North Adams Historical Society Remembers The Siege Of Fort Massachusetts
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Historical Society commemorated the 270th anniversary of the siege of Fort Massachusetts with presentations and historical reenactments on Saturday.
Local history buffs gathered at St. the Francis Indian Ledge on Massachusetts Avenue in observation of the 1746 siege of Fort Massachusetts by 900 French and Indians of the St. François tribe during the French and Indian wars.
First to speak was Ranger Robert Campanile, who thanked attendees for observing the day and remembering an important day in local history.
"The siege of that fort would be the first historical event for the city of North Adams, the town of Williamstown and the town of Adams. Always remember your first historical event determines a lot of what goes on after that," Campanile said. "In the spirit and in the courage of what occurred that day, on behalf of the militia and the women and children certainly, I hope still exemplifies the spirit and courage of these three towns."
Next to speak was Mary Smead, locally known as Fran Flaherty, who provided an "eyewitness account" of the siege and the events after. Smead, along with her infant daughter Captivity, were among the 45 colonists who surrendered and who were marched to Canada after the fort was burned down the day after the siege.
"We were surrounded by the Native Americans, and when we looked up on the ledge we could see nothing but French soldiers and Native Americas," she said. "All day they kept surrounding us and attacking."
Next to speak was Annie McMillin, locally known as Justina Carlson, who read a poem she had written in 1895 called "Captivity" to commemorate Fort Massachusetts. She said 1895 was a big year for North Adams because the population hit 60,000 and it became a city.
She said there was a restored interest in local history and a campaign was started to build a replica Fort Massachusetts, which eventually came to fruition in 1933.
Benjamin Franklin, or local historian James Durkee, also spoke at the ceremony and noted that Pennsylvanians fought the same enemy under similar circumstances. He noted the bravery of the early Hoosac Valley settlers and noted they even had a hand in the American Revolution.
"Proud and free people are not easily defeated. God-fearing and brave pioneers, men, women and children are always ready to do their duty," he said. "The names of the defenders of this fort and all of our forts will echo off of these hillsides forever."
Craig Chicoine, president of the Friends of Fort Massachusetts, also spoke and noted the efforts through the years to preserve what is left of the fort replica that had fallen into ruin in the former Price Chopper parking lot. He noted now that Price Chopper is gone it is important to remain focused on maintaining the public park and improving it.
"Every historical site has an important story to tell. The story of Fort Massachusetts is compelling, suspenseful, and it speaks of hope and courage and maintaining one’s integrity in the face of adversity," Chicoine said. "It’s a story of life death and the human spirit. It is a story worth hearing."
He said historical sites are "our most tangible authentic links to our past" and need to be preserved.
Also speaking was Wendy Champney, a local teacher and historian who has written "The Forgotten Ledge of Fort Massachusetts," which highlights the importance of the St. Francis Indian Ledge during the siege.
She said she believes because the enemy was able to witness the fort’s inhabitants’ bravery from the vantage point they spared their lives.
"I believe because of the ledge the lives of 22 men, three women and five children were spared because the enemy was able to witness the bravery and the courage of the defenders of the fort who against all odds fought courageously," she said.
After the speeches, a life-size wooden carving of a St. Francis Indian warrior was unveiled on the ledge.
Musket balls found near the ledge were also presented to the North Adams Museum of History and Science.
The Richard A. Ruether American Legion Post 152 of Williamstown provided a gun salute and "Chester," the unofficial anthem of the Colonies, was played by the Drury High School band.
More photos from the event can be found here.
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