Boston Marks 250th Anniversary of Knox’s ‘Noble Train of Artillery’

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston officials, and representatives from the state of Massachusetts came together on Saturday, March 7, to mark the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox. The ceremony, held as part of the city's Boston 250 initiative, commemorated Knox's contributions to Boston and the nation through his “Noble Train of Artillery” during the American Revolutionary War.

“The Henry Knox Trail was a bold and unlikely mission, one powered by strategy, determination, and the collaboration of everyday people along the way. That is why it is especially meaningful to gather in Roxbury, at the final stop of the trail, in the city where the arrival of those cannons ultimately helped force the British evacuation of Boston,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll in a statement shared by 7NEWS Boston. 

“This moment reminds us that the story of the American Revolution was not just written by famous names, but by communities, neighbors, and ordinary people who believed in a shared future. As Massachusetts continues to celebrate our role in the founding of our nation, we honor the people who risked life and limb for the chance at self-governance and sparked the Revolution that would change the world,” she continued.

According to 7NEWS, the commemorative event began with a procession of cannons, Clydesdale horses, reenactors, and community organizations through Roxbury. There, Knox led a train of 59 cannon during a heroic effort to oust the British from Boston.

The commemoration closed with the Boston Beacon. According to 7NEWS, this immersive Roxbury multimedia spectacle features 3D light projections, live music, spoken word, and artwork from Boston artists and historians.

During the Knox commemoration, Wu announced the start of Tour 250, the City of Boston's program of commemorative markers that help ensure Boston residents and communities become part of Boston's ongoing storytelling efforts. Wu also announced the Historic Markers Community Grants Program, made possible by a $650,000 allocation from the Browne Fund. This program will support the installation of a new series of commemorative markers across Boston, which aim to surface diverse, local histories across Boston city neighborhoods.