Boston is one of the largest and most influential cities in Gilead and the United States of America. It was originally part of the New Gilead District, and later became part of the Eastern District (following increasing rebellion north of the New Gilead District).
Following the Wharton Wedding Massacre, that nearly eradicated the Bostonian Council, the US Armed Forces and the American Resistance launched an invasion that successfully liberated the city from Gilead, becoming an American city once more after 19 days of fighting.
Events in Boston[]
Boston is one of the largest cities and most important cities in Gilead and America. Powerful Commanders such as Commander Waterford and Commander Lawrence are stationed in Boston, and it is one of the cities most securely under Gilead control. In the TV series, Boston is Gilead's second city, with Washington, D.C. being the only more powerful city in the nation.
However, Boston does begin to suffer under the acts of Mayday and the resistance. Lillie Fuller, a Handmaid known as Ofglen, first brings chaos to Boston when she detonates a bomb in The Rachel and Leah Center, killing many Commanders and Handmaids. The effect of this is extremely devastating, as Boston resorts to bringing fertile Unwomen from The Colonies to substitute for the dead Handmaids.
Boston also becomes the center of one of Gilead's biggest scandals when Nichole Waterford is kidnapped by Mayday agents, including the rogue Handmaid Emily Malek (Ofjoseph #3). In the following months, it is the center of an even greater scandal when The Marthas' Network is largely responsible for almost all Commanders' children being successfully kidnapped and brought to Canada via plane.
The biggest event to occur is when the Handmaids assassinate 37 Commanders using the wedding of High Commander Wharton and Serena Joy. Shortly thereafter, US forces invade Boston while the Econopeople join the rebellion and US fighter jets bomb strategic targets in the city. However, the surviving High Commanders plan to escape to Washington, D.C. and rally the High Council to bomb Boston and suppress the rebellion and end any hope of victory. At the behest of June Osborne and CIA agent Mark Tuello. Commander Lawrence sacrifices himself to blow up the High Commanders' plane, killing himself, Nick Blaine, High Commander Wharton and the other surviving extremist Commanders.
Following the death of the Boston Commanders, the city is secured by American forces. Although Gilead tried to fight, the death of their leaders before the battle even began meant that the American and rebel forces prevailed. By the time that the Marines landed in South Boston, the fighting was almost over, and Gilead had already started to pull out of the city. After that, it only took 19 days for Boston to become an American city once again. The Guardians are hung from the Wall which becomes covered in messages of hope. The liberation of Boston is just the beginning of an ongoing campaign to defeat Gilead and retake the United States of America.
End of Gileadean Occupation (2022)[]
When American forces retake Boston, power and essential infrastructure is fragile and sparse, but after three weeks of fighting, the power plants are restored, and power is turned back on for the city. Following this, the Logan International Airport is opened again and American refugees from Alaska (and presumably other locations) start to arrive. American forces throughout the city kill Guardians and Eyes, and string them up on the Wall. Bonfires are made as well, as Gileadean clothing and symbols are destroyed.