Banned in Boston: American Indians, but Only for 329 Years
The New York Times
November 25, 2004
By KATIE ZEZIMA
It is a prejudicial, archaic concept that prohibited Native Americans from entering a city for fear
members of their “barbarous crew” would cause residents to be “exposed to mischief.”But it is more than notions and phrases in Boston. A ban on Indians entering Boston has been the law since 1675.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino took a step toward repealing the ban on Wednesday, filing a home rule petition. Mr. Menino said a repeal would remove the last vestiges of discrimination from a vibrant, diverse city that is looking past old racial conflicts.