Tombstone of William Hough, 1714. Copp’s Hill, the Town’s second burying ground, was established in 1659 on a hill named for shoemaker William Copp. The site soon rivaled the Common as a public venue, hosting such spectacles as the 1704 execution of seven pirates.
Tag Archives: Navy
Bunker Hill monument aerial photo
Photograph looking over the Bunker Hill Monument, Charlestown, towards Boston, MA. The USS Constitution is at left.
Mass State House painting
Designed by Charles Bulfinch. Cornerstone laid on July 4, 1795, with Paul Revere and Gov. Sam Adams presiding. This view is from a banjo clock, ca. 1870. Painted on glass.
USS Constitution photo
Deck cannons of “USS Constitution”, with snow. “Old Ironsides” carried several types of cannons. The 24-pound long guns had a range of 1200 yards.
Park Street Church photo
The Park Street Congregational Church replaced the Town granary on the Common’s eastern corner in 1809. Peter Banner designed this brick Georgian structure with a 217-foot steeple, inspired by the latest London architecture.
USS Constitution photo
USS Constitution turn-around on July 4th. Tugboats pull the ship out every year on Independence Day and turn her around to equalize weathering. Boston Towboat donates their tugboat time and charges $1 for service.
Latin School marker photo
In 1635, Boston established the first “public” Latin or Grammar School in America, resolving that Philemon Purmont, a shopkeeper, “be entreated to become a schoolmaster for the teaching and nourtering of the children with us.” The original Latin School was demolished in 1844 to make way for City Hall. This plaque decorates the sidewalk nearby.
Copps Hill Burying Ground photo
Tombstone of William Hough, 1714. Copp’s Hill, the Town’s second burying ground, was established in 1659 on a hill named for shoemaker William Copp. The site soon rivaled the Common as a public venue, hosting such spectacles as the 1704 execution of seven pirates.
Boston Common photo
British troops bivouacked on the Boston Common from 1758 to 1776, when George Washington forced them out, demolished their trenches, and sent them packing with loyalists to Nova Scotia. Cast in Paris in 1868, the Fountain was donated by Gardner Brewer and named for him. The fountain was restored in 2009-2010.
USS Constitution bicentennial stamp photo
200 years ago today, “USS Constitution” fought and defeated “HMS Guerriere,” a British frigate taken from the French. Commanded by Isaac Hull, “Constitution” dominated the British ship, shot away her mizzen mast, took the crew prisoner, and burned the wreck. This commemorative stamp was issued yesterday.