Boston is widely known as the Cradle of Liberty due to its long, proud history and is home to several historic places that draw people from all around the globe.
Paul Revere House is an incredible two-story National Historic Landmark that once housed American patriot and silversmith Paul Revere. This attraction boasts both Georgian and Federal styles of architecture to provide visitors with an amazing architectural experience.
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
Faneuil Hall was constructed by Peter Faneuil in 1742 as a bustling market and gathering place for colonial activists striving for independence from England. It became famous as the site of numerous speeches delivered by Samuel Adams and James Otis at that time.
Building highlights include a golden grasshopper weather vane, restored bell and authentic paintings depicting protesting leaders. A replica of three Tea Party ships can also be found within this complex.
The marketplace comprises three large granite buildings-Faneuil Hall, North Market and Quincy Market–filled with restaurants, bars and shops. Visitors can take a Freedom Trail tour or simply wander at their own pace while discovering this area. Shops like Local Charm, Best of Boston and 1630 Boston offer souvenirs while the Quincy Market Colonnade hosts more than three dozen restaurants offering everything from international dishes to classic New England seafood as well as 44 pushcarts that pay homage to its colonial roots.
The Old State House
Over nearly 200 years, The Old State House in Boston has played an integral part in shaping America’s values of freedom and liberty. Today it forms part of the national Freedom Trail and attracts thousands of history enthusiasts annually.
This building played an instrumental role in the American Revolution. On March 5, 1770, British soldiers opened fire on an assembly of colonists, killing five of them during what became known as the Boston Massacre – an event that marked a turning point towards independence from Great Britain.
This building served as both the seat of Massachusetts state government and merchants’ exchange. In July 1776, when reading of the Declaration of Independence was first publicized here to an enthusiastic crowd – the east balcony featured carvings depicting lion and unicorn symbols representing Royal authority that were eventually torn down and burned by patriots as part of their revolution against their monarchy.
The USS Constitution
The USS Constitution, known as Old Ironsides for her thick oak hull, is America’s oldest commissioned warship afloat and one of its most significant historical ships. Boasting fittings manufactured at Paul Revere’s foundry, the two-masted frigate is part of Boston’s Freedom Trail and remains a popular tourist attraction today.
Before American independence, 13 American colonies depended on the British Royal Navy to defend them against pirates and foreign navies. After independence was achieved, Congress authorized construction of six wooden warships as capital ships of their new United States Navy; USS Constitution was first launched for service in 1797.
Constitution made headlines during the War of 1812 for breaking a British blockade at Halifax and seizing Lord Nelson and Levant en route to West Indies, before fighting in First Barbary War. Now she receives regular maintenance in Boston and sails occasionally on special events or commemorations; visiting her gives you an up-close view of history!
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Jacqueline Kennedy created this library after JFK’s death as an official memorial to him; his eloquent speeches had become part of global discourse. The museum features galleries that span his formative years to his time in office.
Bunker Hill Monument, a 221-foot granite obelisk that marks the location of the first major battle of the American Revolution, is one of 16 locations on Boston’s Freedom Trail that allow visitors to learn about this period in history.
Trinity Church on Copley Square showcases a striking architectural blend that marries Gothic and Romanesque styles, its curved towers and golden Virgin Mary statue standing skyward serving as landmarks in Boston’s North End neighborhood. Within this area is Kings Chapel Burying Ground – Boston’s oldest burial ground where many colonial figures such as Increase and Cotton Mather, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s father Shem Drowne who created Faneuil Hall weathervane, Paul Revere are resting.
