Tag Archives: Constitution

Famous Boston Tea Party

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247 years ago this week. December 16, 1773 – A great crowd gathered at the Old South Meeting House to hear speeches protesting new taxes on imports, including tea. Shouting “Boston harbor a tea party tonight,” they went down to the nearby docks. Thinly disguised as “Mohawks”, fifty men boarded three East India ships – Dartmouth, Beaver and Eleanor. Breaking open 342 chests of imported tea, they dumped the lot into the harbor. The “Intolerable Acts” soon followed as punishment.

The 247th anniversary is today, Dec 16, 2020. A virtual re-enactment will be hosted tonight at 7PM, by Boston Tea Party Ship. Sign up at this URL: https://www.bostonteapartyship.com/virtual-museum

 

Paul Revere’s ride – photo

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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.

 

Boston Massacre 250th

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Boston Massacre re-enactment, Boston, MA Old State HouseThe 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre is March 5, 2020. Five men were killed by British troops, including Crispus Attucks, an African American, who was the first one hit, and Memorial events include: Granary Burying Ground 9AM Thursday, Old South Meeting House, 7PM Thursday, and a re-enactment Saturday evening at 7PM at the Old State House.

Paul Revere’s ride April 18

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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.

 

Ticknor & Fields at Old Corner Bookstore

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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 Corner Bookstore – Augmented Reality AR

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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/

Old North Church underground tombs open

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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.

Old Ironsides battle image

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USS Constitution vs HMS GuerriereOn 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

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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.