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Battle of Chelsea Creek 250th Anniversary Celebrations
The Battle of Chelsea Creek is a significant, yet often forgotten, event in the history of the American Revolution. It was the first naval engagement of the American Revolution in the spring of 1775, as tensions between the colonists and the British were escalating. While the British controlled Boston, they relied on supplies from the Harbor Islands. The Battle of Chelsea Creek was a crucial moment when the colonists struck back, marking the first victory for the Army of the United Colonies. It was also the first time American forces took control of a British warship, the HMS Diana.
Battle of Chelsea Creek Celebration
SSV Ernestina-Morrissey sails into Chelsea for the celebrations.
The festival kicks off with an official opening ceremony featuring fife and drum, remarks from city and elected officials, followed by a special presentation by John McGough of Historical Services, The Adjutant General’s Office.
Parade: From 11.30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Marginal Street
Explore the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey, the 1894 schooner from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, as you learn about the first British vessel captured and destroyed—the HMS Diana
Artillery Demonstrations (12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.)
Revolutionary-Era Militia Encampment
Musket Firing Demonstrations thru the day
Children’s Spot: Colonial Games, Historical Schoolmaster Station, and Balloon Artist
Bent Water Beer Garden
Local food vendors:
- Tawakal Halal Cafe
- Bella Isla Express
- Antojitos Latinos Chelsea
- Orlando’s Fully Baked
- Boba Tea & Snow Ice House
- Lily Jello’s Factory
Merch stand hosted by the Chelsea Chambers of Commerce
A highlight of the event will be the original cannon captured from the HMS Diana, on display for the first time in Chelsea! This historic artifact was taken by Groton’s Asa Lawrence and his men in May 1775.
The Governor Bellingham Cary House
The Governor Bellingham-Cary House, built in 1659, will hold an open house from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. It is one of New England’s oldest surviving wood-frame houses. Originally home to Richard Bellingham, a Puritan governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, it later belonged to Samuel Cary, a Revolutionary War patriot. The house showcases 17th-century architecture, including a steeply pitched roof and diamond-pane windows, with later Georgian additions.
A rare example of early colonial life, it was moved in 1928 to its current location on Broadway. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark, offering glimpses into Puritan governance and Revolutionary-era history.
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Learn more Revolutionary history in this complete guide to Revolutionary War Sites in New England. Brought to you by the New England Historical Society. Click here to order your copy in paperback, here to order an ebook.