Dear Fellow Residents,
I’m excited to officially kick off Revolutionary Roots: America250, Harrison Township’s ongoing community celebration commemorating our nation’s 250th birthday, with our first Growing a Nation feature.
While there were many events that contributed to the unrest that preceded the Declaration of Independence, there were three that many consider foundational.
We begin by Setting the Stage:
- Treaty of Paris (February 10, 1763): Ended the Seven Years’ War, leaving Britain with massive war debts that they sought to recoup through colonial taxation.
- Sugar Act (1764) & Stamp Act (1765): The first direct taxes on colonists, sparking widespread protest and the famous slogan, “No taxation without representation.”
- Townshend Acts (June 1767): Imposed taxes on essential goods like glass, lead, and tea, leading to a British military occupation of Boston in 1768. The occupation of Boston was the first large military occupation of a colonial city.
These events helped ignite a growing movement for liberty and independence that would ultimately shape the future of our nation.
Over the coming months, members of our Township Committee will continue the Growing a Nation series, giving residents an opportunity to explore the defining moments, leaders, and events that shaped America’s path to independence.
Residents can also order the official Harrison Township Revolutionary Roots: America250 t-shirt, now available online. This limited-edition swag is a great way to show your township pride while commemorating this historic milestone. We encourage everyone to wear theirs on June 6.
As our nation commemorates its 250th birthday, I look forward to celebrating this historic milestone together as a community.
Sincerely,
TJ Coakley
Deputy Mayor, Harrison Township
