This week, over a half a million people from near and far will flock to the banks of the Charles River to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day. Why did Boston decide to create new land dedicated to recreation along the river, and how did some of that land end up being used for a highway instead? The story begins with the Storrow family. Listen now!
The Charles River Esplanade
- The Charles River Esplanade: Our Boston Treasure, by Linda M. Cox
- Esplanade Cultural Landscape Report, by Sherry Page Berg
- Charles River Esplanade Study Report, by the Boston Landmarks Commission
- Inventing the Charles River, by Karl Haglund
- Gaining Ground, by Nancy Seasholes
- Boston’s Back Bay: The Story of the America’s Greatest Nineteenth Century Landfill Project, by William Newman and Wilfred E Holton
Featured Historic Site
In a letter on November 27, 1775, George Washington noted, “I have caused two half Moon Batterries to be thrown up for occasional use, between Litchmore’s Point and the mouth of Cambridge River.” With the British army bottled up inside Boston, the fledgling Continental Army surrounded the tiny peninsular town on all sides. The new forts would help prevent the mighty British Navy from sailing up the tidal Charles River to bombard patriot headquarters in Cambridge.
One of those small forts still remains. Fort Washington Park is located in Cambridge, just off Memorial Drive, separated from the MIT campus by the tracks of the Grand Trunk railroad. It’s the only place where you can see an original fortification used during the siege of Boston that hasn’t been substantially changed. The earthworks are still readily visible, along with cannons that were more recently added.
As a public park, Fort Washington is open for your enjoyment.
Upcoming Event
On July 18, 1776, Boston residents heard the Declaration of Independence for the first time, when it was read aloud from the balcony of the town house, now the Old State House. Abigail Adams related the experience in a letter to John, saying “When Col. Crafts read from the Belcona of the State House the Proclamation, great attention was given to every word. As soon as he ended, the cry from the Belcona, was God Save our American States and then 3 cheers which rended the air… After dinner the kings arms were taken down from the State House and every vestage of him from every place in which it appeard and burnt in King Street. Thus ends royall Authority in this State, and all the people shall say Amen.”
Ever since, Boston has celebrated Independence Day at the Old State House. You can take part by simply joining the crowd outside the Old State House on State Street. At 10am, a costumed member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company will mount the balcony, the same one where the Declaration was read in 1776, and read the document in full. Even in these dangerous days for our republic, there is a burst of pure patriotism to be found while taking part in this affirmation of our country’s loftiest aspirations.