Category Archives: Archeology

The Tunnel ‘Narration’

Posted on November 3, 2018 by indyjerry77

What with the renovation at 102-104 High Street, and the Preservation Trust ‘gang’ taking pictures of the ‘tunnel’ in the basement; many who are new to the city or have never been acquainted with the tunnels are requesting the whole … Continue reading →

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Tunnels – We’re Not Alone

Posted on March 9, 2017 by indyjerry77

After much research, I have well-documented the fact that smuggler tunnels do truly exist under Newburyport.       While the Looney-Tune* Historians who heavily rely on documents can’t figure out why there are no anecdotal mention of them; the evidence is over-whelming from … Continue reading →

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The Smuggling Tunnels – a Compendium

Posted on August 13, 2016 by indyjerry77

I have tried to show, with out exasperating the reader, as well-documented as possible, a treatise about  Newburyport and Smuggling and how the practice indeed opened the way for the building and financing and sustaining tunnels under the city. Next Saturday, … Continue reading →

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Newburyport was a Smuggler’s Den

Posted on August 6, 2016 by indyjerry77

According to Merriam-Webster, a ‘den’ was a hideout, and a center for secret activity.      If ever a community could be labelled as such, it would have been Newburyport.      There are still secrets hidden away in our ancient place and when … Continue reading →

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Tunnels: Part VI – As vital components of trade – Some questions answered

Posted on July 30, 2016 by indyjerry77

Basically, we need to know when they were made; and how they were used. As we have discussed in an earlier post; smuggling was pretty common and to avoid not smelling of tar and looking like a giant chicken; most … Continue reading →

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Tunnels: Part V – Transporting the ‘Product’

Posted on July 23, 2016 by indyjerry77

As indicated in previous posts on the tunnels, molasses was “black gold” to the early economy of Newburyport.    Though international trade and ship building was also important, it was the distilling of sugar into rum that was the foundation for Newburyport’s … Continue reading →

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Tunnels: Part IV – How did Newburyport become rich through smuggling?

Posted on July 17, 2016 by indyjerry77

The focus of the problem was simple, long before American Custom Houses there were British Custom Houses.      To simply follow the rules of empire would have impoverished the average trader with limited supply and the very high tariffs of the Molasses … Continue reading →

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Tunnels: Part Three – Smuggling was the original cause of the American Revolution

Posted on July 4, 2016 by indyjerry77

Yes, I know!      Another controversial statement but well-documented from American and British correspondence. As indicated in the previous post, Smuggling was making the American Colonies, especially New England wealthy.        And then came the French and Indian War (Called the Seven … Continue reading →

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Tunnels: Part One – Newburyport became rich from smuggling

Posted on June 18, 2016 by indyjerry77

To understand how such a statement came to be – there are two factors. One was that America, in particular, Massachusetts, was a colony of Britain, which was an Empire. In this kind of political setup, all wealth is supposed to flow … Continue reading →

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Know the truth but please respect my illusions

Posted on December 13, 2015 by indyjerry77

I laughed at the bumper sticker I spotted yesterday during the Invitation Night here in Newburyport.       It certainly could be applied to politics and our society on many different levels; but in respect to this blog entry, I’m thinking about … Continue reading →

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