In 1976, Queen Elizabeth II visited the United States as the country celebrated its 200th birthday. Her last stop on the tour was Boston.
The New York Times reported on July 11, 1976, that she spent her last day in the country in Boston "with its Revolutionary past and heavily Irish present. She was received with applause by large, friendly crowds and restrained protest by a relatively small number of demonstrators."
Queen Elizabeth is greeted as she arrives in Boston on July 11, 1976. Gov. Michael Dukakis is at her left. Boston Mayor Kevin White and Prince Philip are in the background. (Charles Dixon/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)Mayor Kevin White escorts Queen Elizabeth II through Washington Mall in Boston on the way to City Hall ceremonies as Colonel Vincent J. R. Kehoe, left, and his 10th Regiment of Foot, Chelmsford, guard the way on July 11, 1976. (David L. Ryan/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
While in Boston, the queen met with Melnea Cass, who, according to Northeastern University Archives and Special Collections, was one of a few Bostonians who received such an invitation.
Queen Elizabeth II is toasted at a luncheon at Boston City Hall during her visit to Boston, July 11, 1976. Prince Philip is at right. (Charles Dixon/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
WCVB's archives has a short video of a speech the queen gave on her visit, which you can watch below.
Many of the people who showed up to protest the queen's visit called attention to the United Kingdom's role in Northern Ireland.
A demonstration in Boston during the United States Bicentennial, commemorating American independence. Queen Elizabeth II is in the U.S. to take part in the celebrations, and these protestors are condemning the role of Britain in Northern Ireland. (Barbara Alper/Getty Images)Troops passing in review at the Samuel Adams statue during Queen Elizabeth II's visit. Protesters outside Boston City Hall hold up signs in the background. (Charles Dixon/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
