“Revolutionary Dwellings” Outdoor Walking Tours

Actually –– nearly every colonial house in Marblehead (those built before 1775), was the home of a Revolutionary War serviceman. About 300 houses in Marblehead survive from before 1775, when the town was the sixth most populous metropolis in British North America. ( In the mid-1700s, it was Massachusetts’ second most populous town. Salem was fourth.) About 950 families lived in about 525 houses and, from those 950 families, it is estimated that over 1,400 men and boys served in the Revolution.

Nearly half were in service when the American Continental Army was formed in June 1775. Most had been training by January 1775, when Colonel Jeremiah Lee led the local rebel (“Patriot”) militia, and a New York newspaper printed that “The madmen of Marblehead are preparing for an early campaign against His Majesty’s troops !” Their most famous feat was carrying out much of the crucial Crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night in December 1776, in lashing sleet, for the Battle of Trenton the next morning –– then back again after the battle, plus long marches to and from Trenton. In addition, starting in September 1775, hundreds more served on privateer vessels throughout the war. Therefore, nearly every colonial-period house in town (those built before 1775, and a few afterward) was once home to a Revolutionary War veteran.

Tours meet outside Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead
Restroom available before 4 pm.