This is the story of Joseph Spaulding—an American Patriot who took part in the American Revolution right from the start. He fought at the Battle of Lexington and Concord which was the first skirmish of the war where the “shot heard round the world” was fired. But it was at the Battle of Bunker Hill whereContinue reading “History’s Forgotten Marksman: Joseph Spaulding at Bunker Hill”
Tag Archives: Chelmsford
Beneath the Symbols: Meanings Behind Colonial-Era Gravestones
Before I jump into this month’s post, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate a little milestone. This month—November 2025—marks four years since I launched The Fortitude Blog! I’m deeply grateful to my readers and subscribers who have been along for the ride and shared in the stories and history we’ve explored together over these past fourContinue reading “Beneath the Symbols: Meanings Behind Colonial-Era Gravestones”
The Arrival Debate
This is the immigration story of my 9th great-grandfather, Edward Spalding (1601-1669), the progenitor of the Massachusetts branch of the Spalding/Spaulding family, and the first to bring the surname from England to the New World.1 Arrival Theories Historical and genealogical research is exhilarating, challenging, and yes at times, frustrating. New evidence is discovered each year,Continue reading “The Arrival Debate”
The Forefathers Burying Ground
I’m pretty confident that your bucket list of those “must sees” before your time on earth is up doesn’t include trips to old cemeteries. Skydiving perhaps or an exhilarating bungie jump off a bridge, but sauntering through the grounds of a timeworn cemetery may not be at the top of your “to do” list. BearContinue reading “The Forefathers Burying Ground”
Fortitude 