Fremont in Rockingham County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
Mast Tree Riot of 1734
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 25, 2017
1. Mast Tree Riot of 1734 Marker
Local lumbermen illegally cut Mast Trees reserved for the King's Royal Navy. When David Dunbar, Surveyor General, visited nearby Copyhold Mill to inspect fallen lumber, local citizens assembled, discharged firearms and convinced Dunbar to leave. Returning with 10 men, Dunbar's group was attacked and dispersed at a local tavern, by citizens disguised as "Indians."
Erected 1982 by State of New Hampshire. (Marker Number 142.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1734.
Location. 42° 58.023′ N, 71° 5.496′ W. Marker is in Fremont, New Hampshire, in Rockingham County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (New Hampshire Route 107) and New Hampshire Route 111-A, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Marker is located adjacent to the "Welcome to Fremont" sign, at this intersection, at the southeast edge of town. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fremont NH 03044, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Meeting House and Hearse House (approx. 2.2 miles away); Fremont Village Cemetery (approx. 2.2 miles away); 1867 (approx. 2.7 miles away); Spaulding & Frost Cooperage
this page online
Also see . . . The Mast Tree Riot of 1734.
Lumber was so important to early residents that it was used in place of money. It was common for debts to be paid in barrel staves. So it’s no wonder that people considered trees the most valuable asset in town. To the British government, New England’s towering pine trees were perfect for masts on his majesty’s naval vessels. In 1705, an act was passed reserving the largest trees for the King’s Navy. A Surveyor General was appointed to locate any trees measuring larger than 24 inches at one foot from the base. These trees were then marked and Locals were not allowed to cut them. New Englanders resented the act and most would at some point just get fed up and cut the trees down. The boards cut from it would be milled down to less than 24 inches in width; the owner made a small fortune and no one was the wiser. At least, that’s how things went for nearly
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 25, 2017
2. Mast Tree Riot of 1734 Marker (tall view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 25, 2017
3. Mast Tree Riot of 1734 Marker (wide view)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,127 times since then and 150 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 1, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
