This Falmouth Neck (present-day Portland) map shows the area as it was destroyed by Captain Henry Mowat on Oct. 18, 1775. The buildings within the dotted line were destroyed. The map shows coves, a stone wall, an orchard, the ship yard, swamps, the town residences, street names, a fountain, wharves, and ponds. An illustration at the bottom shows the British names and types of ships from this battle.
The event led to the Second Continental Congress forming the Continental Navy. Mowat arrived in Falmouth with a 20-gun ship Cat, 12-gun Halifax, and three other ships. The people in Falmouth didn’t think there was danger, but militia members were suspicious. One of Mowat’s lieutenants was sent to shore with a two hour warning to evacuate as he was there to execute a just punishment.”Mowat would only alter his plans if the town swore an allegiance to King George and surrender their weapons. Instead, people began to empty out of the town. Mowat launched cannonballsafter his deadline, and the rest of the town was sat aflame. News of the event was ill-received, with the English saying it was rebel propaganda, and a French secretary commenting, “I can hardly believe this absurd as well as barbaric procedure on the part of an enlightenedand civilized nation.” John Adams cited the event for the creation of the American Navy. This event adversely affected Mowat’s military career, as he was often overlooked for promotion.”