Boston in the American Revolution: A Town Versus an Empire
Brooke Barbier, the founder of Ye Olde Tavern Tours, wrote a book about revolutionary Boston. It is an easy read with loads of lesser-known stories!
In 1764, a small town in the British colony of Massachusetts ignited a bold rebellion. When Great Britain levied the Sugar Act on its American colonies, Parliament was not prepared for Boston’s backlash. For the next decade, Loyalists and rebels harried one another as both sides revolted and betrayed, punished and murdered. But the rebel leaders were not quite the heroes we consider them today. Samuel Adams and John Hancock were reluctant allies. Paul Revere couldn’t recognize a traitor in his own inner circle. And George Washington dismissed the efforts of the Massachusetts rebels as unimportant.
With a helpful guide to the very sites where the events unfolded, historian Brooke Barbier seeks the truth behind the myths. Barbier tells the story of how a city radicalized itself against the world’s most powerful empire and helped found the United States of America.
You can purchase your copy from Amazon or add it to your tour reservation and Brooke will sign it for you.
Brooke created accompanying videos for many of the sites and characters mentioned in the book. Some highlights are below and you can find the rest on our YouTube channel.
Chapter 1: Boston Common
Chapter 6: Old North Church
Chapter 2: Liberty Tree
Epilogue: Granary Burying Ground