On May 31, 1778, the little town of Fall River (then still Freetown) witnessed its only military action of the American Revolution at the mouth of the Quequechan River.
On Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, you are invited to Fall River Heritage State Park to commemorate the 247th anniversary of the Battle of Fall River with a weekend-long living history event on the same riverbanks that witnessed the battle.The Battle of Fall River Reenactment Weekend (May 31 – June 1, 2025) will feature a variety of engaging activities designed to immerse visitors in the Revolutionary War era and the history of Fall River.
Presented by the Lafayette-Durfee Historical Foundation in partnership with The City of Fall River, Viva Fall River, and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR), the events will be hosted at DCR Fall River Heritage State Park. This event is made possible in part by funding from the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism, the Mass Cultural Council, the Fall River Cultural Council, St. Anne’s Credit Union, and BayCoast Bank. the living history event will include several local military reenactment units, including the 54th Regiment of Foote and the 13th Continental Line. Both days will feature infantry drills, open-fire cooking demonstrations, blacksmithing, sailmaking, pottery, and more. The encampment will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m on both days. Please see below for the schedule and more information on attending the event.
The Battle of Fall River Reenactment Weekend is honored to be part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ MA250, a statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of pivotal events leading up to the American Revolution. MA250 celebrates Massachusetts’ rich history and its role in the fight for independence. The program spans from 2025 through 2033, marking key milestones from the colonial resistance to the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. Through events, educational programs, and community engagement, MA250 aims to inspire reflection on the past while encouraging conversations about democracy, freedom, and civic responsibility today.
The Battle of Fall River
On a fateful day in 1778, British troops landed at the base of what is now Anawan and Pocasset Streets, expecting little resistance as they marched uphill. Instead, they were met by Colonel Joseph Durfee and 16 brave militiamen, who unleashed a fierce barrage of musket fire from behind a stone wall on the ridge. Outnumbered and outgunned, these local patriots stood their ground, defending their village against the Redcoats’ advance.
As the battle raged, Durfee’s men skillfully withdrew across the Quequechan River, removing the bridge planks behind them and making a final stand that forced the British into retreat. Though the colonists suffered no casualties, the British burned local mills and homes before fleeing back to their ships. Today, this skirmish — a story of courage and resilience — is remembered as the Battle of Fall River, a testament to the spirit of those who fought to protect their community.
Join us as we commemorate this historic event with a weekend of reenactments, honoring the heroes who stood tall against overwhelming odds.
Everything You Need to Know About The Battle of Fall River Reenactment Weekend
DATE
Saturday, May 31, 2025 — Sunday, June 1, 2025
The Battle of Fall River living history event will take place rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.
TIME
The Event Area will be open each day from 10:00AM – 4:00PM. For a detailed agenda, please see below.
LOCATION DETAILS
Fall River Heritage State Park
South Parking Lot Entrance: 5 Water St.
This event is free and suitable for all ages; the Heritage State Park and Visitors Center are wheelchair accessible. Reasonable accommodation is available with advanced notice. Restrooms are available for use inside the Fall River Heritage State Park Visitors Center.
PARKING
Free parking is available in the DCR Lot at 5 Water Street. Parking is limited. Additional lots will be available, as well as a trolley shuttle service. More details to come.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Battle of Fall River Reenactment Weekend (May 31 – June 1, 2025) will feature a variety of engaging activities designed to immerse visitors in the Revolutionary War era and the history of Fall River. Some key activities include:
Living History Encampment
- Experience an 18th-century military camp with reenactors portraying soldiers and camp followers.
- See demonstrations of daily life, including cooking, blacksmithing, and musket cleaning.
- Interact with reenactors to learn about period clothing, weaponry, and tactics.
Battle Reenactments
Witness dramatic reenactments of skirmishes between Colonial militia and British troops.
Revolutionary War Artillery & Weapons Demonstrations
- See cannon and musket firing demonstrations.
- Learn about the technology and tactics of 18th-century warfare.
- Talk with experts about the evolution of military equipment.
Market & Artisan Fair
Browse handcrafted goods from craftspeople and historical reenactors.
