This spring, all eyes will be on Lexington and Concord to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War. But six local historical organizations—including the Wellesley Historical Society—have banded together to remind us that the American Revolution transpired in our hometowns, too.
Did you know, for example, that 14 Indigenous men connected to Natick fought in the first battles of the war, including Caesar Ferrit and his son, John, who fired on British soldiers in Lexington on April 19, 1775? Five soldiers in Needham’s militia gave their lives to the cause, alongside many others, during the bloody British retreat through Arlington that same day.
And you probably didn’t know that Eleazer Dowse (yes, of Apple Orchard fame!) and his family of thirteen children arrived in Sherborn after a narrow escape from their home in Charlestown just one day ahead of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Or, that Peter Salem, a formerly enslaved resident of Framingham, is credited with mortally wounding British Major John Pitcairn at that battle.
When you walk through towns in MetroWest today, traces of the American Revolutionary War are visible if you know where to look, like in Wellesley’s Village Church Burial Grounds or Holliston’s North Cemetery on Cedar Street. And it’s the local historical societies or commissions in your hometown who are working hard to preserve and share these traces of our past – 250 years later.
In April and May, you can learn more about revolutionary-era history in Framingham, Holliston, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, and Wellesley in a series titled, “The American Revolution in Our Hometowns.” Each town has organized one event for the series, ranging from walking tours and exhibits to music and lectures. Each event highlights some of the local stories that shape our national narratives. A complete list of events in the series can be found here, but be sure to check each organization’s website for details and, in some cases, more events related to the American Revolution.
Wellesley Historical Society Wellesley Village Church Burial Grounds Walking Tour
Join the Wellesley Historical Society for a guided walking tour of the Village Church Burial Grounds, where history and mystery come together. As we approach the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, discover Wellesley’s role in this pivotal time and explore the final resting place of those who lived through it.
The one-hour tour highlights the stories of eleven Revolutionary War veterans believed to be buried here—though their exact whereabouts remain a topic of debate. Established in 1777, the cemetery offers a glimpse into the town’s past, from its earliest burials to the enduring legacy of those who shaped its history.
Free for members/$10 for non-members: Register.
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