Today in Johnson City History, Thursday, July 31, 2025
Major Tupper, William Jennings Bryan, Telford residents and more
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July 31, 1775: Two hundred and fifty years ago today, “At Great Brewster Island, Massachusetts during the night (of July 31), Maj. Benjamin Tupper led a force of 300 men in whaleboats to stop some repair work on the island's lighthouse. They were to also capture the British guard detachment and a group of workers. The lighthouse was damaged from the Battle of Great Brewster Island 10 days earlier. The American force landed on the island and engaged the British, killing or capturing the entire 32-man British detachment, a subaltern, and 10 carpenters. Tupper's escape was delayed because of missing one tide. He shortly evacuated all of the British prisoners while only sustaining 2 casualties of his own force.” (Source: https://www.myrevolutionarywar.com/)