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Did You Know These 12 Facts About the Boston Tea Party?
The Boston Tea Party stands as one of the most significant acts of rebellion in American history, taking place on December 16, 1773. While many know the basic story, there are numerous fascinating details about this historic event that often go untold. Here are twelve surprising facts about the Boston Tea Party that showcase its complexity and historical importance.
1. The Destroyed Tea Would Be Worth Millions Today
The 342 chests of tea thrown into Boston Harbor contained approximately 92,000 pounds of tea. In today’s currency, the destroyed tea would be valued at roughly $1.7 million. The British East India Company’s financial loss was substantial, equivalent to approximately £9,659 in 1773.
2. The Tea Party Participants Cleaned Up After Themselves
After dumping the tea, the protesters actually swept the ships’ decks clean and put everything back in its proper place. They even replaced a padlock they had broken during the raid. This attention to detail demonstrated that their quarrel was specifically with the tea tax, not with private property in general.
3. The Term “Boston Tea Party” Wasn’t Used Until 50 Years Later
Contemporary accounts referred to it as “the Destruction of the Tea” or “the Tea Riot.” The phrase “Boston Tea Party” didn’t appear in print until the 1830s, and became widely used in the 1850s.
4. Some Participants Wore Native American Disguises
While commonly depicted as wearing Native American garb, only some of the participants actually dressed in Mohawk costumes. Many simply darkened their faces with soot or paint to conceal their identities while maintaining their regular clothing.
5. The Tea Remained Visible in Boston Harbor for Months
The dumped tea created a floating mass that was visible in Boston Harbor for months afterward. The tea leaves were so dense that boats had difficulty navigating through the area, and the scent of tea lingered in the air for days.
6. It Wasn’t Just English Tea
While commonly believed to be English tea, the destroyed cargo actually included Chinese tea varieties imported by the British East India Company. The most common varieties were Bohea, Congou, Souchong, and Hyson.
7. Women Played a Significant Role
Although they didn’t participate in the actual tea dumping, women contributed significantly to the protest by supporting the boycott of British tea. They created and promoted alternatives using local herbs and plants, known as “Liberty Tea.”
8. The Protest Was Carefully Planned
The Tea Party wasn’t a spontaneous riot but rather a well-organized protest. The Sons of Liberty had held numerous meetings and planned the action carefully, even posting guards to prevent theft during the operation.
9. Not All Colonial Leaders Supported It
Benjamin Franklin condemned the action and insisted that the destroyed tea should be repaid to the British East India Company. John Adams, while sympathetic to the cause, worried about the potential consequences of such a bold act of defiance.
10. There Were Multiple Tea Parties
While Boston’s is the most famous, similar tea-dumping protests occurred in other colonial ports, including New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston. These events took place in the months following the Boston Tea Party.
11. The Participants Swore to Secrecy
The identities of many participants remained secret for decades. It wasn’t until after the American Revolution, when British prosecution was no longer a threat, that participants began sharing their involvement. Some took their participation to the grave.
12. One Ship Owner Supported the Protest
Francis Rotch, owner of one of the tea ships, actually sympathized with the protesters. Despite facing potential financial ruin, he refused to help British authorities identify the participants and later became a respected citizen of the new nation.
Conclusion
These twelve facts about the Boston Tea Party reveal the complexity of this pivotal historical event. From the careful planning and cleanup to the long-term secrecy and widespread impact, the Tea Party was far more than a simple act of rebellion. It represented a sophisticated political protest that helped catalyze the American Revolution and shape the future nation’s identity. Understanding these lesser-known aspects helps provide a more complete picture of this crucial moment in American history.