Frederick Douglass birthday today. Black leader, abolitionist, orator; “The most photographed man in America” at that time. He lived in New Bedford, Nantucket, Lynn and Springfield, MA. Important connections to Boston. Born a slave, not knowing his actual birth date, he is honored today. The fight to end slavery and extend equal rights to African-Americans is part of the Freedom Trail story.
Tag Archives: Boston Massacre
Ticknor & Fields at Old Corner Bookstore
Fields, Hawthorne, Ticknor
This group portrait shows 3 giants of Boston publishing. William Ticknor (right) and James T. Fields (left) operated the Ticknor & Fields publishing company at the Old Corner Bookstore at the corner of School and Washington Streets, Boston. Nathaniel Hawthorne (center) was one of their talented authors. His “Scarlet Letter” was published by T&F. Such hats, such coats! Photo by J.W. Black, whose photo studio was nearby.
Old North Church underground tombs open
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.
Old Ironsides battle image
On August 19, 1812, the frigate USS Constitution engaged the British ship HMS Guerriere in a sea battle off Halifax, NS. Constitution overpowered Guerriere in a decisive victory. This is where the “Old Ironsides” nickname was born.
Battle of Bunker Hill June 17
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
Evacuation 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.
Boston Massacre – March 5, 1770 – photo
Old State House, snow © Steve Dunwell
A snowy evening, March 5, 1770. Here on King Street, now called State Street. Rowdy Patriot mob + squad of British soldiers. Short skirmish and surprising gunfire leaves 5 dead.
USS Constitution freedom photo
Constitution, with sails, Boston
Feb 20, 1815 – decisive battle between USS Constitution and two British ships: Cyane and Levant. Victory for Constitution, her last major battle during the War of 1812.
Park Street Church winter photo
Park Street Church, winter sunset. Home to the great abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison. “My Country ’tis of thee” was sung here for the first time in 1831.
Freedom Trail Thanksgiving photo
Old South Meeting House on the Freedom Trail
The congregation of Old South Church (Copley Square) returns to its historic beginning at Old South Meeting House for a Thanksgiving service with Brass and Bell-Ringers. Boston history alive.