J. L. BELL is a Massachusetts writer who specializes in (among other things) the start of the American Revolution in and around Boston. He is particularly interested in the experiences of children in 1765-75. He has published scholarly papers and popular articles for both children and adults. He was consultant for an episode of History Detectives, and contributed to a display at Minute Man National Historic Park.

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Saturday, March 17, 2007

Map of the Way out of Boston

Charles Swift at the City Record and Boston News-Letter has observed Evacuation Day by posting a map of Revolutionary Boston and some surrounding towns—many of which were eventually absorbed by the city. I believe this map was derived from one created by Henry Pelham in 1777, which showed all the fortifications inside and outside the town.

Note Dorchester Heights, item #4. Large cannons brought by Fort Ticonderoga by Henry Knox provided the decisive threat that prompted the British military to leave on 17 March 1776. Pelham and Knox were classmates at the South Latin School in the late 1750s; both eventually dropped out.

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