Today in New England History – August 20

On August 20, 1760, the British captured Montreal during the French and Indian War, effectively ending French colonial rule in Canada and reshaping the balance of power in North America. The event had lasting effects on New England’s trade and military strategy, as the colonies adjusted to the new British dominance in the region.

In 1825, the Boston & Providence Railroad officially opened, becoming one of the earliest rail lines in New England and greatly improving transportation and commerce between the two cities. This development marked a significant step in the industrial growth of the region.

On August 20, 1938, the first scheduled commercial airline flight between New York and Boston took off, signaling the rise of modern air travel in New England and connecting the region more efficiently with the rest of the country.

New Englanders also remember August 20, 1975, when Tropical Storm Belle brought heavy rain and flooding to parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, prompting early efforts in regional disaster preparedness and flood management.