They Shall Grow Weary: Revolution(aries) in the Berkshires

As the Commonwealth of Massachusetts commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding, Berkshire County stands out as a region that not only witnessed the birth of a revolution, but continues to inspire one. Despite being best known today for its cultural riches, natural beauty, and small-town charm, beneath the surface lies a deep and proud legacy of progressive thought, decisive action, and a relentless pursuit of liberty.

Before shots were fired at Lexington and Concord, residents of Great Barrington were already drawing the line. On August 16, 1774, in a bold and coordinated act of resistance, a crowd of Berkshire citizens gathered to shut down the county courthouse—effectively preventing British authority from holding session. This nonviolent uprising was one of the first organized acts of civil disobedience against British rule in the colonies, and it signaled that the revolutionary spirit was alive and well in the hills of Western Massachusetts.

The Berkshires also played a significant role in the military history of the Revolution. General Henry Knox’s legendary transport of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston in the harsh winter of 1775–76 passed directly through the Berkshire region. The Knox Trail, which is now a hiking trail that winds through towns like Otis, Egremont, and West Stockbridge, remains a testament to the grit and determination that defined the Revolutionary cause. As part of MA 250, visitors are invited to the Monterey leg of the trail to “walk in the footsteps of Col. Henry Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery.” 

The Berkshires’ legacy of resistance is not just found in the fight for independence from Britain—it is deeply rooted in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice.

Photo by Gillian Jones, The Berkshire Eagle

Elizabeth Freeman, known as “Mum Bett,” was an enslaved woman in the Sheffield household of Colonel John Ashley, now an historic site under the stewardship of The Trustees. In 1781, she became the first enslaved person to successfully sue for her freedom under the newly ratified Massachusetts Constitution. Freeman’s case helped set the legal precedent that led to the abolition of slavery in the entire state. Today, her story stands as a powerful reminder of the role that individual courage can play in bending the arc of history toward justice. People can learn more about Freeman’s life by exploring the Elizabeth ‘Mum Bet’ Freeman’s Trail, part of the Upper Housatonic Valley African American Heritage Trail. They can also pay homage to Freeman at the site of a bronze statue of her, unveiled in 2022 in the center of Sheffield. 

Another Berkshires native, Agrippa Hull (b. 1759 in Northampton, MA to free Black parents, Amos and Bathsheba Hull who most likely resided in Mill River), served for more than six years in the Continental Army, much of that time as an aide to General Tadeusz Kościuszko. Hull’s intellect, loyalty, and moral clarity left a deep impression on Kościuszko, who would later advocate for the abolition of slavery in the United States. After the war, Hull returned to the Berkshires and became one of the most prominent Black landowners in the Commonwealth. An 1845 New York Tribune article written by a Mrs. Follen stated in sum what the community and anyone who crossed paths with Hull experienced in his presence, “The acuteness and wisdom of his views upon most subjects, and the wit and force of his illustrations, make his conversation so impressive that you remember what he has said long after you have parted from him,” Follen wrote.

Likewise, the Rev. Thomas Allen, known as “the fighting parson” for his pro-Jeffersonian speeches made from the Sunday pulpit, was chaplain to three Berkshire Regiments during the Revolution and took up arms in the cause of liberty. After the war, a man of faith and action, Allen continued to be an outspoken abolitionist until his death in 1810. 

From the stirring commemorations in centuries-old towns to enlightening talks, exhibits, and community gatherings, Berkshire 250 events highlight the rich legacy of revolution—and the resilient spirit of its people, places, and movements that helped to shape the nation. 

To learn more, visit MA250 and Berkshirs250. 

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