Somerville in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Colors of Defiance
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From a Powdered Wig to the Powder House
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
1. Colors of Defiance Marker
Colors of Defiance.
January 1, 1776. Under General George Washington's command, General Israel Putnam committed a bod act of defiance against the British: flying from the tope of Prospect Hill the first flag of the united colonies, know as the "Grand Union." During the Revolution, the hill was home to a crucial defensive fort, as well as a prisoner of war camp. With bitter irony, the British called it "Mt. Pisca" - the name of the biblical mountain where Moses died in sight of the "promised land."
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From a Powdered Wig to the Powder House.
By 1872, Somerville had blossomed from a quiet farming community into a bustling manufacturing center surrounded by graceful neighborhoods. It was time to become a city. But any city needs an official seal. The obvious choice for Somerville: the proud image of General George Washington raising the first colonial flag from the top of Prospect Hill. In 1972, to celebrate Somerville's 100th birthday, the city chose its current seal featuring the Powder House, the state's oldest stone building.
Erected by City of Somerville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.
Location. 42° 23.011′ N,
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Regionally, this marker is in Historic Boston and specifically in Greater Boston. 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: Spinning Wheels (here, next to this marker); It's All Downhill from Here (here, next to this marker); A River Runs Through It. No, Really? / One Farm, Ten Hills, 600 Ships (here, next to this marker); The Fabric of the City (a few steps from this marker); Where Did Somerville Get Its Name? (a few steps from this marker); Mommy, What Did People Do Before Cell Phones? (a few steps from this marker); Anthony (Tony) Lavelli, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); The Quietman Makes Some Noise / Taking the Gloves Off (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Somerville.
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
2. From a Powdered Wig to the Powder House Marker
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
3. Colors of Defiance Marker
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
4. From a Powdered Wig to the Powder House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 224 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
