While the first shots of the American Revolution were fired in Massachusetts, it didn't end there for the colony. After forcing the British forces to evacuate Boston at the Fortification of Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts men continued to enlist and followed the Continental Army to many of the thirteen colonies. They were there at the beginning, on April 19th, 1775 Massachusetts continued to fight up until the close of the war in late 1783. Included in this collection are high resolution images of letters, journals, logbooks, broadsides and newspaper articles relating to Massachusetts' participation in the American Revolution.

 

For a look at our complete Revolutionary War Collection, take a look at our finding aid.

Below are printed broadsides, military records and government records, all of which serve an official function rather than a personal one.

Broadsides

Among these broadsides are ballads, news and propaganda related to the American Revolution.

Military Records

This includes orders, muster rolls, pension records, oaths, promissory notes and more, all related to the Continental Army.

Government Records

Here are letters to and from the Committee of Safety, the Commitee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts General Assembly

The Revolutionary War Collection contains a large number of correspondences from American soldiers to family and friends and a number of journals. This section is dedicated sources related to their experiences.

Correspondences

Journals

Massachusetts made a key contribution to the American Revolution. In addition to fighting on land, many sailors turned to privateering to combat the British Navy and profit from the spoils. This collection includes papers relating to the American Brig, Tyrannicide. Besides swashbuckling, the collection also includes the intriguing papers related to Benjamin Church, a spy for the British army, and coded messages yet to be deciphered.

Privateering

Espionage

This collection includes correspondences to and from General George Washington and his secretaries as well as letters from Colonel and later General John Glover.

John Glover

George Washington

Broadside used in the website banner

Broadside above The New England Timeline

Broadside above the New York and New Jersey Timeline

Broadside above the Mid-Atlantic Timeline

“Massachusetts Regiments in the Continental Army - Revolutionary War.” n.d. Accessed August 12, 2026. https://revolutionarywar.us/continental-army/massachusetts/.

“Orderly Books of Massachusetts Regiments in Continental Service.” 2021. Revwar75.Com. 2021. https://revwar75.com/ob/ma2.htm.

“Soldiers and Sailors – MASSAR.” 2017. Massar.Org. https://massar.org/soldiers-and-sailors/.