The Dartmouth and the Tea That Sparked Revolution | New Bedford News

New Bedford News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 13, 2026 · 2m

In 1773, the Dartmouth—built by the ambitious Rotch family in what would become New Bedford—sailed into Boston Harbor carrying tea that ignited revolution. When colonists refused to pay the tax, they disguised themselves as Native Americans, boarded the ship, and dumped its cargo into the harbor. This bold act, now known as the Boston Tea Party, wasn’t just about tea—it was a defiant stand against British rule that united the colonies and set the stage for war. Though Francis Rotch, the ship’s owner, tried to navigate the crisis, his family’s involvement only deepened the conflict. The…