January 1775:  The American Revolution was already underway!

In October, 1774, the Continental Congress declared economic war with the adoption of the Articles of Association.

But while its generally accepted that the War began at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, not many are aware of the military actions of December 14 and 15, 1774.

In two separate raids, on December 14 and 15, 1774, approximately 400 Sons of Liberty raided Fort William and Mary at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with  a garrison of 7 men, and took away with them 16 cannon, and almost 100 barrels of gunpowder.  If shots were fired, there were no reported casualties.

Three days after the raids, a detachment of 100 Royal Marines arrived, and the remaining ordinance was removed to Boston.

November 30, 2024

We’ve just had our first accumulating snow of fall. Winter is officially three weeks away, and there is the constant smell of woodsmoke in the air.

250 years ago everyone burned wood, and soon these valleys would be ablaze from the destruction that would accompany the raiding parties supporting the Crowns effort to subdue the rebellion.

Although shots will not be fired until April 19, 1775, the seeds of the Revolution have already been sown and taken root in the Schohary area.

In January, 1774, the citizens of Schenectady, also then part of Albany County. Raised the first Liberty flag documented in the British colonies.

In August, 1774. A Committee of Safety met for the first time in neighboring Tryon County.

Much of the current towns of Cobleskill, Seward, Sharon and Carlisle were then part of Tryon County. In October 1774, the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, adopted the Articles of Association. This act essentially prohibited subscribers from trade with Great Britain, the importation and sale of British goods, and established local committees of safety,

Boston was occupied by British troops and under martial law.

British North America was a tinderbox that would soon erupt in flames.

In March, the Revolutionary Schohary 250th Committee organized as a grassroots effort to raise awareness and excitement for commemorating the events, people, and politics of the Revolutionary War in what is now Schoharie County.

We will be promoting an inclusive approach that respects differing viewpoints and honors the impact that the War had on all participants. There are often more than two sides to any story.

As we begin the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Revolution, we ask for your help and support! We are truly a grassroots effort with no governmental support or affiliations.

Please join us! John Osinski 518 827 5429 josinski@midtel.net