The Freedom Trail Foundation will host the Second British Encampment where more than 20 companies of 18th century British army re-enactors will create an exact replica of the original camp on Boston Common’s Trayning Ground during the Siege of Boston in 1776.The Foundation expects more than 80 tents to be pitched, housing re-enactors who will sleep overnight during the weekend of August 13, 14 and 15. While these encampments took place in various Massachusetts towns, the largest contingent of Red Coats were stationed in Boston.
The campsite will become a living history site where children and families can participate in the daily life of an 18th-century British soldier. There will be activities and demonstrations scheduled throughout the weekend which will include: drills, cooking, clothes-making, shoes and equipment, surgeon’s tent, musket firings, suttler tents (tradespeople who traveled with the army), skirmish with Colonists, music, dancing, and a chance to meet and greet re-enactor soldiers.
This is a unique opportunity for interpretive educational activities for children and families, exactly at the spot where the British held Bostonians in a vice-like blockade from 1775 through 1776.
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile path that leads to 16 of the country’s most significant historical landmarks. Each played a pivotal role in America’s rebellious beginning – familiar events such as the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, Paul Revere’s role in the first battle, the Battle of Bunker Hill. The Trail weaves its way through Boston marked by a red brick path or a painted red line.
For more information about top events in Massachusetts take a look at the Top Events USA selection of the annual main festivals and events in Massachusetts
For more information on the Freedom Trail Foundation visit http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/