General Knox's Epic Expedition with his Noble Train of Artillery through Wilbraham

Henry Knox was indeed a significant figure in early American history. Born in Boston in 1750, he played crucial roles in both the Revolutionary War and the early years of the United States government.

Henry Knox, a Boston bookseller and artillery expert who would achieve fame in General Washington's army, was painted by Peale at Valley Forge in late May 1778.

Knox began his career as a bookseller in Boston but soon became involved in the patriot cause. During the onset of the American Revolutionary War following the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, Henry Knox, alongside his wife Lucy, clandestinely departed Boston. Knox promptly joined the militia army that was besieging the city. Utilizing his expertise in engineering, he played a pivotal role in fortifying the area under the command of General Artemas Ward.

As the conflict escalated, Knox found himself actively engaged in battle, notably directing rebel cannon fire during the pivotal Battle of Bunker Hill. His strategic acumen and dedication to the cause did not go unnoticed. When General George Washington assumed command of the Continental Army in July 1775, he was deeply impressed by Knox's contributions.

A strong rapport swiftly developed between Washington and Knox, leading to regular interactions and collaboration with other high-ranking officers. Despite lacking a formal commission in the army initially, Knox's merit and potential were championed by figures such as John Adams in the Second Continental Congress.

Through concerted efforts, including Knox's own advocacy and strategic correspondence, he eventually secured a commission as colonel of the army's artillery regiment. This achievement underscored Knox's growing stature within the revolutionary ranks and his indispensable role in shaping the nascent Continental Army's artillery strategy.

As the siege persisted, a pivotal idea emerged: the possibility of utilizing recently captured cannon from forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in upstate New York to significantly influence its outcome. It is widely attributed to Henry Knox for proposing this notion to General Washington, who promptly entrusted him with the task of leading an expedition to retrieve the artillery.

Embarking on this critical mission, Knox arrived at Ticonderoga on December 5th. Thus began what would later be dubbed the "noble train of artillery." Knox and his men commenced the arduous journey of transporting approximately 60 tons of cannon and other armaments. This Herculean feat involved hauling the weaponry via horse-drawn and ox-drawn sleds across some 300 miles of ice-covered rivers and snow-clad Berkshire Mountains to reach the besieged camps in Boston.

Knox's remarkable leadership and logistical prowess during this endeavor proved instrumental in bolstering the Continental Army's artillery capabilities, ultimately playing a crucial role in the outcome of the siege. This daring exploit solidified Knox's reputation as an indispensable asset to the revolutionary cause and further cemented his close relationship with General Washington.

In the sparsely populated region, Henry Knox faced significant challenges in recruiting personnel and securing draft animals for his expedition. Despite these obstacles, Knox and his team persevered, overcoming numerous difficulties along the way.

Henry Knox's journey with the cannon for General Washington traced a route that roughly followed the Old Boston Post Road through North Wilbraham on January 15 or 16, 1776. This post road at that time would have come out of the Town of Springfield along the north side of the present railroad tracks meeting up to Stony Hill at the curve and following this road onto the Old Boston Road then going straight beyond the current bridge over the railroad tracks and then connecting to Boston Road. Following this road, it would have continued to Old Bay Road by Nine Mile Pond and back onto Boston Road. The road would then follow Maple Street to Mountain Road continuing to the curve located at 138 where the road verd off in a northerly direction back onto Boston Road just after crossing the stone bridge over Spear Brook. Then continuing on Boston Road and crossing the heavy timber bridge over Twelve Mile Brook and onto the Town of Palmer. 

Blue line traces the route of Knox through Wilbraham in 1776

The historic pathway posed numerous challenges, especially navigating the muddy and snowy terrain, which pushed the limits of transportation by horse and oxen. One particularly challenging section was the steep grade from Mountain Road to Boston Road. Even General George Washington, on his way to Boston in 1775 to assume command of the Continental Army, remarked in his diary about the difficulty of this part of the road.

Despite these formidable obstacles, Henry Knox demonstrated unwavering determination and resilience, pressing forward with his mission. His leadership and perseverance were instrumental in overcoming the challenges posed by the treacherous terrain, ensuring the successful transport of the cannon to General Washington's forces.

What was initially anticipated to be a two-week endeavor stretched into over six weeks of relentless effort. Finally, on January 27, 1776, Knox triumphantly reported the arrival of the weapons train to General Washington. 

Knox's remarkable achievement is commemorated by a series of plaques marking the Henry Knox Trail in New York and Massachusetts, celebrating his pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. Among these commemorations, one notable plaque stands at the corner of Maple and Main Streets in Wilbraham. 

Plaque marking the Henry Knox Trail in Wilbraham

Upon the arrival of the cannon in Cambridge, they were swiftly deployed to fortify Dorchester Heights, a strategic position recently seized by Washington's forces. The commanding presence of the new battery overlooking Boston Harbor compelled the British fleet to withdraw to Halifax, effectively ending the siege.

With this pivotal victory secured, Knox redirected his efforts toward strengthening defenses in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York City, anticipating potential British assaults. During this time, he forged friendships with notable figures such as Alexander Hamilton, commander of the local artillery in New York, and Massachusetts General Benjamin Lincoln.

The location of the very first armory was approved by George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. Henry Knox's familiarity with the area and its strategic significance played a crucial role in the selection of Springfield, Massachusetts, as the location for this armory. As Washington's artillery chief, Knox had an intimate knowledge of military logistics and strategic considerations. Upon the recommendation of General Knox, Congress had already voted Brookfield, Massachusetts as the ideal site, but this was changed.

At the time of its establishment in 1777, Springfield was a small town. However, it possessed significant geographical advantages. Situated at the intersection of three rivers, including the important Connecticut River, and four major roads leading to key cities such as New York City, Boston, Albany, and Montreal, Springfield was strategically located for transportation and defense purposes.

Moreover, Springfield's location just north of the Connecticut River's first waterfall, known as Enfield Falls, made it inaccessible to seafaring naval vessels. This natural barrier was protected from potential attacks by enemy ships, making Springfield the first town on the Connecticut River that was shielded from such threats.

The Town of Wilbraham boasts a rich and storied history, with deep ties not only to local and regional narratives but also to significant chapters in national history. From its early settlement to its role in pivotal events like the American Revolutionary War. 

Moreover, Wilbraham's connections to national history are exemplified by individuals like President George Washington and Henry Knox, whose remarkable expedition with the Noble Train of Artillery traversed the town's terrain en route to Boston during the Revolutionary War. This historic journey, commemorated by plaques along the Henry Knox Trail, highlights Wilbraham's integral role in the struggle for American independence and its enduring contributions to the nation's collective memory.

Beyond its Revolutionary War ties, Wilbraham's history encompasses diverse facets, including its agricultural heritage, industrial development, and cultural evolution. From the iconic landmarks of yesteryears to the vibrant community institutions of today, Wilbraham's historic character continues to resonate with residents and visitors alike, offering a compelling narrative of resilience, progress, and legacy.

Knox's entire trail in the winter of 1775 and 1776