Event
Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery
Fee:
Free.Location:
Springfield Armory NHSDates & Times
Date:
Time:
Duration:
Type of Event
Description
— Springfield Armory National Historic Site will host a free, family-friendly commemoration on Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12:00–3:00 p.m., marking the 250th anniversary of Henry Knox’s daring “Noble Train of Artillery.” The event honors the 300-mile winter expedition that brought captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston, an achievement that helped secure one of the Continental Army’s earliest strategic victories.
This anniversary program will feature engaging living-history demonstrations and educational experiences that highlight the hardship, ingenuity, and teamwork that defined Knox’s remarkable journey. Visitors will learn how this pivotal mission shaped the opening months of the Revolutionary War and influenced America’s path to independence.
Superintendent Kelly Fellner stated:
“This commemoration is about more than reenactments. It’s about honoring the determination and teamwork that shaped the earliest days of our nation, the contributions of citizens in Springfield and the surrounding towns, and ensuring these stories remain alive for future generations.”
Event Highlights
- Horse- and oxen-drawn cannon sledge demonstration showing how artillery was hauled across icy terrain during the winter of 1775–76.
- Colonial militia interpreters presenting drills, equipment, and camp life.
- Artillery and firearms blank firing demonstrations illustrating 18th-century weapons technology.
- Continental Arsenal in Springfield exhibit exploring the Armory’s foundational role in supporting the Continental Army.
Activities up to and including Procession
· 9:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. Museum open
o Historical Ambassadors Kids activities ongoing
o Arsenal Exhibit
o City/Town Banners – Westfield, West Springfield, Springfield, Wilbraham, Palmer, Warren
o DAR/SAR information table
o Army Center for Military History info table
o Boy Scout Council of Western Mass
· 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 – In Armory Museum Theater: “H. Knox…On the Knox Trail” Produced by Jonathan Barkan, video 20 minutes
· 11:00 a.m. Cannon and Muskets firing demonstration
· 11:45 a.m. One Cannon Shot
· 12:00 p.m. - Jonathan Lane Introduce / Welcome Procession of drawn sleds and Knox
o Procession begin in front of Museum and travel around the green – includes horse and oxen sleds or wagons, 25th Cont. Reg. Cranes Artillery, Fyfe and Drum, Boy Scout troop, DAR, Masons, area ROTC, general public
· 12:45 p.m. End procession at Schibelli Hall Auditorium
1:00 p.m. – Schibelli Hall Auditorium
1. WELCOME TO KNOX 250 Jonathan Lane, Executive Director, Revolution250
2. WELCOME TO SPRINGFIELD Mayor Dominic Sarno
3. MEANING & SIGNIFICANCE U.S. Congressman Richard E. Neal
4. INTRODUCTION TO KNOX TRAIL COMMEMORATION VIDEO Robert Allison, Professor of History, Department of History Language, and Global Culture, Suffolk University
5. REMARKS FROM THE COMMONWEALTH
o State Senator Jacob R. Oliveira
o State Senator Adam Gómez
6. PRESENTATION OF PLAQUES - Sheila Green, 250th American Revolution Anniversary Coordinator, MA Office of Travel & Tourism
o Westfield - Kathleen Palmer
o West Springfield - Mayor Will Reichelt
o Springfield - Mayor Domenic Sarno
o Palmer - Patience Hartley
o Wilbraham - Richard Howell & David Bourcier
o Warren - Town Administrator James Ferrera
7. REFLECTION
o Mary Tedesco, State Regent, Massachusetts Daughters of the American Revolution
o Holly Stone Blair, Librarian General, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
8. PREVIEW PERFORMANCE - For Love! For Liberty! A new Musical about General Knox Introduction by Kelly Fellner, Superintendent, Springfield Armory NHS
After Ceremony Museum and Grounds
· 2:15 – Musket and Canon firing demonstration
· 2:30 - Springfield Rifles Rugby Club pull the sled challenge
· 2:45 p.m. – Fyfe and Drum send off
· 3:00 p.m. - Cannon demonstration
Reservation or Registration: No
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