons including cannons that were marked as property of the King of England. Obviously, this was frowned up by the crown and those involved were declared guilty of high treason.
It could be said that this successful although small raid was a bit of fuel for the fire of unrest and resentment that was building in the colonies at the time. However, it receives almost no recognition of having happened at all in history books.
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the fort still stands today
Perhaps it was because there were no casualties, perhaps it was because the British didn't really respond towards the community in any meaningful capacity, but this event is rarely even referred to as being important despite the fact that it was in fact, the first raid on British military forces by an organized group of citizens in a pre-planned attack.
The fort was re-taken under command of the King and later re-taken by locals. It didn't serve any real purpose in the grand scheme of things as far as the Revolutionary War was concerned. In 1908 Fort William and Mary was renamed Fort Constitution
Maybe you didn't know this before but you do now and it all happened 245 years ago today!
Very interesting as I had no idea about this.At least the Fort saw some action.6 against 400 is a little one sided plus it was a surprise attack so they had no chance.
I love history. Thanks for sharing. Revolution takes time I suppose. The press even back then had it's share of bias possibly.
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History is quite boring for me but you describe it in very interesting manner though.
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That is very interesting. When I was a kid my parents took my sister and I on a two week camping trip all around the New England states. It was probably one of my most favorite vacations as a kid. We didn't visit this fort from what I can remember, but we did get to go to a lot of really awesome places. There is so much history in that section of the country. I am hoping to get back over that way with my wife sometime in the near future. Maybe I will have to give this place a look!