This Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which ignited the American Revolution. And, since this single day also marks the beginning of the military path that led us to July 4, 1776, it’s worth reflecting on the unparalleled contributions to American independence and democracy that came from one family: the Adams family. Without their involvement, it is quite possible we would still be under British rule.
The Adams family — John, Abigail, and their descendants, including the nation’s sixth president, John Quincy Adams — embodied the intellectual fortitude and moral courage that defined America’s founding era. Their determination and service to God, country, and family were instrumental in the American Revolution. John Adams, a son of a farmer who attended Harvard on a scholarship, was a circuit lawyer.
John Adams and his family were key in the formation and flourishing of the United States. Their accomplishments merit a memorial in Washington, D.C., alongside those of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The Adams Memorial Commission, established by Congress, plans to do that with public support and the expertise of leading historians.
The year 1775 was a turning point in the relations between the British Empire and the colonies. Prior to this time, many believed that the relationship could be maintained.
But on Feb. 9, King George III and Parliament declared that the colony of Massachusetts was in open rebellion. During the next two months, the relationship continued to deteriorate.
On April 19, British General Thomas Gage led 700 British soldiers on a mission to confiscate munitions in Concord. When they passed through Lexington on their way to Concord, they engaged in a skirmish with local militia. The same occurred once they reached Concord, just 6 miles away.
As the British soldiers returned to Boston, about 20 miles southeast of Concord, militia members and other colonialists sniped at and ambushed them. The result was 250 casualties for the British and 90 for the colonies. This was an unimaginable loss to the British.
John and Abigail, who were living in Braintree, some 20 to 30 miles southeast of Lexington and Concord, heard about the battles the next day. John traveled to the sites to learn more about what had happened. He realized that we were now on the path to a military outcome.
In May, he returned to Independence Hall in Philadelphia to participate in the Second Continental Congress. There, on June 10, he proposed the idea of creating a Continental Army, which the Congress approved four days later. On June 15, Adams moved to nominate George Washington to lead the Army. His cousin, Samuel Adams, seconded the motion, and the Congress unanimously voted for General Washington.
Adams championed the cause of separating from Britain at a time when doing so was considered treasonous. He understood the possible consequences of his actions, yet took bold stands. For example, he was a member of the committee to create the Declaration of Independence, and he chose Thomas Jefferson to be the author. A little over a year later, as Washington led his troops in battle and the Congress debated the possible declaration, it was Adams, rather than Jefferson, who led the oral arguments.
His wife, Abigail Adams, deserves equal recognition. While her husband was embroiled in politics, she kept their family farm running and worked as an entrepreneur, buying and selling items that weren’t readily available. Unlike others in the Congress, John was not rich, and Abigail’s work enabled him to continue to serve our country.
At a time when women were routinely excluded from participation in politics, she became what historian Joseph Ellis called “the most extraordinary woman of her age.” Her admonition to John to “remember the ladies” when forming the new government demonstrated a forward-looking vision of citizenship, when women would also vote.
WHAT THE PRESIDENCIES OF JOE BIDEN AND JOHN ADAMS HAVE IN COMMON
John Adams once predicted, “Monuments will never be erected to me.” So far, he has been correct. The Adams Memorial Foundation has taken on the mission of ensuring that John Adams, Abigail Adams, and their descendants are memorialized in Washington, D.C.
As Ambassador Andrew Young, who served on the foundation’s advisory board, recently wrote, “A memorial to the Adams family will serve as an invitation to all Americans to reflect on the principles we uphold. The Adams family will once again stand as a beacon, amidst polarization and mistrust, to remind us of the ever-lasting importance of integrity, personal responsibility, and public service. Let us build this monument, not only to honor the past but to encourage future generations to uphold the ideals that the Adams family so courageously defended.”
Jackie Cushman is the Chairman of the Adams Memorial Commission, which was established by Congress to develop a memorial to John Adams in Washington, D.C.
