Newburyport’s Road to Revolution: A Timeline of Key Points
Siege of Louisburg
British and colonial troops capture the Fort of Louisburg in 1745 in present-day Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The Fort protected what the French considered the main entrance of Canada. The British colonies claimed Louisburg was a menace and a home base for privateers. Moses Titcomb (1707–1755), other Newbury men and hundreds of northern New Englanders capture the French garrison in 45 days.
September 8, 1755
Newbury Colonel Moses Titcomb (1707–1755) leads a regiment in the expedition against the French in 1754. He died in the battle at Lake George on September 8, 1755, presumably buried on the battlefield. Reverend John Lowell held services at the Third Parish Meetinghouse (future First Religious Society) to honor the courage and heroism of their parishioner Moses Titcomb.
Journal of Stephen Cross of Newburyport
Stephen Cross (1731- 1809) records in his Journal: “on the first day of March 1756…agreed…to go to Oswego on the Lake Ontario to build some vessels for the King’s Service to transport the army across the lake and assist in taking the French forts Frontenack & Niagara…” On March 8, Cross and 18 Newbury men begin their journey to Oswego that will take over 2 months via Boston, Providence, Newport, Block Island, New York City, and Albany. The French and Indian War also known as the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) was fought between British and French, and their respective allies over control of North America and other territories. More info: Journal of Stephen Cross of Newburyport (March 1, 1756-January 22, 1757), Entitled 'Up to Ontario', the Activities of Newburyport Shipbuilders in Canada in 1756.
Battle of Fort Oswego
On August 14, 1756, Stephen Cross (1731-1809) describes the Battle of Fort Oswego and its subsequent capture. He will go on to write about his experiences as a prisoner of war and eventual imprisonment in France. In 1758 Stephen Cross returns to Newburyport. He was a successful shipbuilder, involved in local politics and held the position of postmaster. The French and Indian War also known as the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) was fought between British and French and their respective allies over control of North America and other territories.
"In 1775, despite complex and conflicting loyalties, Newburyport men volunteered for the militia, sailors became privateers, and a local Committee of Correspondence communicated regularly with surrounding communities about their plans and actions. We were on the "Road to Revolution".
OUR PARTNERS
About Us
Newburyport’s Road to Revolution explores the events and decisions, from the Battle of the Plains of Abraham and its links to Newburyport’s legendary Wolfe Tavern, to public “tea party” protests, that led inexorably to Newburyport’s early and ardent support of the Revolutionary cause.
