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.

Boston Massacre 250th

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.

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.

 

Evacuation Day – British leave Boston

Washington at Dorchester Heights

Evacuation Day in Boston marks the departure of the British on March 17, 1776, ending the 11-month “Siege of Boston.” This painting by Gilbert Stuart shows Washington at Dorchester Heights, where he surprised the British with new fortifications and cannons. The “Evacuation” took troops and Tory citizens to Halifax, NS. In Boston, Evacuation Day a local holiday, often combined with St. Patrick’s Day. Dorchester Heights is in South Boston.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Lexington Green & Battle Road re-enactment photo

Battle road re-enactmentBoston & Lexington juggle their dates to make Patriot’s Day a monday, starting with the re-enactment of the Battle of Lexington Green at dawn. The actual battles were on April 19, 1775. These re-enactors are near the Hartwell Tavern, on Battle Road, where British troops retreated under heavy fire from local militia in the woods.