Join historian Alexander Cain as he explores the often-overlooked experiences of the American Loyalists from New England and New York during the Revolutionary War. Learn how their unwavering loyalty to the Crown resulted in the loss of homes, freedom, and security for countless families. Using original petitions and firsthand accounts, this lecture traces the harrowing flight of Loyalists from “patriot” mobs and Committees of Safety. It will also delve into the harsh realities faced by Loyalist families seeking refuge with the British army—enduring starvation, violations of civil liberties, and exile—while highlighting the resilience that helped them persevere through these challenges.
Alexander Cain, JD, earned his economics degree from Merrimack College in 1993 and obtained his Juris Doctor from the New England School of Law in 1996. He has authored numerous research articles and presentations on the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, the Siege of Boston, and the experiences of New England and New York loyalist refugees during the Burgoyne Campaign. In addition, he has published two books: We Stood Our Ground: Lexington in the First Year of the American Revolution and I See Nothing but the Horrors of a Civil War: The Loyalists of McAlpin’s Corps of American Volunteers. He is also the creator of the blog and podcast Historical Nerdery (historicalnerdery.com).
He is currently in the process of writing a forthcoming book, “For God’s Sake Fire!”—The Massachusetts Militia System on the Eve of the Battles of Lexington and Concord (anticipated release date of 2027). Alex also leads an educational initiative in Northeastern Massachusetts that aims to introduce high school students to careers in advanced manufacturing, construction, and the skilled trades. He resides in Massachusetts with his wife, Paula, and they have two adult children, John and Abigail. (The fact that they are named after John and Abigail Adams is purely a coincidence.)
