Chatham in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Battle of Chatham Harbor
Photographed By Byron Hooks, September 3, 2014
1. The Battle of Chatham Harbor Marker
during the Revolutionary War occurred in Chatham Harbor,
near this site, on 20 June 1782.
At sunrise, crew members from a British privateer were discovered in Chatham’s East Harbor, attempting to sail away three unmanned vessels as prizes of war. The alarm cannon on Watch Hill alerted the town militia who assembled quickly and opened fire on the British from the shore. When the largest of the three vessels went aground, the intruders took to small boats and headed back to their ship, anchored off-shore. They were hotly pursued by the militiamen, also in small boats, although the British privateersmen escaped, the Chatham vessels were recovered, and victory belongs to the determined, long-suffering townspeople. Since 1776, British Seapower had stifled their livelihood from the sea; nevertheless, they continued to give loyal support to the nation’s war for independence.
Chatham’s National Bicentennial Celebration.
Erected 1978 by Town of Chatham.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical date for this entry is June 20, 1782.
Location. 41° 40.321′ N, 69° 56.928′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Captain Mayo / Surfman Ellis (within shouting distance of this marker); Sailors Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Coast Guard Steel 44-Foot Motor Life Boat CG44301 (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Chatham Lighthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Mayflower Story (about 300 feet away); Original Prop (about 400 feet away); The Rescue of the Pendleton (about 400 feet away); Chatham Packet Wharf (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatham.
Regarding The Battle of Chatham Harbor. This plaque is mounted on a stone and is located at the edge of a hedge.
May 22, 2023
2. The Battle of Chatham Harbor Marker
May 22, 2023
3. The Battle of Chatham Harbor Marker
May 22, 2023
4. The Battle of Chatham Harbor Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2014, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 709 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 1, 2014, by Byron Hooks of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 2, 2023. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