Revolutionary Reception: Sunday, June 1 only
More information to come
AGENDA
Subject to Change. More details will be added.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Camps open to public American camp (3); British camp (4)
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Artifacts on Display
Visitors Center (1) - 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Colonial Craft Fair
Craft tents (2) - 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Drill Practice Battleground (5)
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Battle of Fall River reenactment Battleground (5)
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Fife and Drum Band Performance Battleground (5)
- 4:00 PM: Camps close to public
Sunday, June 1, 2025
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Camps open to public American camp (3); British camp (4)
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Artifacts on Display
Visitors Center (1) - 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Colonial Craft Fair
Craft tents (2) - 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Lectures, Fashion Show
MORE DETAILS TO COME Visitors Center (1) - 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Drill Practice Battleground (5)
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Battle of Fall River reenactment Battleground (5)
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Fife and Drum Band Performance Battleground (5)
- 4:00 PM: Camps close to public
PARTICIPANTS
PERFORMERS
Colonial Forces
- 2nd Rhode Island Regiment | Captain Tew’s Company
- 13th Continental Regiment | Rehoboth Minutemen Company
- Dartmouth Militia and Living History Group
- Lebanon CT Militia
- The Colonial Navy of Massachusetts Fife and Drum Band
- The Kingston Reds
- Wareham Minutemen and Militia Companies
British Forces
- 9th Regiment of Foote
- 54th Regiment of Foote
- Royal Marines
Colonial People
- Michele Boisonette | Laundress
- Ryan Daniels | School Teacher
- Ladies of the Greene | Colonial Women Settlers
- Sandy Spector| Martha Washington
ARTISANS
- Andy Volpe | Visual artist and printmaker
- Big Bear Trading Co. | Historical clothing and accessories
- Colonial Classroom 1775 | Colonial historians
- John Garcia | Tinsmith
- Rock Village Forge | Traditional blacksmith
- The Pewter Pot | 18th-century chocolatier
- Wedges of Time | Colonial cooking demonstrations
CONCESSIONS
Food and beverage will be available for purchase in the Food Truck area (6). Each day will feature the following vendors:
Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Blount Seafood
- Kona Ice
- Tacofied
- Turner Brothers
Sunday, June 1, 2025
- Kona Ice
- No Joke Smoke BBQ
- Pop’s Mobile Brick Oven Pizza
- Tacofied
QUILT RAFFLE TO SUPPORT THE LAFAYETTE DURFEE HOUSE
The Lafayette-Durfee House relies heavily on donations and volunteers, as it does not charge admission in order to make access to local history as equitable and convenient as possible.
To support their mission, the Lafayette-Durfee House Founation is raffling this handmade, cotton queen-sized quilt.
Tickets are $10.00 each or 3 for $20.00 and will be available to purchase at the event (at the Information Table). They can also be purchased prior by calling (508) 813-8230 or sending a private message on Facebook. CLICK HERE.
Experience Fall River’s Colonial History at the Lafayette-Durfee House
Experience Fall River’s colonial history hands-on at the Lafayette-Durfee House, a preserved colonial home built circa 1750 in the historic Lower Highlands district of Fall River. Its original owner, Col. Joseph Durfee, was often visited there by Marquis de Lafayette, who served with him under then-General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Joseph Durfee went on to lead Fall River’s volunteer militia through several significant Revolutionary War battles, including the Battle of Fall River in 1778, After the war, Durfee went on to construct Fall River’s first cotton mill, setting the City up for the booming, world-renowned textile manufacturing industry that proliferated throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
The Lafayette-Durfee House is maintained by the Lafayette Durfee Historic Foundation. It is the only preserved colonial home open to the public in Fall River and offers guided tours showcasing genuine colonial clothing, furniture, housewares, tools, and weapons as well as interactive demonstrations featuring period-accurate food, games, and activities. The House perfectly encapsulates Fall River’s lesser-known yet incredibly significant ties to the American Revolution.
Admission is Free with a suggested donation of $3.00 for adults. Children under 12 are ALWAYS free. Learn more at www.lafayettedurfeehouse.org.