FALMOUTH 250: A Celebration of the American Revolution

Gifford painting of Surf Drive battle in 1779
2025 Events
May 15th: The Cape and Islands in the Revolution – Little-Known Facts and Events
Overview of The American Revolution:
The tumultuous years leading up to the American Revolution were marked by increasing friction between the American colonies and the British Crown. Beginning in 1764 with the Sugar Act and the Currency Act, Parliament imposed a series of laws designed to tax the colonies without their consent, sparking outrage. In 1765, the Stamp Act and Quartering Act further inflamed tensions, leading to widespread protests like the Boston Town Meeting, which denounced taxation without representation.
By 1767, the Townshend Acts imposed duties on everyday goods like glass, paper, and tea, and authorized invasive customs searches through Writs of Assistance. These measures provoked resistance, such as the seizure of John Hancock’s sloop Liberty in 1768, which led to violent clashes and the arrival of British troops in Boston. The conflict escalated with events like the Boston Massacre in 1770 and the Boston Tea Party in 1773, acts of defiance that prompted the British to enact punitive measures, including the closure of Boston Harbor and restrictions on Massachusetts governance.
The Continental Congress convened in 1774 to coordinate a colonial response. By 1775, the first shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, signaling the start of armed conflict. Throughout that year, significant battles unfolded, including the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and the bloody Battle of Bunker Hill. Meanwhile, General George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army, and Congress authorized the creation of a navy.
The following years saw both triumphs and tribulations. The Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, as the colonies formally severed ties with Britain. However, battles such as Long Island and Philadelphia tested the fledgling nation’s resolve. Winter at Valley Forge was a low point for Washington’s army, but by 1778, alliances with France and renewed vigor led to turning points like the surrender of British forces at Saratoga.
The war dragged on, marked by raids, militia skirmishes, and key battles. In 1781, Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown effectively ended major hostilities. Peace talks began in Paris, culminating in the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which secured American independence. That same year, George Washington resigned his commission on December 24th, 1783, symbolizing the transition from war to governance.
Through years of sacrifice and struggle, the colonies united to achieve their independence, laying the foundation for the United States of America.
Falmouth In The Revolutionary War:
1774: Revolutionary Spirit Awakens
In October and November of 1774, Falmouth held pivotal town meetings in response to growing tensions with Britain. A Committee of Correspondence was formed, with Capt. Joseph Robinson, Noah Davis, and Nathaniel Shiverick chosen to represent the town in coordinating with other Massachusetts communities. Concurrently, a Committee of Safety was appointed to prepare the town for potential hostilities. The committee ordered all men aged 16 to 60 to arm themselves and ensured the town was stocked with gunpowder, musket balls, and flint.
At the same time, the Provincial Congress convened in Salem, urging towns like Falmouth to resist British authority. One resolution advised withholding tax payments to the royal-appointed treasurer, Harrison Gray, a directive Falmouth followed, signaling its support for colonial resistance.
1775: The War Begins
April: The Call to Arms
The death of Falmouth’s long-serving minister, Rev. Palmer, on April 13 coincided with the outbreak of war. The same week, news of the Battles of Lexington and Concord reached Falmouth, prompting immediate action. Falmouth’s militia, likely including Francis Wicks, assembled at Crocker Tavern in Barnstable and marched to Marshfield to confront British forces. However, upon arrival, they found that the British had already retreated.
In late April, Titus, an enslaved African American servant of Rev. Palmer, seized the opportunity presented by the upheaval to escape Falmouth and join a privateering crew. This act symbolized the broader disruptions caused by the war and the shifting opportunities for freedom it presented to enslaved individuals.
May: Coastal Defense Initiatives
Falmouth’s vulnerable coastal location spurred a flurry of defensive measures. A night watch was implemented, requiring able-bodied men to guard the shores from 9 PM to sunrise. The watchmen were paid 1 shilling and sixpence per night. The town also appointed Barachiah Bassett and Job Parker to its Committee of Correspondence.
Aware of the risk of being blockaded by the British, the town appointed Timothy Crocker, Joseph Parker, and Nathaniel Shiverick to secure a stockpile of food, including up to 1,000 bushels of grain. They also purchased firearms on credit. Major Joseph Dimmick was tasked with raising and training a company of minutemen, who drilled twice weekly under his command.
