Benning Wentworth, Accidental Revolutionary

Throughout history people have made decisions that ring out long after, and Benning Wentworth, New Hampshire’s first Royal Governor, is no different. Although he retired from politics almost a decade before the Declaration of Independence was signed and passed away five years before the musket shots at Lexington Green shattered any hope at peace, he inadvertently laid the foundation for NH’s revolutionary leaders to lead the way to independence.

In this talk we’ll explore Wentworth’s efforts to place NH on a sound fiscal footing while at the same time strengthening his role as Royal Governor against all political enemies. By building roads, connecting the frontier with Portsmouth, developing the militia, and issuing land grants, Wentworth crafted a colony that was self-sufficient, growing, and independently minded.

Patrick Jennings is the Manager of the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion State Historical Site. He holds a Ph.D. in American History from Loyola University in Chicago and a Master’s of Arts from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to moving to NH, he worked for the National Park Service as a museum specialist, park ranger, and historian. Transferring to the Department of the Army, he helped design and build the new National Museum of the U.S. Army and become a senior historian with the U.S. Army Center of Military History.

Join us for this free history lecture. Space is limited so registration is required using the link below: