Boston Hostels, Hotels
Have you ever wondered why America is a nation of coffee drinkers? Find out as the spirited folk of Boston re-enact one of their most glorious historical moments – the ‘Boston Tea Party’ of 1773.On 16 December 1773, 150 men in three groups of 50, dressed as Mohawk Indians, boarded the ships in Boston harbour, headed for the tea chests on board, broke them open and heaved them into the sea.
This action was fuelled by rallying cry of “no taxation without representation!,” provoked by the duties imposed by a British government insensitive to colonial sentiment but keen to save the East India Company that was weighed down by excess amounts of tea that it couldn’t sell in England.
Visitors can come and participate in the re-enactment of what has now become known as the Boston Tea Party, in which “protesters” rally against the tea tax at the Old South Meeting House, which hosted the initial meeting in December of 1773. Then you can follow the parade down to the Boston Tea Party Ship to dump the “baneful weed” into the city’s recently cleaned-up harbour.
The Boston Tea Party Ship & Museum is open between March and December, when you can learn more about the event on the replica Tea Ship and participate in re-enactment presentations by throwing tea chests overboard (apparently). Tax-free tea is served.
