American Revolution in Massachusetts

Lord Howe Evacuating Boston (Library of Congress)

On March 17, after further delays caused by bad weather and unfavorable winds, British forces finally began evacuating Boston. The eight-year long occupation of Boston ended as 120 ships carrying about 11,000 people were on their way out of the harbor by 9AM.

The British would destroy Fort William on Castle Island during the evacuation, forcing the Americans to build their own fortifications on the island. Howe also left behind several ships in the harbor, mainly to divert vessels heading into Boston. These ships remained until June 13, 1776, when a barrage from canon placed on the harbor islands drove them away. On their way out, a boat carrying a timed charge was sent ashore to Little Brewster Island and exploded, destroying the light house.