The rediscovery of a long-lost portrait of Charleston merchant Richard Lushington sheds light on lesser-known Revolutionary War heroes. Lushington, a Quaker, led a diverse militia called the Free Citizens of Charleston, which included many Jewish men. Despite Quakers' commitment to nonviolence, Lushington fought for independence, possibly seeking acceptance in Charleston society. His unit fought in key battles, and after the war, Lushington became a respected city leader. His portrait, now displayed in Charleston, highlights the contributions of marginalized figures in the fight for American independence.
John Howland, Benjamin Tainter, Stephen Tainter, and Lewis Hurd, all from the same extended family, contributed to American history across generations. Stephen Tainter, who served as a drummer boy in the Revolutionary War and later became a doctor, is especially highlighted in a traveling exhibition by the American Battlefield Trust. His descendants, Stuart Halsan and Steven Pahre, take pride in their family’s history, which they feel personally connected to. They believe that Stephen’s story can inspire young people to stand up for their beliefs and strive to help others, no matter their age or beginnings.
Uncovering History
We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse
yourself in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.
Used by both sides during the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Munroe Tavern, it was most famously used Hugh Percy during his relief march to aid the retreating British column from Concord.
A home to a Quaker family, it served as a hospital following the Battle of Red Bank.
Once the training ground for British troops in Boston, it was from here that Regulars marched toward Lexington & Concord, sparking the American Revolution.
A precursor movement to the Battle of Monmouth, this Quaker meeting house was surrounded by the encampment of British troops under Alexander Leslie in mid-June of 1778.
An architectural treasure in its own right, the South Carolina Historical Society Museum is housed in a National Historic Landmark building and features interactive exhibits on the people, places, and movements that shaped the state and nation.
The Dey Mansion, built around 1770, served as General George Washington’s headquarters in 1780 during a pivotal time in the American Revolution. As one of his surviving field headquarters, it offers a lasting connection to the strategic decisions, military challenges, and historic events that shaped the fight for independence.
Built in the 1740s, this building acted as a ferry house for those wishing to cross the Delaware, including the likes of George Washington and his men on Christmas night of 1776.
Yorktown was George Washington's decisive victory over General Lord Charles Cornwallis. Learn about the last major land battle of the American Revolutionary War.
Renowned for Gen. George Washington's daring crossing of the Delaware River on a frigid Christmas night, Trenton marked the start of the Ten Crucial Days—a series of bold victories that reignited hope in the Revolutionary cause.
In September 1780, Loyalist Colonel Tye captured Patriot captain Joshua Huddy after a fierce struggle. A Patriot ambush capsized their boat, allowing Huddy to escape while Tye suffered a wound that would prove fatal.
Established in 1767 by the Patriot supporting Moore family. Local militia gathered at Walnut Grove prior to the Battle of Cowpens. Visitors may take guided tours of the house and grounds.
Once a sprawling manor complex in the New Jersey countryside belonging to Major General William Alexander, all that remains are two extant structures and the cellar of the original home.