New England in the American Revolution

The New England states played a central role in the American Revolution, especially in the early years of the war. This summer, as America 250 prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026, Machias, Maine and Charlestown, Massachusetts commemorate their distinctive roles in the Revolutionary War.

BATTLE OF MACHIAS

On June 12, 1775, the Battle of Machias off the coast of Maine became the first naval battle of the American Revolution when Jeremiah O’Brien, his five brothers and townsfolk created the “first act of Colonial piracy” in the war. When the British ‘sloop of war’ sailed into Machias and threatened to tear down the town’s Liberty Pole, O’Brien’s men captured the Margaretta, taking its munitions as bounty.

This summer, Machias celebrates the 250th anniversary of this historical battle with a series of events. On June 20-21, Revolutionary War Re-enactors of Downeast Maine recreate the battle overlooking Machias Bay, with performances by Piscataqua Rangers Jr Fife & Drum (Pictured above). On the night of June 20, The Liberty Ball at Foss Point Event Center has music by the Moose Island Contra Dance Band.

On June 21, Machias Historical Society leads a parade through West Branch Farms. And Colonial Day at the annual Margaretta Days Festival features a Re-enactors’ Encampment with demonstrations of colonial era tools, skills, weaponry, clothing and food preparation as well as the annual Craft Fair.

The American Merchant Marine Veterans is unveiling two commemorative coins to mark the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Machias and the birth of the United States Merchant Marine.

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL

On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place in Charlestown, MA. The British may have won the day, but the battle marked the point where “British tyranny ended and American liberty began.

Of the New England militiamen who rushed to Charlestown to fight the British, 176 were Irish-born, and hundreds more were born of Irish parents. The 115 American colonists who died at Bunker Hill included English, Scots-Irish, Irish, Native Americans and African Americans, a melting pot of the future nation.

Numerous Bunker Hill events commemorate the 250th anniversary this month, starting on June 11 with the Dedication of General Dr. Joseph Warren Square in Charlestown. On June 14 the Bunker Hill Monument Association honors Flag Day at the Bunker Hill Monument Grounds.

The Annual Bunker Hill Day Parade on June 15 marches through the streets of Charlestown, then on June 16, a procession from Charlestown Navy Yard to Bunker Hill Monument marks the 200 Anniversary of the Monument Cornerstone first laid in 1825 by Marquis de Lafayette and Daniel Webster.

On June 17, the Battle of Bunker Hill remembrance includes an ecumenical service at St. Francis de Sales Church, followed by a wreath laying at Bunker Hill Burial Grounds. The National Park Service and American Legion Conway Post present a special ceremony at Bunker Hill Monument, with author Nathaniel Philbrick as guest speaker and Brigadier General Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr. as orator.

Throught a new ‘Brothers of the Battle’ initiative, the Charlestown Historical Society is partnering with historical societies including Revolution 250: Boston, to identify descendants of men who fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill whose stories have not been told.

On June 21-22, a reenactment of the Battle of Bunker Hill takes place at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester, MA.

Learn about other historical landmarks in New England that are part of the Revolutionary Irish Trail.