Throughout the colonies, in large cities and in small towns, men and women rose up against British oppression because they believed in their right to self-governance. Here in the Connecticut River Valley precinct of Longmeadow, farmers, merchants, and tradesmen struggled to find balance between the financial and family demands of life at home and work and the reality that they were called to take up arms for the Continental Army against the British. For dozens of men in Longmeadow, that meant leaving home and work to enlist. For many women, this meant losing the family’s sole provider. They all believed their sacrifice was necessary.

 

John Adams wrote in a letter to his wife, Abigail, in July 1776 just after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, “I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. -- Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means."

 

All of these thoughts were on the minds of Longmeadow citizens 250 years ago. Check this page frequently to see how we are remembering local contributions to the American Revolution.