4 South Market Building, 5th Floor Boston, MA 02109
One of the most recognizable Boston historic sites, this old market building, first built in 1742, sits at the site of the old town dock. Town meetings, held here between 1764 and 1774, heard Samuel Adams and others lead cries of protest against the imposition of taxes on the colonies. This Boston historic site was enlarged in 1806, before Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, and Lucy Stone brought their struggles for freedom here in the 19th century. Today, market stalls on the first floor service shoppers much as they did in Paul Revere's day.
Recommended start: Boston Common Visitor Center Tremont Street Boston, MA
Sixteen Boston historic sites, all significant in this country's early struggle for freedom, are connected by a 2.5 mile red brick line that both links one place to another, and the past to the present. Each of these Boston historic areas—from the Paul Revere house to the U.S.S. Constitution—had a role in the creation of our nation, and each connects us to the spirit of Boston's early patriots, whose hearts were ignited by the spark of liberty.
Boston Common
(617) 242-5642
Visitor Information Center Tremont Street Boston, MA
Originally owned by William Blackstone, who came to Boston in 1622, this Boston historic area is America's oldest public park. Situated on 44 acres of open land, it was used as a common pasture for grazing cattle owned by the townspeople of Boston. This Boston historic site later became a training field for the militia and was used as a British Army camp during the occupation of Boston. Over many generations, the Common has been the site of hangings, duels, public celebrations and spirited oratory. Now it hosts squirrels, pigeons, and plenty of neighborhood dogs from the fashionable addresses of Beacon Hill.
Walk the deck and explore the lower floors of America's most famous warship at this, one of the more stirring of Boston historic sites. You’'ll see how the sailors lived and where they fought, and get hands-on experience with the weapons and tools they used, and learn of the many decisive battles this famed warship fought.
On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his small wooden home in the Boston historic area of North End, and set out on a journey that would make him into a legend. Today that home is still standing at 19 North Square and has become one of the most important of Boston historic sites. It is downtown Boston's oldest building and one of the few remaining from an early era in the history of colonial America.
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" This famous order has come to immortalize the determination of the ill-equipped Colonists facing the powerful British Army during the famous battle fought in this Boston historic area on June 17, 1775. The Battle of Bunker Hill marks the first time a unified Colonial army held its own against the British army. Today a 221-foot granite obelisk denotes this Boston historic site as the place of first major battle of the American Revolution.
Visit the most famous Boston historic areas in an authentic World War II amphibious landing vehicle. You'll cruise by all the Boston historic sites that make this the birthplace of freedom, from the golden-domed State House to Bunker Hill, Boston Common and Copley Square to Quincy Market, and more. As the best of Boston historic areas unfolds before your eyes, your ConDUCKtor will deliver little-known facts about our unique and wonderful city.
Step back in time to the Inn that represents the glory of Colonial New England! Licensed since 1716 and immortalized in 1863 by poet Henry Longfellow in his 'Tales of a Wayside Inn,' this Boston historic site is of interest to enthusiasts of history and literature alike.