Boston, Massachusetts History and Architecture -- Welcome to iBoston

iBoston.org is your site for Boston history and architecture. In addition, you can find
information on Boston's public places, art, historic people and events. iBoston also
has a research area where you can learn how Boston grew physically as well as in
population.

This Day in Boston History
June 24th, 1700

The Selling of Joseph

On this day Samuel Sewall's testament against slavery, The Selling of Joseph, was published. It is the first anti-slavery tract published in New England.

Sewall, a judge in Massachussetts, published the short tract as part of a battle with his proslavery rival, John Saffin. In it he refutes some of the common arguments for slavery, using the Bible to help make his case.

Besides for "The Selling of Joseph", history remembers Samuel Sewall for his public repentance after support of the Salem Witch Trials, and for his later service as Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.


		England's Prime Minister never expected this tea tax to cause an outcry, let alone revolution. In 1767, England reduced its property taxes at home. To balance the national budget they needed to find a mechanism for the American colonies to pay for the expense of stationing officials in them. The officials would generate their own revenue by collecting taxes on all imported goods, and once paid affixing stamps on them. This Stamp Tax generated more in the way of protests and smuggling than added revenue.		Religion. Politics. Rebellion. Boston’s pedigree was forged back in England in the midst of religious dissension, where Puritans and Pilgrims sought religious reform, and Cavaliers and Roundheads vied for political power. The question isn't where did Boston get its name – but how.

Requiem for a Short Visit

Visiting Boston, but only have a short time?
Check out our Itinerary for a Short Visit.

INTRODUCING

UsefulArts.us
Online Branding and the Law

From the writers of iBoston.org

If you like our take on Boston History,
come see the future

INTERACTIVE

FREEDOM TRAIL MAP

Only at
iBoston