The Role of Prescott(s) in the American Revolution
As we move closer to the celebration of America 250, historians remind us that there was a great deal of activity leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. For example, the Continental Army was formed on June 14, 1775, and the Battle of Bunker Hill took place a few days later on June 17.
In fact, between the Battle of Bunker Hill in June of 1775 and July 4, 1776, there were several important engagements between British military and General George Washington’s newly formed Continental Army.
Another interesting fact is that the Prescott family played important early roles in America’s war for independence. Two Prescotts in particular. Colonel William Prescott was hailed as the heroic commander at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and there’s a statue in his honor in Boston today. Citizen/physician Dr. Samuel Prescott finished Paul Revere’s historic midnight ride to Concord, because Paul Revere got captured by the British.
William Hickling Prescott, grandson of Colonel William Prescott, was a renowned New England author who famously wrote about Cortez’ conquest of Montezuma in Mexico. He was so admired by Arizona Territory early founders John Goodwin and Richard McCormick that they named several places in the new Arizona territory, and its capitol, in honor of W.H. Prescott.
So Prescott(s) did indeed have a role in the war for independence.
Mayor, Phil Goode
