DURHAM’S HISTORIC DISTRICT

The day began with a dramatic retelling of the events that led up to the raid on a British fort guarding Portsmouth Harbor in December 1774.
Wentworth Cheswill, the first man of African descent elected to public office in our nation, led the First and Second New Hampshire Regiments revolutionary soldiers, their families and supporters down ROute 108, while the Piscataqua Fife and Drum Corps kept a steady beat. Cheswill was the First and Second New Hampshire Regiments reponsible for gathering up the militia for Day Two of the historic raid led by the future General John Sullivan (and future president of New Hampshire pre-statehood).
After a glorious rendition of The Star Spangled Banner by Durham’s Linette Miles, the parade began at the corner of Laurel Lane and Route 108 and ended on Old Landing, along the banks of the Oyster River. Subsequently, a flotilla of local skippers reenacted the launch of the raid, pushing off from the town landing and heading down the Oyster River toward the mighty Piscataqua and the fort beyond.

SULLIVAN MEMORIAL GREEN

After the parade, Visitors toured the Revolutionary War encampment staged in front of General John Sullivan House on Newmarket Road (Route 108). Live demonstrations of colonial ingenuity added to the educational aspect of the day. Later, the regiments performed military drills and shot their historic cannon.

Members of the Margery Sullivan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution kept the crowds hydrated at water stations, serving Sullivan House well water in their co`lonial garb. Thhey directed visitors to the Sullivan Family Graveyard and fielded general questions.

Live music by Lee Biddle kept our feet tapping and the picnickers swaying. The afternoon ended with raffle prizes and colonial costume awards in a variety of categories.

ADAM’S POINT

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What was it like to set sail in the direction of Fort William and Mary on December 15th, 1774? You can purchase passage and enjoy a picnic supper prepared and donated by Three Chimney's Inn, as you relive a portion of the journey on what was arguably the first military action of the American Revolution. All profits will be donated to The Freedom Cafe, whose mission is to end human trafficking through educational programs, fair-trade retail, and fundraising for long-term projects.