Historical Materials

The first rowing clubs in the United States appeared in the early 1830s, first in New York, and then later in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia, and Providence. The first record of a formal race in Boston was in 1842. Boat clubs were fairly transient and groups would usually go on excursions rather than compete in regattas.

The constitution and by-laws of the Tiger Boat Club indicate that it was founded in August 12, 1837. All members also had to be members of the Boston Light Infanty; the admission fee for membership in the boat club was $12.