America’s independence was ignited in Massachusetts, where the spirit of revolution spread across its cities, towns, and countryside. From the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord to the significant battles that took place throughout the state, these events from 1775-1783 paved the way to victory in the Revolutionary War. We call this journey The Liberty Trail.
Explore the many guided tours of The Liberty Trail
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.
Soon after Greene took command of the southern theater, the tide of war began to turn in favor of the Patriots. Greene and his men turned south to reconquer the South Carolina backcountry. Throughout 1781, Greene steadily drove the British back to Charleston, which they abandoned the following December.
A passionate Patriot and key figure in early American resistance, Joseph Warren played a crucial role in organizing militias, warning leaders of the British approach, and commanding troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill, where he was killed in action.
Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved woman from Massachusetts, became a celebrated poet, publishing a book in 1773, corresponding with prominent figures like George Washington, and demonstrating the literary talent of African Americans before dying in poverty at 31.
Washington's enslaved huntsman and valet, William Lee was tasked with following Washington throughout the war where he witnessed events such as the encampment at Valley Forge and the victory at Yorktown.
