Author Archives: Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

About Rebecca Beatrice Brooks

Rebecca Beatrice Brooks is the writer and publisher of the History of Massachusetts Blog. Rebecca is a freelance writer and history lover who got her start in journalism working for small-town newspapers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire after she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a B.A. in journalism. Visit this site's About page to find out more about Rebecca.

Danvers State Hospital Cemetery

Located at the Danvers State Hospital is a cemetery containing the graves of patients who died at the hospital. The people buried there are believed to be patients who didn’t… Read more »

Who Fought in the War of 1812?

A number of countries, as well as Native-American tribes, took part in the War of 1812. Each side joined for different reasons. For some it was to assert their independence… Read more »

What Caused the War of 1812?

The actual causes of the War of 1812 are difficult to determine, in part because much of the war-time propaganda obscured the true causes. That being said, most historians don’t… Read more »

"Shelb---ns sacrifice invented by cruelty, engraved by dishonor," illustration depicts Lord Shelburne watching Natives slaughter loyalists in America, published in London circa 1783

Native Americans in the Revolutionary War

Many Native American tribes fought in the Revolutionary War. The majority of these tribes fought for the British but a few fought for the Americans. Many of these tribes tried… Read more »

Samuel Wardwell and the Salem Witch Trials

The Witchcraft Trial of Samuel Wardwell

Samuel Wardwell was a 49-year-old carpenter from Andover, Mass who was accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Samuel Wardwell was born on May 16, 1643, to Thomas Wardwell,… Read more »