Boca Grande talks Boston: an overlooked past of an autonomous ‘city-state’

In September 1774, John Adams attended the first Continental Congress in  Philadelphia and wrote to Abigail about his encounters with the delegates from 12 of  the other 13 colonies for the first time. Adams wrote: “I flatter myself, however, that we  shall conduct our embassy in such a manner as to merit the approbation of our  country.” In this letter, Adams was quite rightly describing himself and the other Massachusetts delegates to the Continental Congress as if they were ambassadors to a foreign power, explains Peterson. “And when Adams says ‘our country,’ he is referring to  Massachusetts,” not the United States, notes Peterson, who adds that up until the Civil War, both nationally and internationally, Boston and its New England hinterland was thought of as a separate country with its own “national” identity. 

SUBMITTED BY THE FRIENDS OF BOCA GRANDE

This Saturday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m., the Friends of Boca Grande the Community Center presents Yale History Professor Mark Peterson. As part of the Friends’ popular History & Heritage series, Peterson will give an informative lecture about his book, “The City State of Boston, The Rise and Fall of an Atlantic Power 1630 – 1865.” 

In this groundbreaking account, Professor Peterson shows how Boston built and  sustained an independent city-state in New England before being folded into the United States. By following Boston’s development over three centuries, the book discusses how this self-governing Atlantic trading center began as a refuge from Britain’s Stuart monarchs and how—through its bargain with the slave trade and ratification of the Constitution—it would tragically lose integrity and autonomy as it became incorporated into the greater United States. While doing research for the book, Peterson took note of facts that “struck him as strange,” such as the curious language in a letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail Adams.  

In September 1774, John Adams attended the first Continental Congress in  Philadelphia and wrote to Abigail about his encounters with the delegates from 12 of  the other 13 colonies for the first time. Adams wrote: “I flatter myself, however, that we  shall conduct our embassy in such a manner as to merit the approbation of our  country.” In this letter, Adams was quite rightly describing himself and the other Massachusetts delegates to the Continental Congress as if they were ambassadors to a foreign power, explains Peterson. “And when Adams says ‘our country,’ he is referring to  Massachusetts,” not the United States, notes Peterson, who adds that up until the Civil War, both nationally and internationally, Boston and its New England hinterland was thought of as a separate country with its own “national” identity. 

At the University of California Berkeley, Professor Peterson is a popular speaker. According to various reviews from students, he incorporates jokes and a bit of modern-day personality to keep the material interesting. If you thought you knew a decent amount about U.S. history, you’re in for an experience with Peterson’s unique and enlightening approach to this timeless topic.  

Call the Friends of Boca Grande at 964-0827 or visit friendsofbocagrande.org for tickets and information.