Martha's Vineyard in the American Revolution, Military

Name: Martha's Vineyard in the American Revolution, Military
Author: Thomas Dresser, Mat Tombers

As an isolated island outpost, Martha's Vineyard faced some unique challenges during the American Revolution. Neutrality was maintained at the start of the war due to the impact of the British regulations on the fishing and whaling industries. While political expediency may have dominated the day, Vineyard Patriots protected their homeland against the Royal Navy and contributed to the revolutionary effort against marauding British redcoats. In 1778, two key events--one involving three young women and the second an armada of forty naval ships--crystalized the opinion of Vineyarders that they should no longer remain neutral to British incursions on the Island and, more broadly, on American soil. Join local author Tom Dresser as he reveals the unheralded contributions of islanders to the fight for freedom.

Thomas Dresser, Mat Tombers

Thomas Dresser enjoyed showing off in second grade by reciting all the presidents of the United States--in order. Of course, at that time the names only went as far as Eisenhower, but still. Graduating with a BA in American history and civilization from Boston University in 1969 was a step on the route to writing this book. Following a thirty-year hiatus, teaching third grade followed by nursing home administration, Tom fell into writing books on Vineyard history for The History Press. The American Revolution is the capstone of that historic trek. For more information, visit thomasdresser.com or write thomasdresser@gmail.com.