Dive into Forgotten Stories Hidden in Towns North of Boston  

Some of the Revolutionary era’s most interesting incidents aren’t in your typical textbook. There won’t be a test, but you’ll have a higher degree of respect for North of Boston’s contributions to America’s founding when you consider these six stories from the 1700s.

Leslie’s Retreat: How Salem Nearly Started the Revolutionary War

What happened when British officer General Thomas Gage shared fake news about brass cannon pieces being stored in Salem? The correct answer is: The Salem Affair of February 26, 1775. British Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Leslie and troops attempted to raid the city for the artillery but were blocked by scrappy colonists and shipped up to Boston in what’s known as Leslie’s Retreat.

The Tracy Fleet: Newburyport’s Privateer Who Captured 120 British Ships

Nathaniel Tracy was a merchant turned privateer and fervent supporter of the cause. His vast Newburyport-based Tracy Fleet captured 120 British vessels and 2,225 prisoners. Once considered the richest man in the colonies, he loaned $167,000 to the Revolutionary government and even paid for supplies. Tracy lost his fortune and spent his last decade in bankruptcy but was given a pass by his creditors for his service to the country.

Andover’s Gunpowder Mill: Manufacturing Ammo for George Washington

What is now Andover’s Powder Mill Square condos was once a gunpowder mill, running around the clock to manufacture ammo during the early days of the Revolutionary War. George Washington initially deemed the powder’s quality subpar and sent it back, but production continued through the end of the war, with a brief hiatus to rebuild after an explosion in 1778.

The Battle of Menotomy: Lynn and Danvers Militia Join the Fight

Overshadowed by the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Menotomy saw many thousands of militiamen ambush the British as they retreated through current-day Arlington to Boston. Minuteman companies from Lynn and Danvers marched for hours to help defend the territory against the redcoats. The gory melee charged from house to house, leaving people and property in shambles.

The Brig Nancy: Beverly’s Role in Arming Washington’s Army

Nancy was a 250-ton British brig carrying muskets, fuses, cannons, and other artillery. The vessel was captured and sailed to Beverly, where the booty was loaded onto wagons and hauled to George Washington’s headquarters in Cambridge. The towns of Georgetown and Rowley each possess a cannon that they claim is the true “Old Nancy” taken from the ship, one of which can be seen in the basement of Georgetown Town Hall.

Spinning Bees: How North Andover Women Fought the British Boycott

Many women took up arms, not with weapons but at spinning wheels. As colonists began to boycott British-made goods, meet-ups called “spinning bees” assembled in towns like North Andover, where homespun yarn was created to be woven into fabric. “Wear none but your own country linen,” was a song lyric of the day.

Image Credit: Painting Courtesy of The Custom House Maritime Museum, Newburyport

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This blog is an excerpt from our digital guide “250 Ways to Explore, Discover, and Celebrate North of Boston”. To view the full guide, click here.