Every day, numerous travelers pass along Boston Road in the vicinity of 2957 Boston Road, oblivious to the presence of a profoundly historic structure hidden beneath the driveway of a local business. This structure, a stone bridge dating back to 1732, stands as a silent witness to the tumultuous events of the American Revolution.
In 1732, alterations were made to the County Road, diverting it from its original course along the Bay Path, which had traversed this area since the early 1640s. Eastward of the Spear Brook hilltop, known today as Mountain Road, the old route was abandoned in favor of a new, more northeasterly path. This new section of road descended downhill briefly before intersecting with what is now Boston Road in the town.
The terrain of this newly constructed stretch posed significant challenges to travelers. Its steep gradient and rocky surface made it particularly treacherous. Notably, General George Washington himself remarked upon these poor conditions during his journey along this road on June 30, 1775. This was a pivotal moment, as he was en route to Cambridge to assume command of the Colonial army. Washington's scrutiny of the road's condition underscores its significance in the early stages of the Revolutionary War.
Subsequently, on October 22, 1789, Washington traversed this road once more, this time as the first President of the United States. His diary entry from this occasion vividly describes the rough and rocky nature of the terrain. Washington's journey along this route culminated in his resting approximately 1.9 miles east of the Wilbraham-Palmer town line. A memorial tablet now stands at this spot in Palmer, commemorating his brief respite and marking a poignant moment in American history.
In the summer of 1753, Benjamin Franklin undertook a pivotal expedition across this bridge, embarking on a mission to address the concerns of his Yankee clientele regarding postage fees. His meticulous survey of postal routes, including the original Upper Post Road passing through what is now Wilbraham, aimed to dispel doubts about the fairness of postal charges assessed by distance.
Nearly two decades later, in January 1776, Henry Knox traversed this bridge as he embarked on a daring mission to transport crucial artillery for General Washington's forces on the besieged Boston. Knox's legendary "noble train of artillery" journeyed some 300 miles, overcoming formidable obstacles of ice-covered rivers, snow-packed roads, and some places muddy terrain to deliver essential weaponry to the Continental Army.
The bridge also bore witness to the passage of British forces, including General Burgoyne and his army in late October 1777 en route to Cambridge after surrendering his entire army in Saratoga New York, numbering 5,800. This was the greatest victory the American forces had up to that point in the Revolutionary War, and it proved to be the turning point in the war, as France entered into an alliance with the American Patriots., and again still as prisoners of war, on November 7, 1778, as they were escorted to Charlottesville, Virginia. This time, General Burgoyne did not accompany his army, as he had been returned to the British at Newport, Rhode Island. Approximately 4145 troops and a number of baggage wagons made this journey including General Riedesel, the commander of the German troops attached to Burgoyne, his wife and four young children. As they traversed the stone bridge, the British forces deviated from their previous route ea towards Cambridge. Instead, they turned south onto the West Road (Main Street) in Wilbraham, bypassing the main road to Springfield. This diversion was a strategic decision by the American forces, aiming to prevent the British from nearing the arsenal in Springfield once again. The British troops then encamped for the night in Wilbraham, likely near the town center, before continuing their journey toward Enfield, Connecticut. From there, they crossed the Connecticut River into Suffield and beyond, as they pressed onward to Virginia.
The year 1787 marked a tumultuous chapter in Wilbraham's history, as Daniel Shays and his followers traversed this bridge during their infamous rebellion against economic injustices. The ensuing clash with Bowdoin's militia near the federal armory in Springfield would be remembered as the Shays Rebellion, a defining moment in the struggle for economic equality in post-revolutionary America.
Tragically, the area surrounding the bridge also witnessed darker events, notably the murder of Marcus Lyon in November 1805. Lyon's tragic end, with his body discovered near the bridge and his hat later uncovered concealed beneath its arches, underscores the somber history of this area. Furthermore, the wrongful conviction and subsequent execution of Domenic Daley and James Halligan in 1806 cast a haunting shadow over the bridge, serving as a poignant reminder of the injustices perpetrated within its vicinity throughout history.
As the centuries have passed, the stone bridge near Boston Road remains an enduring symbol of the countless journeys, both heroic and tragic, that have shaped the course of American history. Its silent stones bear witness to the triumphs and tribulations of generations past, ensuring that their stories are not forgotten amidst the passage of time.
During the 1976 Wilbraham Revolutionary Bicentennial celebration, the significance of the stone bridge near Boston Road was commemorated through various souvenirs adorned with artwork created by four esteemed local artists: William H. Gale, Wadsworth C. Hine, Paul Scopp, and Richard C. Stevens. Their collective masterpiece depicted the iconic scene of General Henry Knox leading his team in hauling cannons from Ticonderoga across the ancient stone bridge spanning Spear Brook.
This artwork not only celebrated the historic journey of General Knox but also immortalized the enduring legacy of the stone bridge itself, which has stood firm against the ravages of time and weather, including floods. Despite the passage of centuries, this venerable structure continues to serve its purpose, linking the present with the past.
As a symbol of resilience and continuity, the old stone bridge remains an integral part of Wilbraham's heritage, a tangible reminder of the sacrifices and triumphs that have shaped the community's identity. Its presence is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who came before, inspiring reverence and admiration for generations to come.
For more information about the Marcus Lyon murder, please click the link below.