A 19th century view of the harbour of Boston frozen over

Anonymous.

The Cunard Royal Mail Steamship Britannia (John Hewitt, Commander). As she appeared leaving her dock at East Boston February 3d. 1844 bound from Boston to Liverpool.
Boston: Cunard Steamship Company, 1876. Tinted lithograph finished with hand colour. Sheet 550 x 710mm.

The second edition of this uncommon view of Boston harbour icebound, first published in 1844, showing the people of the city standing on the ice watching the 'Britannia' escaping.
In January 1844 a severe cold snap caused Boston Harbour to freeze over, a rare occurrence. According to the title the local merchants paid for a canal to be cut through ice seven miles long, allowing this paddle steamer to leave. Although the print was published to celebrate the achievement, it backfired as it showed the harbour could be put out of action, unlike New York.


Stock ID : 19265