People

Publisher of the Massachusetts Spy who relocated his press from Boston to Worcester in 1775. His newspaper was one of the most influential patriot publications of the war, and he later founded the American Antiquarian Society.

Worcester blacksmith and militia colonel who helped organize the court closures of 1774 and led Worcester militia at the siege of Boston. He was a leader of the local Committee of Correspondence.

Keeper of a Worcester tavern that served as a meeting place for the Committee of Correspondence and other patriot organizations. His tavern was a node in the communication network linking inland Massachusetts.

Worcester farmer who served in the militia that closed the courts in 1774 and later enlisted in the Continental Army. His experience represents the thousands of ordinary men who carried the Revolution forward.

Worcester Loyalist appointed to the royal council under the Massachusetts Government Act. Forced by a crowd of several thousand to resign his commission in August 1774 — one of the earliest direct confrontations with British authority.

Worcester woman who organized local efforts to supply Continental troops with clothing and provisions. Her work represents the essential but often unrecorded contributions of women to the war effort.

Before his career in Boston, the young John Adams taught school and studied law in Worcester from 1755 to 1758. The town shaped his early thinking about politics and governance.

Worcester County militia colonel who led local forces to the siege of Boston and served as a Continental Army officer. He commanded the 24th Continental Regiment during the early stages of the war.