Plymouth in the Revolution

Liberty Song

by John Dickinson

Our worthy forefathers -
let's give them a cheer,
To climates unknown
did courageously steer.
Through oceans to deserts,
for freedom they came,
And dying, bequeathed us
their freedom and fame.

The Boston Gazette
18 July 1768

This is the story of a community in conflict.

The Plymouth experience in the Revolutionary era mirrored that of the 13 American colonies. In 1765, the public mood was indignant opposition to injustice. By 1776, the majority of Americans accepted what would have been inconceivable 10 years earlier -- a revolution in the cause of independence.

Revolution represented an unprecedented break with history and tradition. And nowhere was respect for tradition stronger than in Plymouth, New England's oldest town. The memory of the Pilgrim Forefathers was keenly felt by Plymoutheans as they responded to the tensions of the times.

In Plymouth, as throughout the Colonies, there was a wide spectrum of response to each new event in the growing division between King and Colony. Colonists weighed economic interests, family ties, and individual beliefs to ultimately reach a political decision.

Plymoutheans, however, also consciously used the memory of their ancestors, the Pilgrims, to justify political decisions. And in so doing, the Pilgrims became elevated to an even higher status than that of local ancestors. They became symbols of all Americans' quest for freedom.

We invite you to "meet" the men and women of this community --
the Patriots and Loyalists,
the civic leaders and slaves,
the heroes and housewives
-- as they face the challenges of
Plymouth in the Revolution.