WHEREAS, on October 18, 1775, a British Naval Fleet commanded by Captain Henry Mowat bombarded the town of Falmouth – now Portland – in retaliation for its support for Patriot activities during the early stages of the Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, the attack, which lasted throughout the day and left Falmouth ablaze, began with a heavy naval bombardment and was followed by a landing party of British soldiers; and

WHEREAS, more than 400 buildings and houses were damaged or destroyed by the fire, and an estimated 1,000 people were left homeless by the raid; and

WHEREAS, news of the destruction in Falmouth was met with outrage throughout the colonies and spurred revolutionary fervor, accelerated Congress’ plans to outfit the continental navy, and was later cited as a grievance against the British Crown in the Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, on October 18, 2025 – the 250th anniversary of the burning of Falmouth – we will celebrate Maine's revolutionary heritage through tours, talks and exhibitions across the City of Portland organized by the First Parish Church, Greater Portland Landmarks, Maine Historical Society, Maine Ulster-Scots Project, Osher Map Library, Spirits Alive at Eastern Cemetery, and Tate House Museum; and

WHEREAS, remembering this pivotal moment in our history underscores Maine’s vital role in the broader American struggle for liberty and reminds us that history is a building block of national identity;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim October 18, 2025 as

A Day to Commemorate the Burning of Falmouth

throughout the State of Maine, and I urge all citizens to join in this observance, to reflect on the meaning of resilience and to support public history institutions that preserve our collective memory.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this fourteenth day of October Two Thousand Twenty-Five