Battling the Empire:
Tyrannicide Attacks the British

24x36 inches — oil on canvas

When the American Revolution began, America didn’t have a navy. The Continental Congress argued and debated and finally authorized a few ships to be built. In addition, individual states felt the need for their own navy. The Massachusetts State Navy was begun in 1775, and built the brigantine Tyrannicide to help to help destroy the tyrant from across the ocean.

Carrying 14 guns and flying the state’s Pine Tree Flag, Tyrannicide sailed in July 1776 and began a successful career taking and burning enemy ships in the Atlantic, helping to throw off the yoke of the tyrant.