BCHS 250th Lecture Series: Joseph Warren: Had He Survived the War the Name of Washington Might be Obscure
Joseph Warren was the foremost Patriot leader in 1775. He was a widowed father of four young children and a prominent Boston physician. His name, courage, and determination to stand opposed to British tyranny was known throughout the colonies and in England. Though not present, he unified the disgruntled First Continental Congress. He was forced to make the decision ALONE to ignite the American Revolution. He took part in every major event in Massachusetts starting in 1765 and ending with his sacrificial death at the Battle of Bunker Hill. British General William Howe declared Warren’s life equal to 500 ordinary colonials. A prominent Boston Loyalist stated that had Warren survived the war, the name of Washington would be obscure. Washington himself referred to Warren as the commander-in-chief. He had just turned thirty-four before being killed in action.
Joseph Warren was the essence of Liberty.
Janet Uhlar is the author of two books on forgotten heroes of the American Revolution, Liberty’s Martyr: The Story of Dr. Joseph Warren and Freedom’s Cost: The Story of General Nathanael Greene. Her research began forty years ago and continues with her unique insight into previously disregarded accomplishments of these exemplary heroes and in refutation to unsubstantiated inferential leaps taken in contemporary works pertaining to them. Janet’s 2012 keynote address on Gen. Greene inspired the Nathanael Greene Statue Project at Valley Forge and upon the discovery of a relic said to have belonged to Dr. Warren she supervised the Joseph Warren Sash Project.
Janet teaches a course, The American Revolution: A Different Perspective and continues to lecture extensively, and to a wide variety of audiences including:
– Bunker Hill National Historical Park
– Adams National Historical Park
– USS Constitution
– Rhode Island Historical Association
– Triennial of the General Society of the Sons of the Revolution
Cost: Donation suggested