Historical Boston

If you want to experience early American history, go to Boston; several of the most famous American Revolution sites make up the Freedom Trail. Conveniently marked with red paint, the Freedom Trail is seemingly the summer home of families, school groups, and costumed patriots alike. Some of its big spots include:

 

·        Boston Common and Public Garden: The British militia camped on Boston Common, but today it is a public park. The public gardens contains beautiful flowers, a swan pond, and the Make Way for Ducklings statues.

·        Old State House/Fanueil Hall/Old South Meeting House: Each of these buildings held some of the famous debates and speeches in which colonists (including John and Samuel Adams) debated the Stamp Act, the Boston Tea Party, taxation without representation, and more.

·        Old Granary Burying Ground: Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, the five victims of the Boston Massacre, and others are buried here.

·        Paul Revere House and Old North Church: While Longfellow’s poem isn’t entirely accurate, Paul Revere did live here and the church lanterns did warn colonists of British movements.

·        Bunker Hill: The north end of the Freedom Trail contains the Bunker Hill monument, where the first major battle of the American Revolution was fought. Nearby is the U.S.S. Constitution, the first great American warship.

 

Fortunately, if you want non-revolutionary history, Boston can still be your town. The John F. Kennedy birthplace and library are both in the city, and Harvard University in Cambridge has been home to some of the great minds in American history.