President George Washington Visits Boston         View the original articles

Massachusetts Centinel – Wednesday, October 28, 1789

Ben would have read this issue of the Massachusetts Centinel with great interest. It contains extensive coverage of President Washington's visit to Boston that began on Saturday, October 24, 1789. On that day, at 10 o'clock in the morning, 24-year-old Ben Edwards, his 55-year-old uncle Alexander, and the other inhabitants of the town assembled and formed a Procession in the Mall. The artisans, tradesmen, and manufacturers were alphabetically arranged. Each group formed behind white silk flags of a yard square that flew from handsomely painted seven-foot long staffs. Each flag contained a device noting the group's trade. Uncle Alex marched behind the flag of the Cabinet and Chair-Makers and Ben followed behind the flag of the Coopers.

As the head of the procession reached the entrance of the town, the entire group halted, opened ranks and faced inwards forming an avenue which reached from the neck to the State House, for the President to pass through. At one o'clock, the President's approach was announced by discharges of artillery from Roxbury, Dorchester Heights, and Castle William; a salute from the ships, and by the ringing of all the bells. As President Washington reached the Roxbury line (at Boston Neck) he changed into Continental uniform and mounted an elegant white horse. He was attended by Major Jackson, and Mr. Lear, his Secretaries. Vice President John Adams followed on horseback. The Selectmen welcomed the President and he was escorted into town followed by the Procession.

Large crowds of cheering citizens greeted President Washington as he passed through a richly decorated triumphal arch and canopy (designed by architect Charles Bulfinch) to the Colonnade, erected for the occasion at the west end of the State House. The President was seated on a temporary balcony here, an Ode was sung, and the Procession passed him, proceeded into Court Street and was dismissed. That evening, fireworks were exhibited in several parts of the town. The issue of the Massachusetts Centinel also covers other highlights of the President's visit including a dinner held in his honor at Faneuil Hall and his visit to the Stone Chapel (King's Chapel). Both events took place on Tuesday, October 27.