UPDATE: Great Barrington is set to pay tribute to a vital moment in American history on Friday, January 10, 2024, as the town commemorates Colonel Henry Knox and his Noble Train of Artillery. This urgent event will include a public procession and a commemorative program, highlighting the significance of Knox’s mission during the American Revolution.
The day kicks off at 2 p.m. with a ceremonial procession departing from the Great Barrington Historical Society located at 817 South Main Street. The route will lead to the Mahaiwe Theater at 14 Castle Street. This unique event features a living-history portrayal of Knox, accompanied by reenactors, fifes and drums, draft horses, and sleds hauling a replica cannon, symbolically bound for Boston.
The Noble Train of Artillery, crucial to the Continental Army’s success, was assembled by Knox and transported over treacherous frozen roads from Fort Ticonderoga. This artillery played a decisive role in enabling the army to seize Dorchester Heights in March 1776, ultimately forcing the British to evacuate Boston and shifting the war’s momentum.
Attendees can expect remarks from prominent figures, including Mary Tedesco, State Regent of the Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution, and Professor Robert J. Allison, Chair of the Revolution 250 Committee. Local officials such as State Sen. Paul Mark and State Rep. Leigh Davis will also be present, representing the collective effort of the community in supporting Knox and his men during this pivotal time.
A highlight of the program will be the presentation of commemorative plaques to representatives from various Berkshire communities—Alford, North Egremont, Great Barrington, Monterey, Sandisfield, Otis, Russell, and Blandford. These plaques recognize the critical contributions of these towns in aiding Knox’s mission, emphasizing the shared sacrifices that fueled the fight for American independence.
This commemoration not only celebrates a historic achievement but also reinforces the enduring legacy of local actions in shaping national history. As the event draws near, Great Barrington invites residents and visitors alike to join in this significant observance, reflecting on the vital contributions of western Massachusetts communities to the Revolutionary struggle.
The event is presented by Revolution 250, with generous support from MA250, Berkshire 250, and regional partners, as part of the ongoing observance of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution. Don’t miss this chance to engage with history and honor the local heroes who played a crucial role in America’s fight for freedom.
