Heritage State Park to Host Battle of Fall River Reenactment

A Revolutionary War battle that happened in May 1778 will come alive later this month with the reenactment of the Battle of Fall River on May 31 and June 1 at Heritage State Park.

The free event will include military encampments, battle demonstrations, artillery, colonial craft displays and more.

David Jennings, Director of the Lafayette-Durfee House in Fall River, visited Townsquare Sunday to discuss the Revolution and the reenactment later this month.

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Jennings said the City of Fall River has joined forces with a host of organizations, including MA250, a statewide initiative to commemorate the Bay State's role in the American Revolution.

"In 1778, about 120 British troops came to Fall River and set fire to a sawmill at the mouth of the Quequechan River," Jennings said. "They thought area residents were building boats there to counter-attack the British forces in Newport."

The British were met by about 20 colonial troops who had been standing watch along the Taunton River.

"The colonial troops retreated up what is now Pocasset Street to find cover," Jennings said. "They found cover behind a stone wall and started firing down at the British, who lost at least two men in the skirmish, plus several wounded."

The British pulled back, boarded their boats and headed back to Newport, only to be met by more gunfire from the Tiverton militia firing from the shore.

Jennings said the reenactment will be as "realistic as we can make it." The encampments will include tents, cooking demonstrations, a blacksmith, weapons and artillery demonstrations, a craft fair and traditional music from the Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Fife and Drum Band.

The grounds will open at 10 a.m. each day, and there is no admission charge.  A complete schedule of activities can be found on the Viva Fall River website.

"A lot of young people are clueless when it comes to the history of this country," Jennings said. "This reenactment and programs we offer at the Lafayette-Durfee House are good ways to learn about the start of this nation. It happened right here."

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