Benedict Arnold in Danvers: Gathering of Troops

On September 5, 1775, General Washington called for 786 volunteers from the Continental Army assembled at Cambridge. Their ambitious mission: march to the gates of Québec and capture the city. Led by Colonel Benedict Arnold, hero of Ticonderoga, and joined by approximately 250 Pennsylvania and Virginia riflemen, this expedition was ordered to march from Cambridge to Newburyport, sail to Fort Western (Augusta, Maine), and then traverse rivers and portage paths through the wilderness to reach the fortress of Québec. There they would join a second army from New York to assault the city.

On their way to Newburyport, a detachment of 1,100 troops camped in Danvers on the night of September 14, 1775. These Continental soldiers were welcomed into town by cheering crowds, who opened their homes to the weary troops. Historically, the encampment was located behind the modern-day Berry Tavern.

Join us on September 14th at 2:00 PM for a reenactment commemorating this historic gathering of troops. We will have reenactors in period clothing conduct military drills and musket firing demonstrations at the monument adjacent to the Berry Tavern, bringing this pivotal moment in Revolutionary War history to life.

This event is part of the FREE Trails & Sails event series by Essex Heritage