Central Massachusetts Communities to Mark 250th Anniversary of Knox Artillery Journey

Old Sturbridge Village and Worcester will host events on Saturday, Jan. 31, and Sunday, Feb. 1, to mark the 250th anniversary of Col. Henry Knox's “Noble Train of Artillery.” The events commemorate Knox's work in 1776 during the American Revolution. 

Knox and his men moved captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga, near the south end of Lake Champlain in northern New York, to Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston and the harbor.

Commemorations of Knox's journey, later known as the “Noble Train of Artillery,” are taking place at Old Sturbridge Village on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, and in Worcester on Jan. 31.

According to a Worcester Magazine report, at Old Sturbridge Village, the commemoration in partnership with Fort Ticonderoga will be the first major event at the Village this year to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, said Derek Heidemann, director of research, curatorial, and preservation at Old Sturbridge Village. 

In Worcester, Knox Train happenings on Jan. 31 are being directed by Revolution 250, a nonprofit coordinating events to celebrate America's 250th anniversary this year.

According to an email from Jonathan Lane of Revolution 250, a procession will assemble at Elm Park at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 31. A one-cannon salute will take place at the park, followed by a procession at 1 p.m. that will continue down Elm Street, Linden Street, Pleasant Street, and across Main Street to Worcester Common.

On Worcester Common, militia will fire a volley over the grave of Worcester American Revolution hero Col. Timothy Bigelow. At 2 p.m., the public is invited to participate in a free 250th Henry Knox Commemoration in the ballroom of the AC Marriott Hotel, 125 Front St. 

“Here we will honor not only Henry Knox but the communities of Brookfield, Spencer, Leicester, Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Northborough (part of the Knox Train). Each town will receive a commemorative plaque and a citation from Governor Healey,” Lane explained.

Meanwhile, at Old Sturbridge Village, staff from Fort Ticonderoga, reenactors from Knox's Regiment of Artillery, and oxen will join site interpreters and living historians to explore how Knox made the 300-mile journey to bring 59 artillery pieces to Dorchester Heights. 

During the activities taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, visitors can meet members of Knox's Regiment of Artillery, witness reproduction cannon ammunition, and watch as cabinetmakers build a log sled similar to the types that Knox used to transport cannon. 

Kids can try their hand at target practice using a rubber-band cannon and discover how the Massachusetts Militia Artillery was armed 50 years after the American Revolution. Guests can also follow the cannons, sleds, and oxen as they travel through the countryside.

To learn more about Old Sturbridge Village's Knox Train 250th anniversary events, visit the Village's website.