The Untold Story of America’s Greatest Revolutionary
Dr. Joseph Warren was one of the most pivotal and influential figures in early American history and his impact upon the nation was profound. His resistance activities against Great Britain predated all the actions of the founding fathers making him a “founding grandfather.” He had risen to become not only the most powerful and dangerous man in all British North America, but also the military standard which newly appointed General George Washington would emulate and the patriot statesman that fellow revolutionaries like Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and John Adams would aspire to mirror. Warren, an architect of the colonial rebellion, was involved in every major insurrectionary event in the environs of Boston—from the Stamp Act to the battle of Bunker Hill. A Harvard educated physician, and gentleman revolutionary, Warren also saved hundreds of New Englanders from the ravages of the smallpox epidemics.
Following his death in 1775, Warren’s life and legend faded, obscuring his essential role in American independence. His life has hitherto baffled scholars and historians, transforming Warren into a neglected and misunderstood figure. Although his role has been forgotten, he agitated against oppressive Crown policies like the Stamp and Sugar Acts and his vehement support of the non-importation agreements (calling for an economic boycott of all British goods) led to the powder keg explosion of the Boston Massacre. Warren attended the wounded and performed autopsies on the victims. One of three men appointed to script a propaganda coup of the event, Warren also delivered two fiery commemorative Boston Massacre Orations in 1772 and again in 1775 under threat of assassination.
Instrumental in planning the Boston Tea Party, Warren’s extensive network reached both sides of the political divide and his standing as the Grand Master of Masons greatly strengthened his influence. Warren drafted the Suffolk Resolves in 1774—a declaration of patriot rights and grievances that called for armed resistance. A precursor document to the Declaration of Independence, the Resolves were unanimously adopted by the divided delegates at the first Continental Congress in Philadelphia creating a cohesive spirit of unanimity. Warren also established an intricate spy network (which preceded Nathan Hale and George Washington’s “Secret Six”) sent Paul Revere and William Dawes on their epic midnight rides, setting off the "Shot heard around the World" on April 19, 1775. As one of the most outspoken and aggressive radicals, Warren also became a main target of the Crown, fighting in every battle and skirmish from Lexington and Concord to Bunker Hill.
In one of his letters to the Congress in May 1775, Warren implored his compatriots to form a national army and appoint a "generalissimo," which led to George Washington's nomination as the Commander-in-Chief of the newly established Continental Army. Dr. Warren was appointed a major general in the Provincial Army and on June 17, 1775, he was killed in action during the battle of Bunker Hill—one of the most gruesome and bloody clashes of the war, which ultimately produced more casualties than every subsequent battle of the entire American Revolution. His death sent shockwaves throughout the patriot ranks and his colleagues lamented his premature death. Stripped of his clothing and his personal possessions, Warren’s corpse was mutilated by British bayonets and buried in a shallow ditch. When General Washington arrived in Cambridge two weeks later, although distraught over Warren’s demise, he was inspired by his courage and selfless act of heroism.
The Man that Changed History
The nation owes Warren an enormous debt of gratitude. His fascinating and important story must be told.
In April 1776, Warren’s body was recovered and went on to become one the most migratory corpses of all the founders. Moved five times over an eight-decade period, Warren’s body was finally laid to rest in August 1856 after daguerreotype images of his skull were taken. Although Warren left behind four orphaned children, he had stood at the helm of what was to become an impressive family medical and military dynasty that carried on for generations into the present day.
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Using his effective arsenal of voice, pen, sword, and scalpel, Dr. Joseph Warren helped push thirteen colonies towards independence. Without his insurgency and resistance efforts against the British, the rebellion would have faltered and likely ended in failure. The values and principles that Warren championed endure, while his story remains a tale of inspiration.