A Glimpse of Smithfield

Smithfield is possessed of a unique spirit, one that can exemplifies no other community so well. Those moving to Smithfield join a long tradition of intelligent, educated people with a habit of passionate self-sacrifice. Originally a British farming community, the eighteenth century saw Smithfield become a bastion of Quaker thinking. The ideas and people here played a significant role in abolitionism and the early women’s rights movement, even going so far as to start the Quaker community of Adams, MA (Where Susan B. Anthony was from) among others.

Another telling story about Smithfield is that of one of the town’s greatest war heroes. Maj. Sullivan Ballou isn’t famous for a bullet he loosed or a charge he led. He’s famous for ink penned to paper, a loving letter to his wife. Maj. Ballou’s regiment fired the opening volley at the first battle of Bull Run, their first battle. The battle ended badly for the Union and for Sullivan, though his unit survived through the final battle of Appomattox and the end of the war.

A cannon fired and struck his leg. Though he survived the battle, he died a week later from the wound. With the eloquence and passion that has become synonymous with Smithfield, he spoke of his love for her and for his love for his country. His decision was to risk death for the sake of service. This is the impressive history, the deathless spirit, and the pair of shoes you will step into when you move here. What are you waiting for?