The Siege of Boston
The Committee of Safety at Concord sent a letter on April 20 asking Falmouth to send troops to assist the army besieging Boston. However, the town declined, citing its precarious position on the coast. Despite this, individuals like Francis Wicks made their way to Cambridge independently. Wicks later served as a surgeon’s mate under Dr. David Jones of Abington, treating soldiers during the siege.
The presence of the British sloop of war Falkland in Tarpaulin Cove escalated tensions. Its crew harassed Elisha Nye, a local innkeeper, prompting Falmouth’s representative to the Provincial Congress, Moses Swift, to raise the alarm. In response, Capt. John Grannis was ordered to form a company of 30 men to defend the Elizabeth Islands.
1776: A Year of Resolve
July: Independence Declared
Falmouth residents celebrated the Continental Congress’s declaration of independence. The town officially resolved to support the new nation and voted to add 1 pound 16 shillings to the wages of men drafted for the Continental Army. Falmouth also raised 1,000 pounds to support these efforts, demonstrating its commitment to the cause despite significant financial strain.
October: Commitment to the State
The town approved a resolution to consent to any constitution or form of government that would ensure the state’s safety and happiness. Esquire Nathaniel Shiverick was tasked with presenting the town’s proceedings to the court.
1777-1778: The War Intensifies
Falmouth remained on high alert as British ships prowled nearby waters. Militia companies focused on coastal defense, while others were sent to support the Continental Army. Major Joseph Dimmick oversaw enlistments, and Lot Dimmick served as a lieutenant in a Barnstable County company that marched to Rhode Island.
William Green, a Falmouth militiaman stationed in Cambridge, shot and killed British prisoner Sir Richard Brown, who was attempting to escape. Although Green was acquitted by court martial, the event caused a significant uproar and demonstrated the tensions inherent in managing prisoners of war.
1779: The Battle of Falmouth
The Battle of Falmouth in April 1779 was a result of escalating tensions between the British forces and the determined militia of Cape Cod. Falmouth, a hub of patriot resistance, was a thorn in the side of the British due to its strategic location, active harbor, and defiant inhabitants. The town had successfully repelled British raids and mounted counterattacks under leaders like Major Joseph Dimmick, further irritating the British.
The Cattle Incident (April 1, 1779)
Short on supplies, a small party of British marines and loyalist soldiers secretly landed at Little Harbor in Woods Hole with the help of a local loyalist guide. They raided the farm of Ephraim and Manasseh Swift, stealing twelve cattle and driving them to the beach to slaughter. As they prepared to load the meat, a group of minutemen ambushed them. The militia forced the British to abandon the stolen provisions and retreat to their ships.
During the raid, there was also a humorous but tense encounter involving Mrs. Manasseh Swift. British soldiers broke into her pantry to steal cheese, but she bravely confronted them, retrieving her cheese from the tips of their bayonets and shouting after them as they retreated.
The failed raid on the Swifts’ farm and repeated acts of resistance in Falmouth, including militia actions led by Dimmick, infuriated the British. Determined to punish the town, British officers anchored their fleet near Pasque Island on April 2 and devised a plan to destroy Falmouth the next morning. However, their plans were overheard by John Slocum, a Tory tavern owner, who had a change of heart and wanted to save the town. He sent his young son on a harrowing journey in the dead of night to warn the town. This warning gave the Falmouth militia time to prepare. To learn more about this read the section on what inspired the 250th Logo.
On April 3, 1779, the British fleet launched its attack on Falmouth, firing cannons and attempting landings along Surf Drive Beach.
Under the command of Col. Nathaniel Freeman and Major Joseph Dimmick, 200 militiamen manned trenches along Surf Drive Beach. The British launched small boats to storm the shore but were repelled by fierce musket fire.
Major Dimmick, refusing to take cover, became a symbol of defiance. Witnesses recounted his visible prayers and unyielding stance as cannonballs landed around him. Although British forces caused some property damage, the town’s defenses held firm, forcing the fleet to retreat.
Thanks to the militia’s readiness and effective defense, the British were repelled. Frustrated, they moved on to Woods Hole and later Nonamesset Island, plundering livestock but failing to destroy the town.
