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.

Famous Boston Tea Party

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

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.

 

British troops leave Boston

Aside

Evacuation Day in Boston marks the departure of the British on March 17, 1776, ending the 11-month “Siege of Boston.” Washington had surprised the British with new fortifications and cannons on Dorchester Heights. The “Evacuation” took troops and Tory citizens to Halifax, NS. Evacuation Day a local holiday In Boston, often combined with St. Patrick’s Day. This broadside by Paul Revere shows the troops arriving by ship in 1775.

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.

Boston Massacre woodcut by Paul Revere

March 5, 1770. A snowy evening. A musket shot is fired. More shooting follows, killing five. This woodcut image by Paul Revere.

Frederick Douglass + Abolition on Boston Freedom Trail

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.