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Home » News » Explore Women’s History on the Mercy Otis Warren Trail
Shoulder Season
February 26, 2025
Looking to explore a little piece of Revolutionary War history? What about learning more about an influential American woman? Then travel along the Mercy Otis Warren Trail nestled in the South Shore. You’ll gain a greater appreciation for a trailblazing Plymouth woman and the doors she opened for female historians and authors.
Mercy Otis Warren was a prominent political writer and historian, occasionally referred to as the “First Lady of the American Revolution.” Born in 1728 in Barnstable, Massachusetts, yet spending much of her life in Plymouth, she used her sharp intellect and literary skills to advocate for independence and document the events of the Revolution.
She was a close confidante of many founding figures, including John and Abigail Adams, and was one of the first female writers to publish political commentary and historical works in the new United States. She wrote a three-volume History of the Rise, Progress and Termination of the American Revolution, which was among the first nonfiction books published by a woman in America. Her writings were instrumental in shaping the narrative of the American Revolution, and she remains an inspiration for women in literature and history.
Mercy Otis Warren’s family has deep roots in Plymouth. In fact, she was actually a descendant of Edward Doty, who was a passenger aboard the Mayflower. The Mayflower Society, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Pilgrims, offers valuable insight into the early roots of Mercy Otis Warren’s family and their contributions to American history.
As it’s believed that 35 million people today are descended from the Mayflower passengers, you can come here to research your genealogy at the Mayflower Society House and discover if you’re distantly related to Mercy Otis Warren and her family.
In 1757, Mercy Otis Warren moved into the Winslow House at 65 Main Street in downtown Plymouth with her husband, James Warren. The house was originally constructed in 1726 by British General John Winslow (1703-1774), the great-grandson of Edward Winslow, the famous diplomat of the Pilgrims and a three-term Governor of the colony. When the Warrens lived there, they hosted secret meetings of the Sons of Liberty.
The Winslow House serves as a historical landmark, giving visitors a glimpse into the life and times of Mercy Otis Warren. The home, now a museum, is a must-visit for those interested in Colonial-era architecture and the role of women in early American history.
A visit to Burial Hill Cemetery is an essential stop on the Mercy Otis Warren Trail. This historic cemetery, one of the oldest in the United States, is the final resting place of Mercy Otis Warren. Passing away at the age of 86, she died in 1814, though she remained active and corresponded with her political friends even in her final years.
Walking through the cemetery, visitors can reflect on her legacy and contributions to the nation’s history. The site offers a serene and contemplative experience, reminding visitors of the sacrifices and efforts of early American patriots.
Despite her importance to both the recording of American history and women writers, there is only one statue of Mercy Otis Warren in the United States. On July 4th, 1991, a statue of her, alongside a statue of her brother, James Otis Jr., was erected outside the Barnstable County Courthouse.
The statue is a powerful tribute to her legacy and serves as a reminder of the impact she had on both the Revolutionary War and the future of women in literature. Visiting this statue is a fitting way to conclude your journey on the Mercy Otis Warren Trail.