The Battle of Falmouth showcased the resilience of local defenders and the determination of ordinary citizens to protect their homes from British aggression.
1780-1783: Sustained Efforts and Victory
Privateering and Final Engagements
Throughout the war, Falmouth’s residents engaged in privateering. Joseph and Lot Dimmick registered five privateers, and Dr. Francis Wicks likely funded his ventures with privateering profits.
In 1780, the Massachusetts General Court demanded 20 men from Falmouth for the Continental Army. The town, rejecting conscription, instead raised funds to pay volunteers. These men served at West Point before returning to defend the coast.
By 1781, Falmouth continued to petition for relief from constant coastal raids. Despite limited resources, the town maintained a guard of 24 men and persisted in its support for the revolutionary cause.
Legacy
Falmouth’s involvement in the Revolutionary War reflects the resilience and determination of its people. Leaders like Joseph Dimmick, Nathaniel Shiverick, and Dr. Francis Wicks exemplified the community’s commitment to liberty. From defending the shores against British incursions to supporting the Continental Army, Falmouth played a critical role in securing America’s independence.
Inspiration for the 250th Logo:
Image by Karen Rinaldo
The story of John Slocum’s young son—a boy of about ten years old—undertaking a perilous night journey to warn the town of Falmouth is one of extraordinary courage and determination. This act, carried out in the tense and dangerous days of early April 1779, proved pivotal in saving the town from destruction during the Revolutionary War.
The Journey
On the night of April 2, 1779, British officers, entertained at the tavern of John Slocum, a Tory on Pasque Island in the Elizabeths, revealed their plan to burn Falmouth to the ground at dawn. Overhearing this, Slocum realized the gravity of the situation and had a change of heart for his alliance. Though he had loyalist sympathies, he chose to send his son—a child about 10 years old—to deliver the warning to the Cape Cod mainland. Perhaps he believed the innocence of a boy would evade suspicion and ensure the safety of his family.
The boy’s mission was fraught with danger. In the dead of night, he would have had to navigate the treacherous and cold waters of Vineyard Sound, a journey of several miles by boat, often choppy and unpredictable in early spring. Armed British ships patrolled the waters, and the presence of soldiers on the Elizabeth Islands increased the risk of discovery. Yet, the boy slipped away undetected.
The Crossing to Woods Hole
Rowing a small boat, likely propelled by sheer determination and adrenaline, the boy headed towards Woods Hole, the nearest point on the mainland. The passage would have been grueling for a child, battling tides and the biting chill of an April night. Alone in the darkness, his way lit only by the moon and stars, he rowed across waters where loyalist raiders and British soldiers had often staged attacks.
The journey wasn’t just physically demanding; it was emotionally harrowing. The boy bore the burden of knowing the fate of an entire town rested on his small shoulders. His fear of capture or failure must have been immense, but he pushed forward.
Delivering the Warning
Upon reaching the Cape, likely shivering and exhausted, he hurried to the defenders in Woods Hole, where he recounted the British officers’ plans to invade Falmouth at dawn. His warning galvanized the local militia, enabling them to prepare their defenses in time. Reinforcements were summoned from Sandwich and Barnstable, trenches along Surf Drive Beach were reinforced, and militia leaders like Major Joseph Dimmick organized the town’s defense.
Impact of the Warning
The boy’s warning changed the course of events. Had the British arrived to find an unprepared town, they might have succeeded in their plans to burn Falmouth. Instead, the defenders were ready, forcing the British to retreat after a prolonged and unsuccessful attack. The boy’s bravery directly contributed to the survival of Falmouth during one of its darkest hours.
Legacy
This young boy’s daring journey remains an unsung but critical moment in the Revolutionary War. It serves as a testament to the role of ordinary people—including children—in shaping the course of history. Though his name has been lost to history, this boy—likely either William or Oliver Slocum, both of whom were of the appropriate age—undertook a perilous mission to warn the residents of Falmouth about an imminent British attack. His brave journey across the treacherous waters of Vineyard Sound in the dead of night demonstrates extraordinary courage and a willingness to act in the face of overwhelming odds.
Town of Falmouth website:
https://www.falmouthma.gov/1500/250th-Anniversary-Task-Force
Untold Tale: