August 14, 1765, Boston colonists gathered under a large elm tree at the corner of Essex and Orange Streets to protest the unfair Stamp Act by hanging an effigy of stamp distributor Andrew Oliver. This iconic rallying point became known as the Liberty Tree.Britain taxed paper goods without colonial representation in Parliament. After the protest, Oliver resigned, and the site became a symbol of freedom. Later, Patriots and the Sons of Liberty met there to plan resistance. British loyalists cut down the historic elm for firewood in 1775. George Washington would use the symbol of a tree (a pine and not the original Elm) as a symbol for freedom after this early meeting place.
Tomorrow!Curator’s Tour: 250 Years of Hamilton’s 5th Field Artillery
Thursday, August 13 | 6 PM
First Division Museum
$25 (includes one canned or bottled beverage)
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Join First Division Museum Curator Jessica Waszak for a guided tour of Hamilton’s 5th Field Artillery: 250 Years and explore the story of one of the Army’s oldest regiments and its long-standing connection to the 1st Infantry Division.
Through artifacts, personal writings, and firsthand accounts, the exhibition follows the regiment across two and a half centuries of American history. Along the way, you'll see how artillery evolved with changing technology while the character of the soldiers who served remained remarkably consistent—faithful to their mission, their regiment, and one another.
History comes alive on August 15 & 16 when Central and Gelatin Parks will be transformed for Grayslake’s first-ever Revolutionary War Reenactment.
Reenactors from the North West Territory Alliance will fill two parks with military drills, battles, artillery fire, marching troops, period music, historic crafts and an encampment of up to 100 reenactors.
Visitors can explore the camps, talk with reenactors ,and enjoy family-friendly educational activities.
This FREE, rain-or-shine event is presented as part of Grayslake USA 250 in partnership with the North West Territory Alliance, Village of Grayslake, Grayslake Park District , and Grayslake Village Center.
#USA250Grayslake #USA250
Step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the American Revolution during Grayslake, Illinois’ Revolutionary War Reenactment Weekend, Gelatin Park, August 15-16.
TRY REENACTING!
Do you want to fire a musket, help crew a cannon, or just enjoy an evening around the fire?
Our Units are excited to host folks who want to try out the hobby.
They will supply the necessary gear and clothing for you (and your family) to join us for a weekend reenacting the American Revolution!
What are you in for? Read our “What Re-enacting with the NWTA Looks Like.”