New England in the American Revolution: The Battles of Machias and Bunker Hill
The New England states played a central role in the American Revolution, especially in the early years of the war. This summer, as America 250 prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026, Machias, Maine and Charlestown, Massachusetts commemorate their distinctive roles in the Revolutionary War. BATTLE OF MACHIAS On June 12, 1775, the Battle of Machias off the coast of Maine became the first naval battle of the American Revolution when Jeremiah O’Brien, his five brothers and townsfolk created the “first act of Colonial piracy” in the war. When the British ‘sloop of war’ sailed into Machias and threatened to tear down the town’s Liberty Pole, O’Brien’s men captured the Margaretta, taking its munitions as bounty. This summer, Machias celebrates the 250th anniversary of this historical battle with a series of events. On June 20-21, Revolutionary War Re-enactors of Downeast Maine recreate the battle overlooking Machias Bay, with performances by Piscataqua Ra...