Loyalists were American colonists who stayed true to the British Crown before and during the Revolutionary War. Historians estimate that between 15 and 20 percent of whites living in the colonies in 1775 were Loyalists.
The vast majority lived in the middle colonies, especially New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Contrary to what you might expect, Loyalists included more than royal officials and the upper crust; they were also carpenters, tailors and boatmen.
And while some of their contemporaries may have viewed them unfavorably, they were every bit as American as their fellow subjects.
Heritage Conservancy President Jeffrey Marshall (pictured) will present a free illustrated lecture on Bucks County Loyalists starting at 3 PM on Saturday, June 23 in the Visitor Center. Light refreshments will be served.
Marshall has more than 25 years of combined experience in land protection and historic preservation and is the author of Early History of Upper Makefield Township, Bucks County, PA.
