'Redcoats and Rebels' program in Gilmanton

GILMANTON ― New Hampshire often gets overlooked in the narrative of the American Revolution, overshadowed by its neighbor to the south. Nowadays, few people know about Paul Revere’s first ride, which was to Portsmouth in December 1774 to warn the patriots that the British were coming to reinforce Fort William and Mary, five months before the Redcoats marched on Concord and Lexington. Nor do they know that two-thirds of the troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill were from New Hampshire.

Most people are also unaware that New Hampshire’s Provincial Congress adopted the first state constitution in January 1776, making no mention of royal authority and essentially declaring independence from Great Britain six months before anyone else. And this is just the beginning of New Hampshire’s revolutionary story.

This program is presented as part of the New Hampshire Historical Society's celebration of America's 250th. This program will take place on Friday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the Old Town Hall in Gilmanton Iron Works. Social hour and refreshments begin at 6 p.m. All are welcome. There is no charge, but donations to support the organization are welcome.

For information about the society’s museum and other programs, see the Gilmanton Historical Society’s website at gilmantonhistoricalsociety.org.