The Siege of Wolves
November 14 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Siege of Wolves
A Tamworth legend comes to life… Come curious. Leave with a story of your own.
“The wolves are coming!”
Paraphrasing Joseph Gilman’s written account of a Tamworth, New Hampshire event that took place on November 14, 1830: An alarm spread through Tamworth. “The wolves are coming down from the northern mountains in countless numbers.” A pack of wolves had entered a woodlot on Marston Hill—now Great Hill—threatening settlers and their livestock. Through the night, townspeople surrounded the woods, keeping the pack from entering the village. Local women brewed coffee and provided hearty refreshments to those keeping watch, without which, according to the historical account, “their trials and sufferings would have been vastly more severe.”
By daylight, some 600 people had assembled, from children of ten to a gray-haired veteran of fourscore years. Under the command of General Quimby of neighboring Sandwich, New Hampshire, the townspeople advanced upon the woods. What happened next became one of Tamworth’s most memorable tales.
We’ll bring the history, the coffee, and the story of a night Tamworth never forgot. Join us at the Remick farmstead—the site of Remick’s Hotel (now the Captain Enoch Remick House), where General Quimby spoke to the gathered crowds declaring victory over the siege—as we step back in time to this extraordinary day and explore the history, legend, and lore of the Siege of Wolves and its perceived antagonizers.
GUIDED TOUR The event’s self-guided options are listed below.
Hear the story of the siege and discover the animals, people, places, and traditions behind this enduring Tamworth legend from your costumed guide.
Siege of Wolves Interactive Guided Tour
Tours begin at 10:30 a.m., Noon, and 1:30 p.m.
Tour includes…
+ NH Wolf History & Conservation
Learn about wolves in New Hampshire, their place in our natural history, and the conservation story surrounding them today.
+ Militia History
Step into the world of the local militia and discover what life—and a long night on watch—might have been like in 1830.
+ Camp Coffee
Stay alert and keep your endurance up with a sipping sample of steaming Siege of Wolves coffee, brewed from a special roast from Sandwich Coffee Roasters (tour only). Bagged coffee is available for purchase while supplies last.
+ “Victory!” Celebrate the End of the Siege
Gather at “Remick’s Hotel” to hear about General Quimby’s address to the crowd following the siege. And what better way to celebrate victory than with a little noise?! Legend has it that cheers rang out “in thunder tones” as General Quimby addressed the crowd from atop his carriage in front of the hotel. The commotion was said to have frightened the wolves so thoroughly that “there has not been one of them or their descendants seen or heard of in town since.” Revel in the victory by making a little thunder!
As the crowd disperses, visitors are encouraged to step into the Tamworth History Center, located across the road from “Remick’s Hotel,” to view the Siege of Wolves painting by Jackson, New Hampshire artist David C. Baker (1915–1999), depicting his interpretation of the siege (detail shown below).
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, an explorer, or simply curious about one of Tamworth’s most colorful legends, the Siege of Wolves offers a memorable way to connect with the past.
$5 | FREE for ages 9 and under
All ages welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Dress for the weather and ground conditions of the day.
Limited guided tour space; preregistration and prepayment for the guided tours are available.
Event wristbands will be provided at the front desk and are required for entry.
NOTE: On this day, the museum and grounds are open for this event only.
Tour registration options:
+ Online
+ Call (603) 323-7591
+ Email
+ At the front desk no later than 15 minutes prior to the tour start, if spots remain available; first come, first served.
Self-Guided Activities for All Visitors | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Explore highlights of this legendary story at your own pace.
+ Self-Guided Tour
Follow the action-packed details of the legend as you discover informational kiosks located across the historic Remick site.
+ A Siege of Wolves Painting
Visit the Tamworth History Center, a short walk from the museum, to view the Siege of Wolves painting by Jackson, New Hampshire artist David C. Baker (1915–1999), depicting his interpretation of the siege (detail shown, courtesy of the Center).
The historic account used in the event introduction was adapted from Joseph Gilman, “The Siege of the Wolves,” originally published in the Boston Transcript and later reprinted in The Appletree.