54th Regiment – Shaw Memorial – returns

54th Regiment, Shaw Memorial, Beacon St., Boston, MA. sculpture by Augustus St. Gaudens

This heroic Memorial depicts the 54th Regiment, with Black volunteers from many states, led by Col. Robert G. Shaw, marching down Beacon Street on May 28th, 1863, on their way to South Carolina. Soldiers included two sons of abolition leader Frederick Douglass.

Cheered on by crowds singing Julia Ward Howe’s new “Battle Hymn of the Republic”, they marched, then sailed for their first battle at Fort Wagner, SC.

Restoration began in 2020. Unveiled with a public ceremony May 28, 2021, the anniversary of the event depicted by St. Gaudens.

Paul Revere’s ride – photo

Paul Revere © Steve Dunwell

Paul Revere’s famous ride began tonight, April 18, 1775. The “Two if by Sea” lanterns confirmed what he had already learned: that the British troops would cross the Charles River in boats, landing in Cambridge and marching to Concord the next day. Revere crossed the river and road his horse towards Lexington. At the same time, William Dawes road another horse “by land”, via Watertown, to Lexington and Concord. On the following day – the 19th – Patriots and British soldiers clashed at both Lexington and at Concord.This photo shows Mr. Revere, as depicted at the sand castle competition at Revere Beach.

 

Paul Revere’s ride April 18

Revere statue by Cyrus Dallin

Paul Revere’s famous ride began tonight, April 18, 1775. The “Two if by Sea” lanterns confirmed what he had already learned: that the British troops would cross the Charles River in boats, landing in Cambridge and marching to Concord the next day. Revere crossed the river and road his horse towards Lexington. At the same time, William Dawes road another horse “by land”, via Watertown, to Lexington and Concord. On the following day – the 19th – Patriots and British soldiers clashed at both Lexington and at Concord.

 

Constitution is ratified, June 21

Constitution We the People

On June 21, 1788, New Hampshire ratified the US Constitution;  the 9th state to do so, thus meeting the necessary minimum.  At that point, the Constitution became the Law.

 

Paul Revere midnight ride

Revere statue by Cyrus Dallin

April 18th, 1775, Paul Revere arranged for the lantern signal, then was rowed across the Charles River to begin his midnight ride to Lexington to raise the alarm about the arrival there of British regular soldiers.

Old Corner Bookstore – Augmented Reality AR

It has always been hard to imagine what the Old Corner Bookstore was like in the 1820s, when publisher Ticknor & Fields flourished here. Now you can see it on your iPad, with augmented reality overlays from “Look Again”, promoted by Historic Boston, Inc. Details here: http://www.historicboston.org/ar/

Trapped – not Free – 75th anniversary of Cocoanut Grove fire Boston

Cocoanut Grove book, Boston, MA

Nov 28, 1942. Fire at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub, in Boston’s Bay Village. 492 people died, most within minutes. Shown here, clippings and 3 of the survivors.

Old North Church underground tombs open

200 year old tomb under Old North Church

200 year old tomb under Old North Church

Archeologists have opened one of the tombs in the crypt under Old North Church. Skulls and bones in piles. Many caskets were pushed into these crypts, then moved, then more pushed in. Boston Globe article.

Battle of Bunker Hill June 17

Battle of Bunker Hill

Battle of Bunker Hill

While the colonial forces did not really “win” the Battle of Bunker Hill, on June 17, 1775; they bashed the King’s soldiers, caused substantial casualties, and gained a popular victory. This painting by John Trumbull was made decades later. Trumbull was in the Continental army that day, and saw the battle from a distance.

Evacuation Day Freedom Trail + Revere

"Landing" by Revere (Boston Athenaeum) dig originalEvacuation Day  in Boston marks the departure of the British on  March 17, 1776, ending the 11-month “Siege of Boston.” This engraving by Paul Revere shows the Landing of these British troops in 1768. The “Evacuation” took troops and Tory citizens to Halifax, NS.