Dorchester Heights Monument

On the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, American troops commenced a lengthy siege of Boston, which was controlled by British forces.[1] 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.[2] The evacuation of Boston was the first major American victory and Washington's first victory in the war.[1][3] Today, March 17 is recognized in Boston as Evacuation Day, a local holiday.[1] In 1853, the area where the redoubts stood was converted to a municipal park.[1] The park, centered on Telegraph Hill, was called Thomas Park and was one of the first public parks in the city.[4]

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.[2][5] 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.[6] Eight architectural firms submitted proposals, and in October 1899 the submission by Peabody & Stearns was selected.[3][7] The following month, construction bidding commenced.[8] 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.[9] In total, construction on the monument lasted from 1899 to 1902.[3]

The dedication ceremony for the monument occurred on March 17, 1902, on the 126th anniversary of the evacuation of Boston.[10] 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.[11] 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".[12]

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".[13]

On June 21, 1997, the monument was rededicated following a $4.8 million renovation of the park.[14]