Boston, Massachusetts – Scottish football supporters, known as the Tartan Army, have brought their distinctive humor to Boston by placing a traffic cone atop the equestrian statue of George Washington in the city's Public Garden. The playful act, reminiscent of Glasgow's iconic Duke of Wellington statue, has garnered significant attention on social media as thousands of fans converge for the FIFA World Cup.
Donald C MacLeod MBE, a notable figure, shared an image of the newly adorned monument on X (formerly Twitter), stating: "> "Someone’s put a traffic cone on George Washington in Boston 🤣🤣🏴@FIFAWorldCup @ScotlandNT"." This gesture quickly resonated online, with many drawing parallels to the long-standing tradition in Glasgow where the Duke of Wellington statue has famously worn a traffic cone for decades, symbolizing local wit.
The tradition in Glasgow began in the 1980s, with the cone frequently replaced by locals whenever authorities attempted its removal. This cultural phenomenon has become a beloved symbol, even being recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top sights. The Boston incident is seen by many as a good-humored homage to this unique Scottish custom.
Thousands of Scottish fans have traveled to the United States to support their national team, bringing with them a reputation for enthusiastic and good-natured antics. The "coning" of the George Washington statue, a prominent bronze sculpture by Thomas Ball dedicated in 1869, highlights the festive atmosphere surrounding the World Cup and the Tartan Army's distinctive way of celebrating.
