Today in Johnson City History, August 24, 2025
The Appalachian District Fair, Al Capone and a monkey, Holston Ordinance Works and more
Thursday, August 24, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today,“General George Washington takes possession of Hannah, a small fishing schooner, and arms it with four 4-pounders, making it the first armed vessel to sail under Continental pay and control. Commanded by Army officer Nicholson Broughton, it puts to sea on 5 September 1775 with the mission of preventing provisions from reaching besieged British forces in Boston. Other fishing craft are also acquired for this duty, and histories sometimes refer to these vessels as ‘Washington’s cruisers’.” (Source: https://www.history.navy.mil)