The 250th Anniversary of The Battle of Bunker Hill: The Dawn of Independence, the Death of an Industry: The Pottery of Charlestown, Massachusetts

Since this year marks 250 years since the start of the American Revolution, and with the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill fast approaching on June 17th; I wanted to remind anyone who does not already own it, and may have an interest, that the subject of my third book covers the red earthenware (and some stoneware) industry of Charlestown, titled, The Dawn of Independence, the Death of an Industry: The Pottery of Charleston, Massachusetts. This industry was ultimately destroyed at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. 

For a brief description of the book: The red earthenware industry in Charlestown, Massachusetts supplied households throughout coastal New England with utilitarian wares, circa 1635-1775. The industry was unsurpassed in New England with production recovered as far north as Canada and as far south as the Carolinas. Dozens of potters and a number of businesses made up this industry; the most prominent years of production were 1740-1775. There was even an attempt to produce stoneware in the 1740s in competition with New York City, Philadelphia and Virginia. The identity of this industry was destroyed in 1775 during the Battle of Bunker Hill. More than 200 years later, this identity was revealed when archaeologists excavated part of Charlestown for Boston’s Big Dig Project. These important artifacts provide a better understanding of how far Charlestown’s pottery traveled before 1775. This book is the first of its kind, exploring the history of Charlestown’s industry, the pottery, the exports and its historical significance.

Here is a link to purchase the book: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-dawn-of-independence-the-death-of-an-industry/

The pre-1775 red earthenware production in Charlestown will also be part of the tenth book that I am currently working now, titled, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, South Danvers and Peabody, Massachusetts. This book will be out later this year or sometime in 2026.

Note: This industry is also discussed as part of my eighth book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses: https://historicbeverly.net/product/an-influential-family-of-early-potters-the-clarks-of-new-hampshire-and-related-businesses/.

Also see a feature story I wrote that was published on pages 24-25 in the March 14, 2025 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, A Rediscovered Battle Of Bunker Hill Claims Book From Charlestown, Mass.: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2025/03/new-feature-story-in-antiques-and-arts.html

The 250th Anniversary of The Battle of Bunker Hill

The Dawn of Independence, the Death of an Industry: The Pottery of Charlestown, Massachusetts

See Above for More Information

 18th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Lidded Pot

Attributed tot the Industry in Charlestown, MA 

Possibly Made at the Parker Family Pottery

Likely Circa 1735-1755

The Pot was Reportedly Found in a Home in Winchester, MA in 1976

The Pot also Reportedly Has Ties to Nina Fletcher Little
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Samuel Herrup and City of Boston Archeology Department

 View of One of the Handles
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Samuel Herrup and City of Boston Archeology Department

 View of the Lid
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Samuel Herrup and City of Boston Archeology Department

 (Right) Chamber Pot Excavated at the Three Cranes Tavern

The Pots Share Very Similar Glazes, Ovoid Forms and Footed Bases
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Samuel Herrup and City of Boston Archeology Department

(Right) Handled Pot Excavated at the Three Cranes Tavern

The Pots Share Very Similar Slip Techniques
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Samuel Herrup and City of Boston Archeology Department

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...