Home » News » Celebrate the Patriots of the South Shore for MA250

The 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which is considered the start of the American Revolution, is upon us, and Massachusetts is ready to celebrate. Plymouth, MA is no exception. While the town might be best associated with the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving, the Revolutionary War still darkened the colonists’ doorsteps. However, just as the pilgrims persevered through their first winter in the New World, their descendants stood tall through the war for independence.

To celebrate MA250, come to Plymouth County to learn about the Revolutionary War and celebrate the Patriots who lived here.

Notable South Shore Patriots

Benjamin Lincoln

Major General Benjamin Lincoln (1733-1810) was a prominent Hingham local and soldier in the Revolutionary War. In February 1776, the Massachusetts legislature appointed him a major general of the militia. He gained praise and recognition for his service in the New York campaign, especially his command of militia soldiers who bought General George Washington’s army time to retreat to White Plains, New York. He also has the distinction of being one of the few individuals who was present at all three major surrenders of the American Revolution–Saratoga, Charleston, and Yorktown. 

The Benjamin Lincoln House is named after him, and it was home to 11 generations of his family. Now owned by the Hingham Historical Society, visitors can take a docent-led tour of the house Tuesday through Saturday.

Mercy Otis Warren

Mercy Otis Warren is often unofficially called “The First Lady of the American Revolution,” as she had a major part to play in shaping the narrative of the war. In particular, she wrote the History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution, which gave an in-depth look at not only the war, but the lives of everyday people as it went on. This book was one of the first nonfiction books published by a woman in America–no small feat, considering how many women of the time were barely taught to write.

Warren was born in Barnstable but spent much of her life in Plymouth, so both towns have sites historically-minded visitors will want to visit. You can make a pilgrimage to the Winslow House in Plymouth, where she lived with her husband, James Warren, and hosted political friends John and Abigail Adams. There’s also the Mercy Otis Warren Statue in Barnstable, which pays tribute to her part in both the American Revolution and literary history.

Discover More About the Revolutionary War

Pilgrims and Patriots at Pilgrim Hall Museum

The Pilgrim Hall Museum is the oldest continuously operating museum in the country and is a great place to visit during MA250. The Patriots and Pilgrims in the Revolution exhibit gives incredible insight into the conflict not only between the Colonies and England, but tension between the Patriots and Loyalists who lived in places like Plymouth. You’ll also get to hear the story of how Plymouth Rock was moved to the town square by zealous townspeople to show support for the Revolution, resulting in the rock being split.

Plymouth Public Library

When you’re looking for knowledge on any subject, look no further than your local library. Serving the community since 1857, the Plymouth Public Library is an excellent resource for learning about the Revolutionary War. During MA250 there will be special visits from lecturers specializing in both Plymouth and the Revolutionary War, so check our calendar for opportunities to discover local and national history at the library.

250 years ago, our nation began its fight for liberty. Come visit the South Shore to celebrate the area’s contributions to the war and gain a greater appreciation for the men and women who contributed to the freedom we enjoy today.