A musket salute on Jones Road by the Col. Henry Knox Regimental Color Guard.
Reminder Publishing photo by Amy Porter
WESTFIELD — Westfield Historical Commissioner Jennifer Thielen read a proclamation to the City Council at its meeting on Dec. 18 in honor of Major General Henry Knox. The proclamation foreshadows planned celebrations in Westfield, Blandford and Springfield to honor Knox’s Noble Artillery Train, and in Westfield for the 250th signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 3, 2026.
Thielen said at the age of 24, Henry Knox led a crew of teamsters driving oxen and carrying cannons captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga in New York through the Berkshire hills, and then through Westfield on Jan. 12, 1776, on his way to Cambridge to challenge the occupation of Boston by the British army.
Thielen said after the historic victory, considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War, Massachusetts was freed from the tyranny of King George III, and Knox rose in ranks to major general.
The proclamation Thielen read on behalf of Mayor Michael McCabe proclaims Jan. 12, 2026 as Maj. Gen. Henry Knox Day in Westfield, and declares him as an honorary citizen of the city of Westfield posthumously. It also resolves to undertake on July 3, 2026 in Westfield a celebration of the legacy of Knox and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The proclamation and planned celebration are two of several observances in the area of Major General Henry Knox and his efforts on what is commonly known as the Knox Trail.
Blandford observance
On Jan. 11, the Blandford Historical Society is hosting a Cannon Salute and Bonfire Celebration from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Blandford Fairgrounds to commemorate the arrival of Henry Knox’s artillery train in Blandford.
According to Mary Hull, a member of the Historical Society, the winter expedition led by Henry Knox during the American Revolutionary War transported 60 tons of captured cannons from Fort Ticonderoga in New York to the Continental Army outside of Boston.
“The arduous 300-mile journey, undertaken in the winter of 1775-1776, was a critical logistical achievement that provided the firepower needed to force the British evacuation of Boston in March 1776. Over the course of three winter months, Knox and his men moved cannons and other armaments by boat, horse, ox-drawn sledges, and manpower over bad to non-existent roads, semi-frozen rivers, and through the forests and swamps of Western Massachusetts down into the Connecticut River Valley to Westfield and Springfield, where they were able to connect to better quality roads to Boston,” according to the announcement of the celebration.
The steepest descent of the expedition took place in Blandford, where the train had to make its way down into the Connecticut River Valley. Upon reaching Blandford, Knox noted in his diary, “It appeared to me almost a miracle that people with heavy loads should be able to get up and down such hills as are here.”
Knox’s lead crew refused to continue beyond Blandford due to the lack of snow and the difficulty of the terrain. That’s when Blandford resident Solomon Brown stepped up with his teams of oxen to help get the artillery down the treacherous “Devil’s Staircase.”
The public is invited to join the residents of Blandford to commemorate this history and bring to life the story of the Knox Artillery Train and Solomon Brown. The event, which will offer donuts, hot chocolate and cider, is free and open to the public. More information is available at blandfordhistoricalsociety.org
Celebrations in Springfield
The Westfield Historical Commission will also be participating in a free, family-friendly commemoration of Major General Henry Knox’s “Noble Train of Artillery” on Jan. 17 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.
The anniversary program will feature living-history demonstrations and educational experiences that highlight the hardship, ingenuity and teamwork that defined Knox’s journey. Visitors will learn how this pivotal mission shaped the opening months of the Revolutionary War and influenced America’s path to independence.
“This commemoration is about more than reenactments. It’s about honoring the determination and teamwork that shaped the earliest days of our nation, the contributions of citizens in Springfield and the surrounding towns, and ensuring these stories remain alive for future generations,” said Superintendent Kelly Fellner.
Event highlights at the Springfield Armory will include horse- and oxen-drawn cannon sledge demonstration, showing how artillery was hauled across icy terrain during the winter of 1775–76; colonial militia interpreters presenting drills, equipment, and camp life; artillery and firearms blank firing demonstrations illustrating 18th-century weapons technology; and a Continental Arsenal in Springfield exhibit exploring the Armory’s foundational role in supporting the Continental Army.
The commemoration is presented in collaboration with regional reenactors, historical organizations and patriotic groups. Special recognition will be given to the Knox Trail communities of Westfield, West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, Palmer and Warren — towns that continue to preserve and share the history of Knox’s route, Fellner said. For more information on the celebration at the Springfield Armory, contact Alan Amelinckx at 413 734-8551.
Original musical production
The commemoration in Springfield will continue on Sunday, Jan. 18, with an original musical production about General Knox, “For Love! For Liberty!,” by the Springfield Performing Arts Ventures at 52 Sumner Theater.
The musical shares a critical moment in the American Revolution through moving ballads and rap songs, defiant dance numbers and intense scenes of great drama, according to the description.
“Set in 1775 and present day, a group of bored middle schoolers visits the Springfield Armory, their eye-rolling disinterest erupts, but their costumed grandfather, a Revolutionary War reenactor, and his wife bring to life Henry and Lucy Knox and his daring 1775 expedition — hauling 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in the dead of winter.
The past comes alive in pounding work songs, icy danger, and the Knoxs’ desperate letters. Reviewers say, “Western Mass. has its very own ‘Hamilton!’” Tickets are available at 52Sumner.com.
