We invite YOU to join us in re-enacting part of the Townsend Minutemen’s March to Concord.

On April19th 1775 a cannon was fired on the Town Common to summon the Townsend Minutemen; word had just been received that the British regulars had marched on Concord to capture the arms and ammunition which the local militia had collected there.

73 Townsend men assembled and marched to Concord that afternoon.

There were two companies -the North Company, commanded by Captain Samuel Douglas, and the South Company, commanded by Captain James Hosley.

In honor and memory of these 73 Townsend Minutemen we will fire a cannon, calling all to “arms”. We will then “march” down the Squannacook River Rail Trail to the Reed Homestead, where there will be activities, refreshments and a short presentation about Townsend’s history. The Townsend Historical Society will also provide 73 wooden muskets to march with and keep as souvenirs – first come first served!

We encourage everyone – students, parents, young and old to join us and march in the footsteps of the 73 Townsend Minutemen who marched that day in 1775.

This event explores our region’s revolutionary past! Learn about Freedom’s Way 250 and discover the many ways the Heritage Area and its partners are commemorating and celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial anniversary.