Wednesday, April 23rd, 7pm
General Alexander Leslie
How, why & where the first land battle of the American Revolution could have happened at Salem’s North Bridge in February 1775 instead of in Lexington and at Concord’s North Bridge on April 19th.
Less than two months before April 19th in 1775, the American Revolution’s first land battle could have taken place in Marblehead and/or Salem instead of in Lexington and Concord, in the exact same scenario. The “Salem Alarm” event that occurred in Salem on February 26th, 1775 and later became known as “Leslie’s Retreat,” is now quite familiar — especially after the big 250th anniversary reenactment a few weeks ago, and several educational events about it.
Here in Danvers on April 23rd, an illustrated program will explore the human side of the near-miss episode, along with its geographical and social context.
Who was the “Leslie” of “Leslie’s Retreat” ? — Why did he and his Regular Army troops march through the crowded and volatile metropolis of Marblehead to march into Salem? — And where in Marblehead did they land?
Social and cultural historian Judy Anderson of Marblehead will introduce Colonel Alexander Leslie as a person, along with a few of the other individuals who were involved — most of whom were remarkably young ! … She will also note who were NOT involved, contrary to common assumptions and portrayals of the tense confrontation on that cold February day. … Along the way, she will illuminate what Marblehead actually was in 1775, as opposed to what people think it was — especially in relation to Danvers and Salem. Because in 1775, all three were VERY different communities.
Portrait of Lt. Colonel Alexander Leslie as a General (in 1776) by Thomas Gainsborough. Private collection in Scotland.
Detail of a painting by J.O.J. Frost (1920s), depicting the landing of Colonel Leslie’s troops at a cove in Marblehead Harbor. Marblehead Museum collection.
We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s Card to Culture program.
Speaker Series typically every 3rd Wednesday, 7pm.
Including a temporary exhibit of related artifacts from the Society’s collections.
Tapley Memorial Hall 13 Page Street, Danvers MA.
Danvers Historical Society: 978-777-1666 or E-mail to dhs@danvershistory.org Donations appreciated.