09/26/2026
On this day 240 years ago, a group called the "Regulators" shut down the Supreme Judicial Court in Springfield, Massachusetts. They wanted to highlight issues with the state Constitution's text and enforcement. Captain Daniel Shays from Pelham was one of their leaders.
When the justices arrived, they found the Hampshire County militia in the courthouse. The militia had been there for days, waiting for insurgents. Over the past month, the number of smaller-scale court closures had risen across the state. This was the first time the Supreme Judicial Court faced such a large and organized standoff.
The Regulators insisted that the legislature address their complaints first. Then, state courts could proceed. In earlier closures, insurgents had taken over courthouses before justices or militia arrived. This time was different, as both sides turned out in greater numbers.
A Supreme Court Justice reported about 1,100 insurgents were present, including 700 armed and "upwards of 400 with clubs, &c." General William Shepard, leading the state militia, counted around 800 "well armed" militia. To distinguish the two sides, the government militia wore paper in their hats, while the Regulators chose "a green leaf or bough." Each side marked off areas along the main road in Springfield and formed committees to seek a peaceful resolution.
Days passed, and even with the militia controlling the courthouse, the court chose to adjourn. This outcome met the Regulators' goals. The conflict, later known as "Shays' Rebellion," began to escalate over the next several months.
Photo Credit: White, Bryant. Courthouse at Springfield, Massachusetts, Tuesday, September 26, 1786. 2008. Oil on canvas. White Historic Art Wholesale Collection.
