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.
Tag Archives: USS Constitution
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.
Lexington Green & Battle Road re-enactment photo
Boston & 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.
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.
Copps Hill Burying Ground Freedom Trail photo
The tombstone of William Waters, d. 1691, at Copps Hill, in Boston’s North End. The North Battery was nearby, with cannons used in the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Fugitive Slave law
Fugitive Slave Act, 1850
Fugitive Slave Law, Sept 19, 1850. Protests galvanize Boston abolitionists. 54th Regiment marches to Civil War duty a dozen years later.