Boston – Adventures in History
Posted in Family Fun, Historic, National Park, Travel | By Shelley Gillespie | Tags: Boston, History, Tours, Travel, US Domestic Travel
When a group of upstart colonists decided they wanted self-governance back in the 1770s, there was a hotbed of activity in Boston, Massachusetts.
Names familiar to many American schoolchildren – Paul Revere, John Adams and others – resided in Boston or the nearby area.
Paul Revere statue
Paul Revere, known for his “midnight ride” to warn that the “British were coming” is immortalized in Boston, in his former home, by a statue and other monuments (and even a mall.)
To give visitors a chance to see much of the early days of struggle to independence, the “Freedom Trail” takes travelers on a walk that encompasses “burying grounds” with luminaries like Revere’s grave on view, the location of the Boston Massacre, the USS Constitution, Bunker Hill and other spots in between. Be an intrepid walker to make it the full distance, but see what you can and take public transportation to the rest.
Paul Revere's gravesite in Boston
The most commanding view and the most demanding physically to see the view is to climb the Bunker Hill Monument (294 steps – no elevator – Pant! Gasp! Choke!), with its narrow steps. At this location, which is Breed’s Hill, the first major battle of the Revolutionary War took place.
Bunker Hill Monument - yes it's very tall! with 294 steps and no elevator
Boston Harbor and "Old Ironsides" from the narrow window of Bunker Hill Monument -See "Old Ironsides" - The USS Constitution - in the lower right
“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes,” was supposedly said by the US commander, Colonel William Prescott, as the British advanced. The US forces did not win that battle, but they acquitted themselves well enough to be heartened to go on and ultimately to win a long war and the independence which has worked fairly well for over 200 years.
Boston definitely has the goods as far as authentic places to see. There’s Paul Revere’s home – he was a noted blacksmith – where he lived for 30 years. The USS Constitution – “Old Ironsides” – the only frigate never to lose a battle, is on view and can be boarded. There’s also a museum affiliated with Old Ironsides.
Old South Meeting House, where the colonists decided to oppose the tea tax and hold the “Boston Tea Party,” is part of the Freedom Trail. And, Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market are also part of the Freedom Trail. They’ll mostly (see yesterday’s blog) free you of some cash as you enjoy a meal or some serious shopping, but fun nonetheless.
You will have no trouble finding souvenirs to bring home of your foray into American freedom. (Probably no more than anywhere else that has noteworthy sites to view, but ignore all that and just get into the history.)
And, there is a lot of US history on view in Boston. Enjoy the settings and remind yourself that a commitment to philosophy lead to a long struggle, many battles and, finally, the country you see today.
Happy Birthday, USA!
I’m very patriotic, so I wanted to share some views of one of my favorite US cities.
As the old song by Dave Loggins goes, “Please come to Boston….” You’ll enjoy yourself.
See this link for National Park Service information on free tours of Boston.
http://www.nps.gov/bost/planyourvisit/guidedtours.htm
Come back tomorrow for a visit to Washington, DC!
Tags: Boston, History, Tours, Travel, US Domestic Travel