Leslie's Retreat: The Salem Resistance

Choose to march with invading redcoats or resistant colonial militia in Salem’s third annual interactive commemoration of “Leslie’s Retreat,” the 1775 powder alarm in which Essex County militia and townspeople stopped a force of British regulars from stealing their cannon. The re-enactment is followed by an informal reception*, a play reading at the Pickering House, and a traditional music session at O’Neill’s pub. Sponsored by the Salem Historical Society and Historic Salem, Inc.

If you go: if you’d like to join the redcoats, don your favorite red jacket or scarf and meet at Hamilton Hall at 11:15am to march to Leslie’s Retreat Park on the North River. If you’d like to stick with the colonists, gather at First Church at 11:30am at the conclusion of the regular service (all are welcome!) and march to stop the regulars at the North River. Homemade costumes and musical instruments welcome. In the event of foul weather, redcoats will still march, but the re-enactment will take place inside First Church.

*Reception will begin at roughly 12:00pm at First Church following the re-enactment.