Gaspee

Description

Believe it! Gaspee Days has been celebrated since 1774 when George Washington himself paid just over 3 Shillings to view the fireworks in Williamsburg, Virginia in observance of the second anniversary of the Burning of the Gaspee. In the early years after the Revolution, those daring patriots that took part in the destruction of the Gaspee rode in carriages of honor at early Parades and other celebratory events. At the Centennial c1872-1875, large Festivals were held by the Ladies Centennial Committee. The last recalled early Gaspee Parade was held c1907, but for a long time people all but forgot about this important event in our Nation's history. In 1965 David Stackhouse, chairman of the Warwick Heritage Committee, and a small group of interested citizens from the Pawtuxet Village area became convinced that the "First Blow for Freedom" had been kept secret for far too long and that a fitting annual observance should be held to commemorate our state's participation in the struggle for independence. The Gaspee Days Committee was established by this group to assure a continued celebration in recognition of our brave forefathers.

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