Site of The Blue Anchor Tavern

           

The city of Cambridge was central in the early months of The Revolutionary War. Many of the landmarks in Cambridge represent a spot or building that was important during the Siege of Boston, however, The Blue Anchor Tavern site represents the role Cambridge played in the years following the siege.

The Blue Anchor Tavern was commonly used by the town’s selectmen to discuss local politics, but it served a different purpose in 1777.  In 1777 The British lost The Battle of Saratoga and were forced to surrender. The troops consisted of British and Hessian men under the command of General John Burgoyne The captured soldiers were also known as The Convention troops and were sent to Cambridge to await passage back to Europe. Once in Cambridge they were under the command of the Continental officer, General Health. The terms of surrender stated that the troops should be housed in Cambridge according to rank. However, General Heath had a difficult time getting the citizens of Cambridge to cooperate. Only two years earlier the city had been occupied by The Continental Army, and Cambridge citizens were reluctant to host more troops.

When Burgoyne and his troops arrived in Cambridge the city was disorganized and no arrangements had been made to house The Convention Troops.  Many of the troops were forced to sleep on the streets of Cambridge for weeks. Even the high-ranking officers did not have housing arrangements made for them. General Burgoyne was forced to pay to stay at The Blue Anchor Tavern. After much petitioning to General Heath, Burgoyne was eventually moved to The Apthorp House although he was forced to purchase his own furniture.

 

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