As the capital city in Massachusetts, Boston was at the center of another civil rights issue. In 2004, Massachusetts became the first American state to permit same-sex marriage. Some people compared the measure to an act of rebellion that is one of the best known events in Boston -- and American -- history.

That event happened in 1773. Colonists dressed as Indians threw shiploads of British tea into Boston Harbor. They were protesting British taxes. The protest is known as the Boston Tea Party.

Our program was written by Jerilyn Watson. I’m Mario Ritter.

And I’m Kelly Jean Kelly. Join us again next week for This Is America from VOA Learning English.

Karen Legett contributed to this report.