250th Anniversary of the Battle of Chelsea Creek – SSV Ernestina-Morrissey sails into Chelsea for the celebrations

Uncover the Story of the Battle of Chelsea Creek — the First Naval Engagement of the American Revolution

It’s the spring of 1775 in Boston, and tensions are rising. The Siege of Boston has been going on for months. The British have taken control of the city, but their survival lies in the islands on the Harbor Islands and seacoast, where they have livestock and fodder.

Trapping the colonists inside the city, the future of the American colonies hangs in the balance. But the colonists aren’t about to let them get these supplies without a fight. Along the shores of Chelsea Creek, a small but crucial battle is about to take place—one that’s often forgotten yet shaped the course of the American Revolution.

250th Anniversary of the Battle of Chelsea Creek Celebrations

This Memorial Day Weekend, the Chelsea community and visitors from across the state can experience a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Chelsea Creek, the first naval battle of the American Revolution.

• Explore the SSV Ernestina-Morrissey, the 1894 schooner from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, as you learn about the first British vessel captured and destroyed—the HMS Diana

  
  

• Artillery Demonstration & Musket Firing

  
  

• Revolutionary-Era Militia Encampment

  
  

• Food Vendors and Beer Garden

Battle of Chelsea Creek 250th Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, May 24, 2025, 11am-4pm

Port Park (99 Marginal St)

Transportation and Parking Information

For easy access to the event, attendees can choose from various transportation options, including public transit via the SL3 and 111 bus routes, Uber services, or personal vehicles.

Public Transit

The event is accessible via the SL3 and 111 bus routes:

• 111 Bus:

  • Stop: Woodlawn Park St @ Williams St

  • 0.5-mile walk via Williams St and Marginal St

    
    

• Silver Line SL3:

  • Stop: Eastern Avenue

  • 0.6-mile walk via Marginal St

    
    

Parking

Parking will be available at Eastern Minerals (located at Marginal St, between Shawmut St and Highland St) and at Chelsea Point (Marginal St @ Willow St). If you're using GPS to navigate to Chelsea, please enter the address: 99 Marginal St, Chelsea, MA.

Additional parking options are also available throughout Downtown Chelsea.

Funded by the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism.