A REVOLUTIONARY DAY
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A REVOLUTIONARY DAY
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In memory of Daniel Houghton and William French, who gave their lives for Vermont independence at the Westminster Massacre, March 13, 1775 |
US Route 7 goes from the Long Island Sound to the Canadian Border passing through western parts of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. There are many historic areas to discover and explore along this route, especially between Pittsfield, Massachusetts and Burlington, Vermont -- history that dates back to three very important years in the United States' struggle for independence: 1775, 1776 and 1777. This book presents a one-day, road trip through these areas, but be warned, with so much to see, it could easily take a week.
British General Burgoyne once described the people of this
area as "the most rebellious race on the continent and hangs like a
gathering storm upon my left.” Burgoyne, who was leading the 1777 British
invasion from Canada to split the colonies along the Champlain and Hudson
valleys, was no doubt frustrated by the stubbornness of its citizens who would
not surrender to his invading army. Actually, this area covers some of the most
beautiful country in the northeast. It's no wonder that its citizens would
defend it with their lives.
A Revolutionary War Road Trip on US Route 7 begins early in the morning
in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, historically on May 1, 1775 where Edward Mott and
a squad of Connecticut volunteers met with John Brown to recruit volunteers and
discuss an assault on Fort Ticonderoga. From Pittsfield, you will go north along
US Route 7 through Williamstown, Massachusetts to Bennington, Vermont where on
May 3, 1775, a platoon of Massachusetts and Connecticut volunteers met with
Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys.
From Bennington, you will detour slightly to the west to visit the Bennington Battlefield in Hoosick Falls, New York then return back to Vermont and travel north along Historic Route 7A (old US Route 7) through Arlington to Manchester. From Manchester, you will continue north on US Route 7 to Rutland then detour west along Historic Route 4A to Castleton where on May 9, 1775, a battalion-sized force from Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut would make final plans for an assault on Fort Ticonderoga.
From Castleton you will head north on the old military road making visits to the Hubbardton Battlefield and Mount Independence, then cross Lake Champlain by ferry to Fort Ticonderoga, New York where early in the morning on May 10, 1775, British Captain Delaplace would surrender the fort to Ethan Allen after a surprise attack by American forces.
From Fort Ticonderoga, you will resume a northerly direction on the west side of Lake Champlain up to Crown Point. After crossing the bridge over Lake Champlain, you will travel up the east side of the lake to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, then work your way back to US Route 7 and finish your tour in Burlington, Vermont where in 1787, Ethan Allen and his wife, Fannie, would settle into their final home.
So, if
you're ready begin A Revolutionary Day along historic US Route 7.
Tell us about your revolutionary day along Historical US Route 7
