Boston was the place where it all began for American Independence. The colonial settlers grew increasingly tired of British interference and, more to the point, British taxes. The final straw was a tax on tea, following which they deposited a fair quantity of it in the sea in 1773 - the Boston Tea Party. This didn't go down well in London and the Redcoats were ordered to sort out the locals (known as the Patriots). The British won the Battle of Bunkers Hill in 1775, but sustained heavy casualties and ultimately lost the war. American Independence was declared in 1776 and readers are sure to know the precise day and month [4 July for numpties].
YIC walked round "The Freedom Trail" on a beautiful spring day in Boston, taking in the sights.
William Prescott was a key patriot leader at the battle. Here he is set against the Bunkers Hill monument.
Paul Revere was another key patriot. He lit the lanterns in the Old North Church (pictured in the background) to warn of the approaching British army.
One of the earliest warships was USS Constitution - "Old Ironsides". Reports that Old Salt was one of the first midshipmen are not true - readers of his recent publication know that he was at The Battle of Trafalgar instead. So it must have been his cousin Sam Salt on board the Constitution.
