Guns For General Washington

As the British forces occupied Boston, Boston Harbor became their lifeline, allowing them to receive supplies, reinforcements, and communication from Britain. The harbor’s waters were filled with British warships, which provided naval support to the besieged troops and helped maintain the blockade around the city, effectively cutting off the American Continental Army from seizing Boston directly. Controlling the harbor allowed the British to sustain their hold on the city despite being surrounded by the Continental Army on land.

Dorchester Heights refers to a series of hills located in South Boston, Massachusetts. In March 1776, General George Washington and the Continental Army fortified Dorchester Heights with artillery, giving them a commanding position over Boston and its harbor. This strategic move forced the British to evacuate the city, as the heights allowed the Americans to threaten British ships and troops stationed in Boston. The fortification of Dorchester Heights was carried out in secrecy, with the work being done overnight to avoid detection by the British. The elevated position provided a significant tactical advantage, enabling the Continental Army to place cannons aimed directly at British forces, effectively ending the Siege of Boston. The successful fortification and the subsequent British withdrawal marked a turning point in the war, as Boston became the first major city to be liberated by the Patriots.

Fort Ticonderoga is a fort located in northern New York, near the southern end of Lake Champlain. The fort’s strategic position allowed control over the waterways connecting Canada and the Hudson River Valley. The fort was the site of an American victory in May 1775 when a small force of Green Mountain Boys, led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold, captured it from the British in a surprise attack. The fort contained a large cache of artillery, including cannons and mortars, which Colonel Henry Knox later transported to Boston in the winter of 1775-1776.

Loyalists were American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War, opposing the fight for independence. Many Loyalists believed that remaining part of the British Empire would provide better economic stability and security, while others were motivated by cultural ties to Britain or a deep-seated loyalty to the monarchy. When the British evacuated Boston in March 1776, many Loyalists left with them, fearing retribution from the victorious Patriots. Their departure marked a significant moment in the war, as the city of Boston came under full Patriot control following the British withdrawal.

A mortar is a type of artillery weapon that fires explosive shells at a high angle, allowing them to hit targets that are behind obstacles or fortifications. Unlike other cannons, which fire in a more direct line, mortars are designed for lobbing shells over walls or hills. Mortars are typically smaller and more portable than larger artillery pieces, making them useful in various military situations where mobility and indirect fire are needed.

A Patriot refers to a colonist in the American Revolutionary War who supported the fight for independence from British rule. Patriots were not just soldiers on the battlefield; they were also civilians who contributed in various ways to the war effort. Many of them organized boycotts of British goods, participated in local governance, and spread revolutionary ideas through pamphlets and speeches. The commitment of the Patriots was tested throughout the war, especially during difficult times such as harsh winters, supply shortages, and the threat of British retaliation. Patriots were particularly active in Boston, organizing resistance efforts such as the Boston Tea Party and enduring the hardships of British occupation.