Based on a map published in the Pennsylvania Magazine (August 1775), this is one of the few maps to show how the British set up their blockade on Boston Neck. The blockade was designed to protect English troops in Boston from attack by the Americans, and further punish New Englanders by obstructing the only land route to their major port. In the accompanying article, it was noted that “this is a true state this day, July 31, 1775,” and that by using this map, “it will be easy to form a perfect idea of the manner in which the General hath blockaded the entrances” into Boston.