Revolutionary War

The Revolutionary War (Apr 19, 1775 – Sep 3, 1783) had a big impact on Salem.

On Feb. 26, 1775, the first armed resistance by the colonies to British authority occurred at North Bridge in Salem.

It was called Leslie's retreat and involved Colonel Leslie and 300 British soldiers. No blood was shed that day as a compromise was reached between Colonel Pickering and Colonel Leslie.

However, this event was nonetheless the unofficial beginning of the American Revolution.

Approximately 2 months later, the Revolutionary War would officially start when Colonel Gage sent 700 British troops to Concord.

The 17 Volume set below has a list of soldiers and sailors from Massachusetts that served in that war, in alphabetical order.

There are five Revolutionary War soldiers buried at Howard Street Cemetery.

Timothy Pickering (1745-1829) was a renowned soldier, prominent in the Revolutionary days of Salem. He was a colonel of the militia and present with part of his command at North Bridge during the incident known as Leslie's retreat. He marched to assist at Concord and Lexington, but arrived too late to take a hand in the affair.

During the Revolutionary War years, St. Peter's Church was a focus for anti-British sentiment.

See Also

Massachusetts soldiers and sailors of the Revolutionary War. A compilation from the archives, prepared and published by the Secretary of the Commonwealth in accordance with chapter 100, resolves of 1891 17 Volume Set

Leslie's Retreat Monument Veteran's services website

Leslie's Retreat Historic Marker Plaque to commemorate Leslie's Retreat