Treaty of Watertown's 250th Anniversary to Honor America's First International Treaty

The City of Watertown is preparing to commemorate the 250th anniversary of one of the nation's earliest diplomatic milestones—the Treaty of Watertown, widely recognized as the first international treaty signed by the newly independent United States.

The anniversary celebration will take place on Saturday, July 18, at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, bringing together Indigenous leaders, historians, artists, veterans, and community members to recognize both the treaty's historical significance and its continuing importance today.

Signed on July 19, 1776, just days after the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Watertown established an alliance and friendship between the Massachusetts government and representatives of the Mi'kmaq and Maliseet Nations during the Revolutionary War. At the time, General George Washington sought support from Indigenous nations to help defend the northern frontier against the British. In response, Mi'kmaq and Maliseet delegates traveled to Watertown to negotiate the agreement in person.

The treaty was signed in the council chamber of the Edmund Fowle House, where the Massachusetts government had temporarily relocated after leaving Boston. Historians note that the Declaration of Independence was publicly read in Watertown while treaty negotiations were taking place, making the community the site of two landmark events in American history.

Although the treaty was largely forgotten in Massachusetts for generations, it has remained an active and meaningful agreement for the Mi'kmaq Nation.

"It is the longest continuously honored treaty the United States has," said Erin Rathe, Senior Planner for Economic Development for the City of Watertown. Rathe said Mi'kmaq communities continue to reference the treaty in support of cross-border rights involving travel, commerce, hunting, and fishing in both Canada and the United States.

Members of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council say the treaty continues to symbolize peace, friendship, and nation-to-nation cooperation. During interviews conducted at WCA-TV in partnership with the Historical Society of Watertown, Indigenous leaders emphasized the importance of preserving the treaty's legacy and educating future generations about its role in American history.

The annual Treaty Day observance began in 1996 after renewed interest followed a 1987 visit by Mi'kmaq veterans to the Massachusetts State House, where they highlighted the treaty's continuing legal and historical importance. Since then, Watertown has hosted commemorations in partnership with Indigenous communities, but organizers say this year's event will be the largest to date.

The July 18 celebration will feature ceremonial drumming by Mi'kmaq women, remarks from leaders representing the Massachusett, Mi'kmaq, and Maliseet Nations, as well as the City of Watertown. Visitors can participate in hands-on workshops making wampum and corn husk dolls, view an exhibition of contemporary Indigenous artwork, and watch a documentary exploring Mi'kmaq perspectives on the Treaty of Watertown.

Additional highlights include military salutes honoring Mi'kmaq and Maliseet veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, performances of Sma'knis by Vietnam veteran and Mi'kmaq ancestor Sgt. Will Basque, and William Billings' 1778 composition Lamentation Over Boston. The program will also include public readings of the treaty accompanied by historical and contemporary commentary from both American and Indigenous perspectives.

Organizers hope the anniversary will not only commemorate a pivotal moment in Revolutionary War history, but also encourage a broader understanding of Indigenous history and the enduring relationships established through the Treaty of Watertown.

More information about the 250th anniversary celebration is available at treatyday250.com.