Liberty Minute: Hessian and Patriot History – Huntington 250th Anniversary (June 16, 2026)
Liberty Minute: Hessian and Patriot History – Huntington 250th Anniversary (June 16, 2026)
The meeting opened with a Liberty Minute segment, part of Huntington's celebration of 250 years of American independence. This historical presentation recounted the presence of Hessian mercenaries in Huntington during the Revolutionary War, including the construction of huts on Park Avenue and Woodhull Road to house them. It also highlighted the story of an enslaved man named Elijah, who was shot in the head but survived, helping thwart an attack. The segment concluded by honoring the sacrifices of Huntington Patriots.
Liberty Minute Presentation
- The presentation described the role of Hessian mercenaries hired by the British, many of whom occupied Huntington.
- Six huts were built on the southwest corner of Park Avenue and Woodhull Road to house Hessian troops.
- A British officer described these German mercenaries as "the worst set of scoundrels ever created."
- An enslaved man named Elijah was shot through the head but survived, contributing to thwarting an attack.
- The segment emphasized that "thanks to the sacrifices of generations of Huntington Patriots, liberty endures."
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to this Liberty Minute, part of Huntington's celebration of 250 years of American independence. During the Revolution, thousands of German mercenaries known as Hessians were hired by the British to supplement their forces in America. Many of the troops occupying Huntington were Hessians. While British officers occupied many of the houses around the village green, six huts were built on the southwest corner of Park Avenue and Woodhull Road to house Hessian troops. These German mercenaries were described by a British officer as the worst set of scoundrels ever created. The attack was thwarted thanks in part to the actions of an enslaved man named Elijah, who was shot through the head but survived. Thanks to the sacrifices of generations of Huntington Patriots, liberty endures!
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