1776 EVENT ANNIVERSARIES

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Two hundred and fifty years ago, in 1776, key events for Loyalists included the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge, the  evacuation of British troops and Loyalists from Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia, formation of King's Royal Regiment of New York, and the capture of New York by British followed by occupation. These and others are noted below. 

Fort Edward, Nova Scotia 

February 27 - force of Loyalists, including Highland Scots like Alan MacDonald, husband of Flora MacDonald, the reknowned savior of Bonnie Prince Charlie, defeated in North Carolina at  Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge  while on way to join up with British. He was taken prisoner, later to be released as part of an exchange, and Flora joined him in August 1778 at Fort Edward in present day Windsor, Nova Scotia where he was then a Captain in the 84th Regiment (first called the Royal Highland Emigrants).

March 17 - following attack and siege on Boston the British evacuate troops and Loyalists to Halifax including  John Howe, UE  , a printer and father of Joseph Howe, who became Premier of Nova Scotia. The grave of John Howe with headstone of John Howe is in the Old Burying Ground at Halifax. 

Headstone of John Howe, UE 

May 19 - Sir John Johnson and about 200 Loyalists, including his tenants, leave Mohawk Valley and travel to Montreal. He received information that American troops were coming to arrest him. His land and property was confiscated by the State of New York.

June 19 - King's Royal Regiment of New York formed by Sir John Johnson in Quebec. It was authorized by Governor Guy Carleton.

August 27 - British victory at Battle of Long Island allows them to occupy New York which they hold for remainder of conflict. It was the first major battle of the American Revolution after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 2 August 1776. British General William Howe used superior troop numbers and tactics to defeat General George Washington. 

November 28 - Declaration of Dependence signed by Loyalists in New York. It was signed by over 500 residents of New York including clergy, landowners, and merchants pledging loyalty to King George III.

November 29 - Battle of  Fort Cumberland  in Nova Scotia ended with victory for British over supporters of American Revolution, led by Jonathan Eddy. 



Further Reading:

A Highlander and a Loyalist - Alan MacDonald, by Brian McConnell, UE, article published by UELAC 






Historian & Author; Member of United Empire Loyalists ' Association of Canada, Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, Ulster Historical & Genealogical Guild (Life)

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