The following is the full article quoted from The Falmouth Enterprise published on Friday, 6/12/26, pages 1 & 12, entitled, “250th Celebration Commemorates Battle Of Falmouth”.
Within the bottom half of the article, the FHMNA Webmaster has bolded information specific to the Heights area.
COURTESY KAREN RINALDO
When many think of Revolutionary War warning riders, the name Paul Revere usually comes to mind. Nearly four years after Revere’s midnight ride, Falmouth had its own young messenger.
As part of the nationwide 250th anniversary celebration of the American Revolution, the town’s 250th Anniversary Task Force will dedicate a new historic plaque on July 1, commemorating not only the semiquincentennial anniversary of the country, but also the Battle of Falmouth in April 1779.
By the spring of 1779, tensions between British forces and Falmouth residents had been escalating for years. British warships used Tarpaulin Cove on Naushon Island as a staging ground for raids on local farms throughout the region.
The conflict eventually reached Falmouth in early April 1779 when British troops, running low on provisions, landed near Little Harbor in Woods Hole and attempted to seize cattle from farmhouses. Local militia intercepted and forced the British to retreat to their ships.
Angered, British commanders reportedly devised a plan to retaliate by attacking and burning Falmouth.
According to historians, the British plans were overheard by John Slocum, a resident of Pasque Island. Although many historical accounts describe the gathering as taking place in a tavern operated by Slocum, Falmouth historian and artist Karen Rinaldo said the British officers were actually meeting in Slocum’s home, where he had been hosting them.
Though Slocum is believed to have been a loyalist to the British Crown, historians say he could not stand by and see Falmouth reduced to ashes. Instead, he sent one of his two young sons to warn the town.
Exactly which son made the journey remains unclear.
Historians, including Rinaldo, believe the messenger was William, who was about 10 years old at the time. As the elder of the two brothers, he may have been considered better suited for the journey. His younger brother, Oliver, is believed to have been around 8 years old.
“That’s the mystery in history,” Ranaldo said.
The exact details of the journey also remain uncertain. Some accounts suggest the young messenger traveled from Pasque Island, where Slocum’s residence was located, to Naushon Island, then on to Falmouth, traveling on foot or by horse and by rowboat. Rinaldo also noted that the night featured a full moon, which may have created stronger currents that ultimately aided the boy’s passage to Falmouth.
“It’s the most incredible story,” Rinaldo said. “It’s just an incredible story of ‘how did he do that?’”
The warning reportedly gave local militia enough time to prepare defensive positions near what are now Surf Drive and the Old Stone Dock area. On the morning of April 3, colonial militiamen waited in fortified trenches along the shoreline. When British warships opened fire and attempted landings near Surf Drive, they were met by strong militia defenses and were unable to make it to the shore.
The upcoming plaque dedication will commemorate the Battle of Falmouth. The plaque, which will be installed on pink granite from West Falmouth, features a silhouette of a young boy rowing toward Falmouth. The plaque and boulder will be placed in Falmouth Heights near the Old Casino.
Parking arrangements include several nearby options. The beach parking lot adjacent to the Old Casino will be available for attendees without a beach sticker during the event hours. Metered parking at the ball field is expected to be free during the event. Enforcement of both parking areas will be back to normal after the event. Additional parking has been made available by Shipwrecked during the event hours.
Other 250th anniversary events around town include the America 250 Cape & Islands in the Revolution speaker series on Saturday, June 13, a Flag Day tribute at Oak Grove Cemetery on Sunday, June 14, a patriotic hymn sing at the First Congregational Church of Falmouth on Friday, June 26, and the opening of the “O Beautiful: Katharine Lee Bates” exhibit at Highfield Hall on Tuesday, June 30.
July events include a screening of “Democracy” on July 1, followed by a Community Day on July 3 with colonial-themed activities and a Paul Revere Bell presentation at the First Congregational Church.
Additional events include a Cabo Verde Independence celebration, which will feature a public reading of Frederick Douglass’ Fourth of July address, on July 5 at the Cape Cod Cape Verdean Museum and Cultural Center. The Falmouth Public Library on July 7 will host a screening of “Hamilton.” On November 17, Museums on the Green will host a calligraphy lecture and demonstration.
More details about the events can be found on Museums On The Green’s website.