A group of white, Black, Hispanic, and Native American soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts, played a significant role during the American Revolution. Nearly a decade before the war started, Marbleheaders including Elbridge Gerry and Azor Orne spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the United States through governing, building alliances, seizing British ships, forging critical supply lines, and establishing the origins of the U.S. Navy.
The Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, became truly indispensable. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite guard that protected George Washington, foreshadowing today’s Secret Service. Against all odds, the special operations–like regiment conveyed 2,400 of Washington’s men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history. Military historian and author Patrick K. O’Donnell discusses the exploits and heroism of this unique group of soldiers.
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