Groton History Center

When Richard Brunton wasn't deserting the British Army, he was busy in Groton (and around New England) decorating walls, creating family registers, and counterfeiting currency.

The Boutwell House will be closed to the public today and tomorrow (Thursday May 7th and Friday May 8th) as our new UV window film is installed. The film will protect our interior furnishings and collections from damaging rays and-as an added bonus-will also increase our heating/cooling efficiency. This work is part of our FY2025 CPC Boutwell Property Security, Safety, and Preservation project.

Continental Currency
Groton History Center, Groton, MA

Revolutions run on ideals, but they also run on money. Beginning in 1775, the Continental Congress issued Continental currency to keep the fight alive. It paid soldiers, bought supplies, and propped up a brand new government still inventing itself in real time. In total, Congress authorized 226 million Spanish milled dollars, the common monetary standard of the era.

There was just one problem. This money was backed by hope, not gold or silver. Its value rested on future tax revenue and collective faith. Counterfeiters moved fast, flooding the market and forcing entire series of bills out of circulation. Massachusetts led the charge in issuing its own currency to cover war costs, which only sped up depreciation.

By 1779, production stopped altogether. Soon after, it took $100 in Continental currency to buy just $1 in gold or silver. Some surviving notes bear punched holes, a quiet but decisive mark of cancellation. These fragile scraps of paper tell a blunt truth. Independence was expensive, uncertain, and built on risk.

Seen here are examples of 1775 and 1776 Continental Currency from the collection of the Groton History Center.

📍 Groton, MA
🖼️ Image credit: Groton History Center