British Encampment (Salem, MA)

Dates Of Event: June 15 & 16, 2024

Location: Salem Maritime National Historic Site, 160 Derby St, Salem, MA

It’s 1774 in Salem, MA. The British military governor of Massachusetts General Thomas Gage moved the state General Court and capital of Massachusetts from Boston to Salem. This was done for a variety of reasons but stemmed from something having to do with tea.

After the little dustup also known as the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament, in an effort to punish Massachusetts colonists, passed the Coercive Acts (aka as the Intolerable Acts by the colonists). These acts were not just “coercive”. They were also divisive. While some Salem colonists supported them, others not so much. So, things were somewhat contentious. Sounds familiar.

To celebrate the 250th anniversary of this historic decision, the National Park Service at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site and a variety of historical actors held a 2 day event to educate and entertain guests.

The day started with a mass at St Peter’s Episcopal Church on St Peter’s St. Since this was 1774, the mass and messages were slightly different from things you might hear today at a religious ceremony.

The pastor railed against “speaking out against the government” and for loyalty to the crown.

From exclaiming “Huzzah” when the Governor was announced to dressing to the nines, the congregation was eager to show their respect to the crown. Respect for the crown was the common theme of the sermon and mass. In fact, when the donation plate was brought to each person the collector said the money would go to the government. Not to those in need but rather the government.

People at the ceremony were dressed in their Sunday Bests.

General Thomas Gage (on the right in the photo below) and a fellow officer sat in a pew specially designated for him.

Tributes to the king and the crown could be found inside the church.

After the mass, the event continued onto the Salem Maritime National Historic Site on Derby St. This particular flag included symbols for Scotland who were part of the British empire.

At the encampment, actors displayed what life was like in Salem, MA, during 1744. From knitting their own uniforms to cook and starting fires, life was certainly much different 250 years ago.

The British Encampment event was family friendly. In fact, they even had some rifles (wooden toy rifles) for people of all ages to enjoy.

And, some real rifles used by the historical actors.

There were also historical experts who showed off some of the foods, fashion and medicine that were common for that time.

The food in these photos were common for most meals during 1774.

And, after eating all that food. Tea was a common beverage.

Fashion was another big part of Salem in 1774. This hat was considered not only very fashionable but very expensive for its time.

Knitting was a big part of life in Salem in 1774.

Musicians kept the guests entertained with music from that era.

I don’t want to give it all away. But, the Coercive Acts didn’t go over very well and something happened a year later. But, that’s a topic for another day!