SEE THE RAID RE-ENACTED

Every few years members of the Newmarket Milia and friends remind us of NH's most famous "batt;e". At the urging of Paul Revere, hundreds of locals raided the King's fort at New Castle Island in December 1774. It was the start of the American Revolution -- around here, at least. Lexington and Concord followed four months later in 1775.

UPDATE: New book will feature 1774 NH RAID DOCUMENT

RE-ENACTORS STORM NEW CASTLE FORT

READ: The Shot Not Heard Round the World

On a windy day in December 1999, the Newmarket Militia re-enacted the historic Raid on Fort William & Mary from 1774. The colonial attack on a British Fort followed a warning by Paul Revere who had arrived in Portsmouth, NH the day before. The gunpowder stolen during the raid was reportedly used at the famous Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts, nearby. Among the leaders of the raid were John Langdon and John Sullivan, both of whom became early governors of New Hampshire. Soon after the raid, the last British governor, John Wentworth was driven out of New Hampshire to Nova Scotia.

SeacoastNH.com asked top Seacoast photographer Ralph Morang to capture the Newmarket Militia re-enactment. Ralph's third Photo Gallery depicts the frigid day with gale force winds that made the action all the more believable. Civilians were herded inside the protection of the fort walls during the mock attack, striking of the flag and capture of the gunpowder. We are proud to add this gallery to our permanent collection of Seacoast images. For more of Ralph's photography, visit New England Photography. (Place mouse over photos for captions)

SEE ALSO: Bunker Hill Re-enactment by Ralph Morang

CONTINUE to see SEACOAST RAID