Revolutionary Centennial Banner

This banner was created by the town of Needham for the centennial of the Battle of Lexington and Concord in 1875. Like many Massachusetts communities, Needham marked the 100th anniversary by honoring the local men who had taken part in the events of April 19, 1775.

On that morning in 1775, British troops marched from Boston toward Concord and local militia companies mobilized and moved towards Lexington and Concord. Among those responding were men from Needham, including the five whose names appear on the banner. All five of these Needham militiamen died during the events of April 19, 1775.

This banner was displayed during the centennial commemorations held on April 19,1875 when towns across Massachusetts gathered to remember the beginning of the Revolution. Among those present was President Ulysses S. Grant, who attended the major centennial ceremonies held in Concord.  

This banner is preserved at the Needham History Center and serves as a memorial to five local men who lost their lives during the opening day of the Revolution and as a reminder of how communities a century later worked to preserve and honor their Revolutionary history. The names of these citizens: John Bacon, Nathaniel Chambers, Amos Mills, Elisha Mills and Jonathan Parker, continue to connect the town with the sacrifices made during the founding of the nation.