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By Henry Howe
Director, Fort Jackson Museum Community
On April 19, 1775, as British Regulars retreated from Lexington and Concord, a 78-year-old farmer named Samuel Whittemore faced a profound choice.
He could stand by and watch the British march past his home, feeling powerless, or he could take a stand for his beliefs and become an active participant in the fight against British rule.
In a remarkable display of courage, Whittemore chose to fight.
Armed with his musket and pistols, he positioned himself behind a low stone wall, ready to defend his home and community.
As the Redcoats advanced, he took a deep breath and fired his musket, bringing down one soldier. He then drew his pistols, shooting two more before British troops overwhelmed him.
In that moment, a musket ball struck him in the face, and as he fell, he faced a brutal attack from the soldiers who stabbed him more than a dozen times.
Though left for dead, Whittemore’s spirit was unbroken.
Against all odds, he survived this harrowing encounter and went on to lead a full life, passing away at the remarkable age of 96 in 1793.
Samuel Whittemore’s story is a powerful testament to the unyielding determination and enduring spirit of those who fought for their freedom, embodying the resilience that characterized the American struggle for independence.
His bravery serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals committed to a cause greater than themselves.
| Date Taken: | 04.03.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2025 10:06 |
| Story ID: | 494463 |
| Location: | FORT JACKSON, SOUTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 12 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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