Revolution comes to Westchester County
Most of us have little or no comprehension of what life was like for a Loyalist during the Revolutionary War. Thanks to cousin Paul Orser, and excellent document provides insight.
Excerpt: The successful separation of the American colonies from British rule was a momentous accomplishment. American historical tradition tends to focus attention on the independence movement as a clash of ideologies and the triumph of freedom over old world despotism.
The reality of the revolutionary movement, particularly in New York, was a more complex and far darker story. In Westchester County, New York City, and Long Island, support for independence was much less widespread, and opinion far more divided, than in most other parts of thirteen colonies. New York was both the headquarters, and the last bastion of British rule. It was the refuge to which beleaguered Loyalists could retreat “within the lines” for protection, and it was the place from which many Loyalists eventually evacuated when the war was finally lost in the summer of 1783.
The full document can be read below, just click on the word Download and the file will open in your browser window. Note: This document has been updated to only include the Revolutionary War and the immigration to Ontario.
Most of us have little or no comprehension of what life was like for a Loyalist during the Revolutionary War. Thanks to cousin Paul Orser, and excellent document provides insight.
Excerpt: The successful separation of the American colonies from British rule was a momentous accomplishment. American historical tradition tends to focus attention on the independence movement as a clash of ideologies and the triumph of freedom over old world despotism.
The reality of the revolutionary movement, particularly in New York, was a more complex and far darker story. In Westchester County, New York City, and Long Island, support for independence was much less widespread, and opinion far more divided, than in most other parts of thirteen colonies. New York was both the headquarters, and the last bastion of British rule. It was the refuge to which beleaguered Loyalists could retreat “within the lines” for protection, and it was the place from which many Loyalists eventually evacuated when the war was finally lost in the summer of 1783.
The full document can be read below, just click on the word Download and the file will open in your browser window. Note: This document has been updated to only include the Revolutionary War and the immigration to Ontario.
| orsers_and_the_american_revolution_1.pdf |