The Battle Of Fall River returns to the waterfront 240 years later

Fall River, MA – On May 31, 1778, the little town of Fall River (then still Freetown) witnessed its only military action of the American Revolution at the mouth of the Quequechan River.

On June 2 and 3, the city is invited to Fall River Heritage State Park to commemorate the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Fall River with a weekend-long living history event on the same riverbanks that witnessed the battle.

Presented by the Lafayette-Durfee House and hosted by Fall River Heritage State Park, the living history event will include several local military reenactment units, including Le Régiment Bourbonnais, the 54th Regiment of Foot, the 13th Continental Line, and Eames’ Rangers. Both days will feature infantry drills, open-fire cooking demonstrations, blacksmithing, sailmaking, pottery, and more. The encampment will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, and then from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 3. A slideshow about the Battle of Fall River will be offered at 12:00 noon both days in the Visitor Center Theater.

This event is free and suitable for all ages; the park and Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible. Reasonable accommodation is available with advanced notice. Free parking is available in the DCR Lot at 5 Water Street. The Battle of Fall River living history event will take place rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.

Saturday

10:00 Camp opens to the public

11:00 Musket Drill – 13th Continental Regiment

12:00 Battle of Fall River Presentation*

12:00 Nooning (lunch for reenators)

2:00 Unit Drill

3:00 Skirmish

4:00 Camp closes to the public

Sunday

10:00 Camp opens to the public

11:00 Musket Drill

12:00 Battle of Fall River Presentation*

12:00 Nooning (lunch for reenators)

2:00 Unit Drill

3:00 Camp break down and move out.

* Battle of Fall River Presentation at the Heritage Park Theatre

Colonial camps open all day to the public as well as artisan shops- Blacksmith, Dressmakers, Sailmaking and much, much more. Please stop by and ask questions. These are historians and love to talk about history.

All events and times subject to change.

For more information, please call Fall River Heritage State Park Visitor Services at (508) 675-5759 x500