Visit
Boston was the largest town in the Thirteen Colonies until Philadelphia outgrew it in the mid-18th century. Boston's oceanfront location made it a lively port, and the city primarily engaged in shipping and fishing during its colonial days. Many of the crucial events of the American Revolution occurred in or near Boston. With economic growth stagnated, and Boston's penchant for mob action along with the colonists' growing lack of faith in either Britain or its Parliament, a revolutionary spirit in the city was fostered. Today you can still visit many of the sites and structures related to the American Independence movement in and around Boston.
There are several Boston and Massachusetts annual events that you may want to include in your visit plans:
Evacuation Day (observed March 17 weekday, or following Monday)
Evacuation Day is a Suffolk County (Boston) holiday in Massachusetts, marked with celebrations at Dorchester Heights.
March 17 is also St. Patrick’s day, celebrated with a parade through South Boston and other festivities.Patriot’s Day (observed third Monday of April)
Patriot’s Day commemorates the early battles in the American Revolutionary War in Lexington, Concord, and Menotomy. Celebrations include a parade, presentations, and reenactments in Concord and nearby Minuteman National Park.
Patriot’s day is also when the Boston Marathon is run from Hopkinton to Boston.Bunker Hill Day (observed June 17)
Bunker Hill Day commemorates a significant win by the colonial forces over the British troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Siege of Boston. Celebrations occur at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.Independence Day (observed July 4)
Independence Day commemorates the Declaration of Independence by the second Continental Congress. The Declaration was read aloud in Boston from the balcony of the Town House (now known as the Old State House). Celebrations include a music and fireworks performance by the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade.
Image: KingOfHearts CCS-SA
Sites of American Independence
Freedom Trail
The 2.5 mile Freedom Trail leads you to significant historic sites throughout downtown Boston. Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1951, the Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
Image: M2545 CCA-SA
Old North Church
On the evening of April 18, 1775, church sexton, Robert Newman, and Vestryman Capt. John Pulling, Jr. climbed the steeple and placed two lanterns as a signal to Paul Revere, Samuel Prescott, Israel Bissell, William Dawes, and Sybil Ludington, that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by sea across the Charles River and not by land. So began the midnight ride which preceded the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolution.
Image: Elvis Boaventura CC-BY
Paul Revere House
The Paul Revere House, a medieval-style structure in the North End, is the only 17th century wood dwelling still standing in its original Boston site. Open today as a museum, the well-crafted house displays examples of some of Revere’s metal work – spoons, bowls, dental wiring, bells, engraving plates – as well as late 17th century maps, furniture, and furnishings.
Image: Surlygurl CC-BY
Tea Party Ship Museum
The Boston Tea Party Ship, a replica of one of the original ships from which the Sons of Liberty dumped tea overboard the night of December 16, 1773, offers tours with a participatory reenactment of the event.
Image: Boston Tea Party, by W. D. Cooper, 1789 PD
Boston Common
In the heart of the city is Boston Common, originally common grazing land, it is America’s oldest park and the start of the Freedom Trail. In this large green space are various monuments and the Central Burying Ground of 1756. You can rent skates to use on the Frog Pond from November through mid-March, enjoy the spring blossoms and fall foliage colors reflecting in its surface, and in summer, watch youngsters splash about in the wading pool.
Image: Abhi Suryawanshi CCA-SA
Public Garden
Adjoining the Boston Common on the west side of Charles Street, is the 24-acre Public Garden. It is America’s oldest botanical garden, including Victorian-style monuments and statues, an equestrian statue of George Washington. One of Boston’s most iconic experiences for all ages is riding around the lake in the garden’s center on the famous Swan Boats, first launched in the 1870s.
Image: ROxBo PD
Liberty Tree
The Liberty Tree was a famous elm tree that stood in Boston, Massachusetts near Boston Common. In 1765, colonists in Boston staged the first act of defiance against the British government at the tree, which became a rallying point for the growing resistance to the rule of Britain. The Liberty Tree was felled in August 1775 by Loyalists. Today the site is marked with a plaque at Liberty Tree Plaza, 2 Boylston St., Boston.
Image: Unknown PD
Minute Man National Park
At Minute Man National Historical Park, the opening battle of the Revolution is brought to life as visitors explore the battlefields and structures associated with April 19, 1775, and witness the American revolutionary spirit through the writings of the Concord authors. Patriots’ Day, the third Monday of April, is celebrated with a parade, programs, and reenactments of the first battle.
Image: Jay Sullivan CCBY-SA
New England Historic Genealogical Society
The New England Historic Genealogical Society (NEHGS) is the country’s leading resource for family history research. If you are currently investigating your family history, the NEHGS library and website can improve your knowledge and understanding of your family and its place in history.
Image: Tchampoux PD
Museum of Fine Art
In 2010, the MFA opened a new wing dedicated to the Art of the Americas. This collection is integrated in chronological order, and includes outstanding collections of American paintings, furniture, decorative arts, folk art, silver, glassware, and design dating from pre-Columbian through Modernist eras. The collection includes period rooms, furniture, and silver including Paul Revere’s Sons of Liberty Bowl, made in 1768.
Image: © MFA
Getting Around
In addition to public transportation, there are several convenient ways to get around town and see the sights:
Boston Trolley Tours provides a hop-on, hop-off option.
Boston Duck Tours are a fun way to view the sights, including unique perspectives from the Charles River.
Boston Segway Tours provides a closer small-group experience.