Independence Day: July 4, 2023
An 1803 Fourth of July Parade in Duxbury; the Home Front During the Revolutionary War
[Readers — Happy Independence Day! The first part of this article, on an 1803 July 4th celebration in Duxbury, is free to all, and the second part, an excerpt from my dissertation, on the home front during the American Revolution, is for paid subscribers. Thank you for reading, and my warmest wishes for a safe and happy holiday.]
Plymouth’s Fourth of July Parade proceeded this morning despite some rain, while Duxbury 4th of July Parade was sadly cancelled this year due to the weather.
In the meantime, I thought this description of an Independence Day celebration in Duxbury in 1803 might serve in its place. This is from Justin Winsor's 1849 History of Duxbury, and the historical context is that the Bluefish River Bridge, on Washington Street in Duxbury, was finished on July 3rd, 1803, after great economic, social, and political division in the Town on the subject:
"The next day, being the Fourth of July, was of uncommon interest to the inhabitants of Duxbury. The bridge was in some measure decorated, and a temporary arch erected over it, on which was perched a broad spread eagle of wood, bore this motto -- from Jefferson's inaugural address -- 'Peace, Friendship, and Commerce with all Nations; entangling Alliances with none.' And on the reverse, 'Commerce, Agriculture, Fishery.' The two military companies of the town, under Captains Dingley and Alden, paraded, and after escorting a large party of ladies and gentlemen to the bridge, they formed in a line on each side, while the procession passed between, and then proceeding a short distance they turned , and recrossing the bridge marched to the hill on the southerly side of the River, where the projectors [i.e., the proponents of the construction of the bridge] had prepared a bountiful entertainment. Mr. Sprague presided at the tables, and in the devoration [i.e. devouring] of the sumptuous viands [dishes] before them, many of the opposition [to the bridge -- ed. ] received a check to their feelings of animosity, (if they had any,)and amid the scenes of mirth and rejoicings, many were the thanks expressed for the final completion of that much opposed, yet ably vindicated scheme. The day was remarkably pleasant, and everything that transpired seemed to pass off in happiness, and it is still remembered by the aged yet amongst us, as one of peculiar gratification and enjoyment."1
Those opposed to the bridge had real concerns: upland farmers and fishermen for whom the damming and bridging of the Bluefish would entail real loss, both of migratory fish like alewives and shad, as well as flooding their agricultural fields.
The bridge was supported by commercial shipbuilding interests, who wished to improve the transportation infrastructure that connected various elements of the Town's profitable shipbuilding industry along Duxbury Bay; indeed, the present Washington Street could not be completed without bridging the Bluefish.
After a heated Annual Town Meeting in 1803, the motion carried and the bridge was begun in the Spring of 1803, and finished that July 3rd, 1803. Notably, tidal grist milling continued on the river, which was important not only for agricultural interests, but the entire Town, including shipbuilders.
(The estuary of the Bluefish River in Duxbury, looking south from Powder Point; credit — Wikimedia Commons user Historical Perspective 2.)
The Home Front: Duxbury During the Revolutionary War
Readers, here, for paid subscribers, is an excerpt from my dissertation, on the home front during the American Revolution in Duxbury: