Background On the outbreak of the
American Revolutionary War, American troops commenced a lengthy
siege of Boston, which was controlled by British forces. This siege ended in 1776 when, on March 17, American General
George Washington constructed a
redoubt atop
Dorchester Heights in what is now
South Boston. Following this, British troops under General
William Howe retreated from the city. The
evacuation of Boston was the first major American victory and Washington's first victory in the war. Today, March 17 is recognized in Boston as
Evacuation Day, a local holiday. In 1853, the area where the redoubts stood was converted to a
municipal park. The park, centered on Telegraph Hill, was called Thomas Park and was one of the first public parks in the city. In June 1898, the
Massachusetts General Court passed a resolution appropriating $25,000 for the creation of a monument at Dorchester Heights to commemorate the construction of the redoubts that led to the British evacuation. Following this, the
Governor of Massachusetts assembled a committee with his
Executive Council and in May 1899 opened a limited competition for designs for the monument. Eight
architectural firms submitted proposals, and in October 1899 the submission by
Peabody & Stearns was selected. The following month,
construction bidding commenced. In both 1901 and 1902, the General Court voted to increase funding for the construction, the first time for $8,000 and the second time for $3,000. Additionally, a total of $10,000 was appropriated for
dedication purposes. In total, construction on the monument lasted from 1899 to 1902.
Dedication The dedication ceremony for the monument occurred on March 17, 1902, on the 126th anniversary of the evacuation of Boston. The celebrations began around noon with a
procession of members of the
United States Marine Corps, with Governor
Winthrop M. Crane and other guests of honor riding in a
carriage. After the Governor and guests had assembled at the monument, the Marine band played "
The Star-Spangled Banner". Afterwards, Governor Crane gave an address to the crowd and a tablet in the front of the monument, which previously had been covered with
American flags, was unveiled, after which the band played "
America". Following this, the ceremony moved to the nearby
South Boston High School, where an
orchestra performed the
overture from
Mignon. Afterwards, a prayer was given by
William Fairfield Warren (then-President of
Boston University) and a
quartet sang "Almighty Father". The orchestra then performed "
Narcissus" before noted singer
Alice May Bates Rice gave a solo rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner". This was followed by an oration by Massachusetts politician and statesman
Henry Cabot Lodge. The quartet then sang "The Victor's Return", which was followed by another playing of "America" before the ceremony ended with the orchestra playing "American Airs". On June 21, 1997, the monument was rededicated following a $4.8 million renovation of the park. == Design ==