Barnstable in Barnstable County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
1814
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 21, 2019
1. 1814 Marker
During the War of 1812, Captain Richard Raggett, of the British blockade ship, H.M.S. Spenser, demanded a ransom of $6,000 from the village of Barnstable, or else he would destroy the extensive saltworks owned by Loring Crocker.
Undaunted, Mr. Crocker and the local “Committee of Safety” requested arms from Boston to thwart the British. In response, four cast-iron cannons, supposedly from the ruins of Fort Ticonderoga, were sent forth and mounted in the Common Fields and Salteen Point in Barnstable Harbor. A stand-off occurred, and the British departed empty-handed.
Eventually, the cannons were dismantled and stored in Lorings barn at the corner of Main St. and Mill Way in Barnstable. During the First World War, two of the cannons were melted down for the war effort, and two were given to the court house for display.
Often stolen, and even fired by pranksters on the Fourth of July, these two cannons were permanently cemented in place and the barrels were plugged. They remain today as a tribute to the patriots of Barnstable.
This plaque is presented by the families of John H. Crocker and David L. Crocker, of Barnstable, direct descendants of Loring Crocker.
Erected 1997 by The families of John H. Crocker and David L. Crocker, of Barnstable,
this page online
Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812 • War, World I • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 41° 42.103′ N, 70° 18.262′ W. Memorial is in Barnstable, Massachusetts, in Barnstable County. It is at the intersection of Main St (Massachusetts Route 6A) and Railroad Ave, on the right when traveling east on Main St. Marker located on the commons in front of the Historic Barnstable Court House. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 3195 Main St, Barnstable MA 02630, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is on Massachusetts’ Cape Cod. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Marcy Otis Warren (a few steps from this marker); James Otis Jr. (a few steps from this marker); Barnstable Countys 300th Anniversary (within shouting distance of this marker); Charles L. Gifford (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barnstable Village World War II Monument (about 600 feet away); The Olde Colonial Courthouse (approx. Ό mile away); Mercy Otis Warren (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named Olde Colonial Courthouse (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Barnstable.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross, September 21, 2019
2. 1814 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 852 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2019, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
