Machias in Washington County, Maine — The American Northeast (New England)

First Naval Battle of the American Revolution

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 23, 2011

1. First Naval Battle of the American Revolution Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This anchor symbolizes the historic ties that Machias people have with the sea, and their commitment to liberty as exemplified in the first naval battle of the American Revolution fought in Machias Bay between the British ship Margaretta and the Machias sloop Unity June 12, 1775.

Erected 1975 by Machias Rotary Club, Machias Bicentennial.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: War, US Revolutionary • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 12, 1841.

Location. 44° 42.722′ N, 67° 27.478′ W. Marker is in Machias, Maine, in Washington County. Memorial is at the intersection of Dublin Street and Obrien Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Dublin Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Machias ME 04654, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Machias River (about 600 feet away,

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measured in a direct line); First Permanent English Settlement in Machias Bay (approx. 0.2 miles away); Burnham Tavern (approx. 0.2 miles away); Libby Hall (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort Machias/O'Brien (approx. 3.4 miles away); Birthplace of the U.S. Navy (approx. 3.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Machias.

Also see . . .
1. The Battle of Machias. (Submitted on May 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. The Unity and Margaretta. (Submitted on May 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. The Patriots of Maine Fight at Sea. (Submitted on May 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Additional commentary.
1. First battle elsewhere.
The first naval engagement of the American Revolution actually took place the month before and was known as the 'Battle off Fairhaven' in
Buzzards Bay off Fairhaven, Massachusetts. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_off_Fairhaven

— Submitted April 19, 2015, by Mark
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., September 23, 2011

2. First Naval Battle of the American Revolution
Looking north
Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 982 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 4, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.