”Reading the Stamp Act in King Street, opposite the State House.” Print by James H. Stark (1907)

England asserts the right to tax its American colonies through the Sugar Act in 1764, followed by the Stamp Act (a tax on all forms of paper) in 1765, and the Townshend Acts (a tax on imported glass, lead, paints, paper, and tea) in 1767.  The American colonies reject England’s right to tax them, and this causes violent protests and rioting in Boston. The King sends troops to Boston to keep the peace, and one by one, most of the taxes (except for the tax on tea) are repealed.  The colonies continue to insist that England has no right to tax them; that only the colonies could levy their own taxes.

Colonists rallying under the Liberty Tree. From Cassell’s Illustrated History of England (1865)

A period of relative calm.  The Sons of Liberty continue to resist British rule and foment political unrest, but only relatively minor incidents occur.

1777 print depicting the British ministry forcing tea and imperial rule down America’s throat. Source: New York Public Library

Parliament passes the Intolerable Acts to make Boston pay for the tea.  The port of Boston is closed; more British troops are sent to Boston; martial Law is declared; the Massachusetts Provincial Congress meets in defiance of General Gage and begins to prepare for the possibility of war.  Polly Sumner worries that the possibility of war is very real.

Bostonians watch the Battle of Bunker Hill from their rooftops. Painting by Howard Pyle (1901)

Provincial troops fortify Breeds Hill, overlooking Boston. The British troops attack and retake the hill but suffer very heavy casualties. Polly Sumner watches the battle from the rooftop of the Auchmuty House in Roxbury. George Washington arrives in July to take command of the Provincial troops, which become the forerunner of the Continental Army.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia. Painting by John Trumbull (1818)

The Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, adopts the Declaration of Independence, declaring the Independence of the American colonies from England.

Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776. Painting by Emanuel Leutze (1851)

The War for Independence from Great Britain continues for seven more years before England finally recognizes the independence of the United States of America by agreeing to the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783.

Polly Sumner, as depicted in a note card produced by Cape Shore (date unknown)

Polly Sumner is celebrated as a historical treasure when she is exhibited at multiple locations including the Old South Meeting House.