Leslie's Retreat

Feb. 26, 1775

Here, in defiance of King George III, local minutemen hid 17 cannons, and were confronted by 300 British troops under command of Colonel Leslie. The Redcoats were routed, with only Joseph Whicher of Salem being wounded. This was the first open resistance to the King by the colonials, and the first blood shed in America's war for independence.

Marker is on North Street (Massachusetts Route 114).