Throughout its history, Boston has stood out as a leader. In colonial times, it was a leading city in Puritanism, intellectual and theocratic. Boston Public Latin School was founded there in 1635 and a year later Harvard College was founded in nearby Cambridge. Boston also led the colonies by publishing the first newspaper.
It was the first city to be levied with the taxes that would eventually lead to the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party, making it a leader also in developing revolutionary sentiment and moving the colonies toward their break from England. In 1775, Paul Revere rode from Boston to Lexington to warn the colonial militia of the approaching British troops and Lexington saw the first battle of the Revolutionary War.
Following the War, Boston was a leading port with many families rising to wealth through shipbuilding, maritime trade and manufacturing textiles and shoes. These same families in turn patronized arts and culture. The city shifted from more of an economic to intellectual center with the passing of time and with many of the graduates of prominent schools staying in the area after graduation, the local boom in computer research, development and manufacturing has continued.
Today Boston is also a leader in finding solutions to problems that plague other cities. One of their notable achievements, known as the "Big Dig", has placed their Central Expressway underground. This and other innovative solutions have made Boston a comfortable and affluent place to be and the Bostonians are rightfully proud and reasonably content.
Probably the best way to experience Boston history first-hand is to follow the popular city walking tour known as the "Freedom Trail". The Trail takes visitors to sixteen historical sites as they follow a red brick or painted line through the city. There are both guided and self-guided tours available, which can be completed in a couple hours or can take a day or more depending on how long is devoted to the sites along the way.
Here is a sampling of the historic sites to be seen along the Trail.
The Boston Common
The Boston Common is America's oldest public park and has seen a great deal of excitement over the years. Both the Colonial militia and British army spent time there. It was once a pasture and has been the site of hangings, duels and public celebrations.
Granary Burying Ground
This is one of three burial grounds on the freedom trail. Copp's Hill and King's Chapel are the other two. Granary Burying Ground is interesting as the final resting place of such famous people as Samuel Adams, Peter Faneuil, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. In King's Chapel there are also several prominent names from early Boston such as John Winthrop, the Colony's first governor, William Dawes, Jr. who rode with Paul Revere, and Mary Chilton who was the first woman to step off the Mayflower in Plymouth Colony.
Benjamin Franklin
Outside the Old City Hall there is a statue of Benjamin Franklin, looking down at passers-by with a whimsical half-smiling, half-serious expression. This was the first portrait statue to be erected in the United States. Also if you pay attention here, you will notice a plaque in the sidewalk that marks where the nation's first public school was founded. The Boston Latin School as it is called, is still in operation though it is now in a different neighborhood.
Old State House
The Old State House is the oldest surviving public building in Boston. It was built in 1713 to house the British government officials, and was once the tallest building in the city. In 1770, the Boston Massacre occurred in the courtyard, so it was fitting that six years later, the people of Boston first heard the Declaration read here. Today the building contains a museum of Boston history.
Faneuil Hall
Nicknamed the "Cradle of Liberty," the Hall was a marketplace and town meeting hall for more than 250 years. The Bostonians met here in colonial times to discuss their complaints about the British and set down such famous principles as "no taxation without representation." It was here that the tea meetings were held that would eventually lead to the Boston Tea Party.
Old North Church
This church played a pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. On April 18, 1775, the sexton sent a signal to Paul Revere so that he could ride to warn the Colonial militia of the arrival of British troops. Old North Church is the oldest church building in Boston and still houses an active Episcopal congregation.
Bunker Hill Monument
There is a 221-foot granite obelisk marking the site of the first major battle of the American revolution. On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill occurred, demonstrating to both sides that the Colonists though ill-equipped were determined and could match the British army despite their disadvantages. From this battle the phrase, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" has become immortalized.
Sources:
( http://www.boston-travel-services.com/ ) (Accessed June 7, 2004)
( http://www.lonelyplanet.com ) (Accessed June 4, 2004)
( http://www.cityofboston.gov ) (Accessed June 4, 2004)
( http://www.bostoncitylinks.com/boston.html ) (Accessed June 7, 2004)
(http://www.whatsontheplanet.com ) (Accessed June 11, 2004)