Patriotic Destinations

July 4th is a popular holiday in New England because there are so many Revolutionary War sites. So many towns have a claim to fame when it comes to the War for America’s Independence. And I am lucky enough to have visited many of them. So if you are planning a road trip to some historic locations, make sure you pencil in a visit to these patriotic destinations …

Nantucket, MA

At the time of the revolutionary war, Nantucket lacked military defenses and was isolated from the rest of the Massachusetts Bay colony. As it was home to mostly Quakers, the island refused to join in a war, on either side. But its well-established wealth from the whaling trade made it a desirable asset to both the colonies and England. Today, it is kind of like the Hamptons for the wealthy set of Massachusetts. Even the Obamas have a place on Nantucket!

If you don’t grab a hotel room or a beach house a few months before the beginning of summer, you will not find anywhere to stay overnight. But don’t worry! It can be a long day, but I love taking the ferry from Hyannis over to Nantucket and back in a day. While you won’t see the whole island, you will get a taste for this gorgeous Massachusetts mainstay. 

Concord, MA

Concord and its neighbor Lexington are world-famous for being the site of the battle that started the Revolutionary War. In fact, the first musket that was fired during the Battle of Lexington and Concord is known as the shot heard ‘round the world. 

Today I love visiting Concord for its literary history (it was home to Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau) and its revolutionary past.

Portsmouth, NH

Concord was also one of the towns that Paul Revere rode through to announce the British were coming. But did you know that in December 1774, he also rode to Portsmouth, NH to warn the people that the British were heading towards Fort William and Mary, in a journey commonly known as the Portsmouth Alarm? Because of his warning, four-hundred Sons of Liberty went to the fort to remove five tons of gunpowder and 15 pieces of cannon, and hid them in the countryside. British warships arrived in Portsmouth the next day.

I love visiting Portsmouth because it is a charming seaport city and a beautiful tourist destination known for its shopping and dedication to the arts and culture, as well as it’s colonial history. 

Salem, MA

Salem may have a claim that it was the site of the beginning of the Revolutionary War. When British Lt. General Thomas Gage learned that there was a stash of arms and ammunition in Salem, he ordered Colonel Alexander Leslie to take his men and seize the materials. Leslie’s regiment left just after sunset on February 25 so that they could travel under cover of darkness. However, they were spotted and the word got to Salem that the British were coming. This allowed the colonists to transport the arms to a safer location. 

When Leslie came to the North Bridge, he found the colonial militia already there and the drawbridge raised, preventing them from crossing the bridge. Leslie ordered one of his officers to fire. But Captain John Felt of the colonial militia told Leslie that that would be a big mistake.  After a day-long standoff, a compromise was made: the drawbridge would be lowered so Leslie could pass over it, as he said he’d been ordered to. The troops would march a specified distance past the bridge, then turn around and head back. The British soldiers had been forced to retreat. 

I love visiting Salem for its culture, its quirkiness, its excellent restaurant scene, and to revel in the rich history of this old seaport.

Newburyport, MA

With its key location, situated at the Merrimack River, Newburyport became an active port for privateering during the Revolutionary War. One of its most important industries was the construction of whaling and clipper ships, both of which brought in a lot of money to the colonies which was needed for supplies for the Revolutionary War. 

Today Newburyport is still an active seaport, but more for recreational vessels. It is also a fantastic place for seafood and shopping. I particularly love visiting during the city’s Yankee Homecoming celebration when there are fireworks and street festivals to enjoy.

Marblehead, MA

As the Revolutionary War raged on, a group of Marblehead fisherman who wanted to join the fight became the 21st Massachusetts Regiment, serving under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Glover. The Regiment formally entered the war in June of 1775 when they linked up with the Continental Army in Boston. General George Washington (yes, the George Washington who would become America’s first president) was impressed with Glover’s background and ordered Glover’s vessel Hannah to take to the coast to plunder British ships. Several other ships owned by Glover were put to use off the Massachusetts coastline, and Marblehead became a fortified port defended by Glover’s 14th Continental Regiment.

Today Marblehead is a beautiful place for a slow stroll, or to visit Devereux Beach. And if you want to get a look at some Revolutionary history, check out Abbot Hall (pictured above) where the paining of “The Spirit of 76” hangs. The work, by Archibald M. Willard was exhibited at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia where it “stirred the heart of the nation.”

Kennebunkport, ME

Not only did the native Kennebunk people send delegates and ammunition to Boston to support the American Revolution, the area (which was originally part of Massachusetts) was also the site of the Battle of Cape Porpoise on August 8, 1782. A British ship attacked a small group gathered on nearby Goat Island, but the troops were driven away by severe musket fire. They lost 17 men in the battle. 

Present-day Kennebunkport is home to many shops and restaurants, as well as the Bush Family Compound, where President George H.W. Bush would take his family for vacations. 

Now that you know where to go when you’re in the mood for some Revolutionary War history, check out what to wear so you can look amazing in those travel photos!