Dr. Marsha Richmond describes the impact of the Boston smallpox epidemic of 1721 had in helping to eradicate the disease. Boston had been plagued by earlier outbreaks and faced additional risks of exposure due to its being the major harbor in New England. The presentation covers the political and religious influences that influenced the city’s response to the disease. It also explores the use of inoculation in preventing the spread of the illness.
Link to the presentation: Smallpox in 18th Century Boston

Image credit: Painting of smallpox hospital on Rainsford Hospital built in 1832. The painting is held by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The image is in the public domain.