When it comes to long-lasting feuds, New England may take the cake. From the Red Sox-Yankees... to the great Market Basket Battle — the worst of the best are outlined in the new book — Wicked Pissed: New England's Most Famous Feuds by Chronicle's Ted Reinstein ( @tedreinstein).
A well known feud highlighted in this book is over the birthplace of American liberty. Were the shots fired in Concord or Lexington? Although the American revolution is far from over, the battle of Concord and Lexington is still being fought in these towns. However, the town of Acton may have a strong argument for their contribution to American liberty. The town of Acton lost more men in the battle of Concord and Lexington than any other town.
Another great feud to highlight is in Bridgeport, Conn. Some say the Wright Brothers were the first to fly in 1903. But, in 1901 a German immigrant named Gustav Whitehead, an aviation pioneer claimed to have taken the first flight. Why is this so hard to prove against North Carolina and even the Smithsonian? Whitehead did not have a photograph to prove that he accomplished his flight in 1901, due to his uncertain immigrant status.
The feuds in New England vary from historical sites, to fried clams, and sports. What are some of your favorite New England feuds?
