Boston's Historic Streets Embrace a New Visual Twist
Boston, often hailed as the "birthplace of the American Revolution," is renowned for its numerous monuments and landmarks that narrate the nation's rich history. Recently, these historic statues have been receiving an unexpected and colorful makeover.
Visitors from Scotland attending the World Cup have been placing bright orange traffic cones atop Boston's statues, a practice that has intrigued and amused local residents.
This custom is well-known to Glaswegians, where the Duke of Wellington statue at the Gallery of Modern Art has sported a traffic cone at a jaunty angle since the 1980s. This playful visual has become a distinctive part of Glasgow's identity and even inspired the renowned graffiti artist Banksy.
Scotland Fans Bring Their Tradition to Boston
An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 Scotland supporters traveled to Boston for Scotland's opening World Cup match against Haiti last week, which concluded with a 1-0 victory. Enthusiasm is rising ahead of their second match against Morocco on Friday, with the traffic cone adornments reflecting the fans' spirited mood.
One of the statues decorated earlier this week was the Arms of Friendship at Charlestown Navy Yard. Created by Gillie and Marc Schattner, this artwork features a 36ft (11m) long bronze octopus holding several endangered animals, including an elephant and a gorilla.
Not far away, in Faneuil Hall Square, the statue of former Boston mayor Kevin White was also given a traffic cone hat. White, a Democrat, served four terms from 1968 to 1984 during a period marked by racial tensions in the city. According to the Boston Globe, White governed "in a grand manner," and there was debate about whether the 10ft statue was tall enough when installed in the mid-2000s. The Tartan Army's addition perhaps symbolically granted him an extra foot or two.
Similarly, the statue of Boston Celtics basketball legend Bill Russell at City Hall Plaza received the same treatment.
Local Reactions to the Cone Tradition
Brendan McGillicuddy, 26, a Boston resident, expressed his appreciation for the new additions while on his way to work.
"I welcome it," he said. "I have no idea what it means but it's a nice little symbol of Scotland. It's a mark to say Scotland was here. I never realised it was a thing before the World Cup. I'd heard of the Tartan Army but not the cone thing. I'm here for it though."
By Wednesday afternoon, Boston authorities began removing the traffic cones from statues, but the fans continue to celebrate the tradition in their own way.
Alistair Blake from Glasgow, accompanied by his two sons, gave an interview while wearing their own traffic cone hats.
"It's a friendly Glaswegian gesture. I think you see it more here because there's so many statues. We don't get very far without someone stopping us and asking for a picture. They think it's fun and want to know the symbolism behind it."
Origins of the Traffic Cone Tradition
Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, is celebrated for defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 and later serving as prime minister. His Category-A listed statue, mounted on his favored horse Copenhagen, was sculpted by Italian artist Carlo Marochetti and erected in 1844 in Glasgow.
The tradition of placing a traffic cone on the Duke's head is believed to have begun in the 1980s by late-night revelers.
For years, local authorities contested the placement of the cone, citing minor damage to the statue and concerns about potential injuries during the act. The council labeled it "vandalism," and police warned of possible criminal charges. Despite this, the prank persisted, with any removal of the cone quickly countered by its replacement within days.
Today, images of the cone-topped statue are used to promote Glasgow and appear on posters, coasters, and key rings. In 2023, Banksy described it as his "favourite work of art in the UK," which influenced his decision to hold his first exhibition in 14 years at the gallery.
Global Recognition and Local Perspectives
News of the traffic cone adornments in Boston reached Glasgow by Wednesday. Susan Law, originally from Paisley and now residing in Stamford, Lincolnshire, praised the Boston statues.
"It's fun and shows people are friendly," she said. "I think the Americans are loving it and it seems to have been well perceived."
Nicole, visiting Glasgow from Los Angeles with her daughter, noted she had seen photos of the Boston statues on social media but was unaware of the tradition until planning her trip to Scotland.
"I messaged one of my friends in Boston who had no idea what was going on until I sent her one of the videos," she said. "It's spread so quickly on social media that it is now recognisably Scottish and I knew the Duke of Wellington was the one statue I wanted my daughter to see over here. I've bought a bag with the Duke embroidered on it - it's really fun."
She also expressed admiration for the fans' ability to source so many traffic cones.
Marcos, who moved to Glasgow ten years ago, was eager to show visiting friends from Spain the iconic Duke of Wellington statue.
"It's really cool and I'm happy the council gave up removing the cone," he said. "I hadn't seen it before I came here but I knew about it and it is absolutely something that everyone can recognise as Scottish now. It reflects how funny and friendly people are in Glasgow."
Many locals and tourists in Glasgow's city centre agree that the traffic cone symbolizes the city's humor and fosters a sense of unity.
