The British Torched New Bedford’s Waterfront Before Fairhaven Stopped Them

As the United States prepares for our America 250 celebrations, it's easy to get caught up in all of the historical hype surrounding Boston and overlook the battles and heartache that took place all around us here on the SouthCoast.

Sometimes it can be hard to picture, but some of the most brutal wars in human history were fought on and around our immediate shores.

One such event was led by British Major General Charles Grey, and it left New Bedford's waterfront in ruins during the American Revolution.

Picture Yourself Standing on the New Bedford Waterfront in 1778

Get yourself there. Picture what it must have looked like and felt like to stand on Pier 3 in New Bedford, your hometown, watching 40 invading ships from what was supposed to be your motherland. Inside each ship was 100 men who were supposed to be your British brothers. Instead of the fishing boats we are used to seeing in New Bedford Harbor and along the Acushnet River, you saw a staggering display of British warships filled with angry soldiers.

Things got much worse.

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The redcoats jumped off the ships and started burning everything in sight. You and your friends tried to fight back, but you were overwhelmed. You helplessly watched the soldiers burn down the homes and businesses of your neighbors in the Cobblestone district. The very spots where so many of us casually enjoy dinner and drinks in downtown New Bedford were the scene of a living nightmare, a blazing inferno. Nothing was spared.

READ MORE: New Bedford's Pulaski School Named for Revolutionary War Hero

"Fires set by Grey's men destroyed ships, warehouses, and wharves. The fires also destroyed nearby homes and churches," according to the Boston Public Library research guides.

How Much Damage Was Done?

When all was said and done, Grey's Raid on New Bedford killed four men. In addition, "16 men were taken captive and 11 houses, 21 shops, 34 ships, 1 ropewalk, and numerous stores of naval supplies and other goods were destroyed." The damage was close to 20 million of today's dollars. It would take years for New Bedford to rebound.

Fairhaven Was a Bright Spot

One bright spot was the bravery of the residents in Fairhaven. True to life "minute men" scrambled to assemble before the British could really wreak havoc. While the Brits were able to burn down a few buildings on the Fairhaven shoreline, 150 of the town's men were somehow able to hold off the soldiers from gaining access to Fairhaven Village.

What Happened to Martha's Vineyard During Grey's Raid?

The people of Martha's Vineyard learned a tough lesson after the British warships showed up in Vineyard Haven demanding livestock, money and weapons. Up until that point, the island had remained pretty neutral with regard to the revolution. Attitudes shifted after the redcoats raided their supplies and left the islanders with nothing.

Why Grey's Raid Still Matters Today

As America prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence, the story of Grey's Raid is a powerful reminder that the Revolutionary War was not just fought in Boston and Philadelphia. It was fought right here on the SouthCoast, on the same waterfront where people park their cars and grab an ice cream on a Friday night. The history is literally beneath our feet.