Boston Redskins Relocation
The 1937 move that planted the franchise in the nation's capital for good.
The Boston Redskins Relocation marks the pivotal transition of the franchise from Massachusetts to the nation's capital in 1937. Under owner George Preston Marshall, the team shifted its base to Washington, D.C., renaming itself the Washington Redskins and establishing a long-term identity tied to the city. This move is foundational to the club's history, marking the beginning of their tenure at Griffith Stadium and the arrival of Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh, who would define the early success of the franchise in its new home.
- Year Relocated
- 1937
- Original Base
- Boston, Massachusetts
- New Base
- Washington, D.C.
- Owner
- George Preston Marshall
- First DC Stadium
- Griffith Stadium
- Immediate Achievement
- 1937 NFL Championship
- Iconic Player Arrival
- Sammy Baugh (1937)
Lore & Background
George Preston Marshall sought a larger market and better financial stability, leading to the decisive decision to leave Boston after five seasons. The logistics were immense for the era, involving transporting equipment and players across state lines without modern air travel. Upon arrival in D.C., the team faced skepticism from local fans accustomed to amateur college football, yet they quickly proved their worth on the gridiron. Marshall's vision transformed a struggling club into a cornerstone of Washington sports culture.
In Their Own Story
The smell of coal smoke hung heavy over Griffith Stadium as the first home game approached in 1937. Marshall stood in the tunnel, watching the players lace up cleats that had traveled from Boston fields. The crowd was sparse at first, but when the whistle blew, the energy shifted. It wasn't just a new city; it was a new beginning, cemented by the roar of fans who would soon become known as some of the most loyal in football history.
Reader's Guide
The franchise began in Boston (1932–1936) as the Braves and Redskins before Marshall orchestrated the 1937 relocation to Washington, D.C. This era defined the team's early identity, moving from Braves Field to Griffith Stadium in the capital. The immediate acquisition of Sammy Baugh transformed the squad into a championship contender, winning the NFL title within their first season in D.C. Cultural shifts included adapting to a new fanbase and establishing fierce rivalries with teams like the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. Coaching tenures during this period laid the groundwork for future dynasties, emphasizing strong defense and quarterback play under head coach Ray Flaherty. The move solidified Washington as an NFL city, creating a legacy that endured through decades of name changes and stadium relocations. This era remains the bedrock upon which all subsequent Commanders history is built, marking the transition from a traveling club to a civic institution.
Did You Know?
- The team won the NFL Championship in their very first season after moving to D.C.
- Sammy Baugh was drafted by the franchise immediately following the relocation.
- Griffith Stadium served as their home field for the first decade in Washington.