Touring The Great North – Part 2 – Boston’s Freedom Trail

We only had a couple of days per stop along our trip, with only had one full day in Boston, which was more than enough for me. I DO NOT like big cities one bit. That being said though, I thoroughly enjoyed our Freedom Trail Tour of Boston. There is so much history about how we became who we are and how we became the United States. The Freedom Trail Tour took us all through the heart of the city. There are historical landmarks everywhere you go. Boston is known as being the birthplace of the American Revolution.

Driving into Boston from our hotel, Larry gave us all a little driving tour of the city he once called home when he was there for College. He went to Boston University, or BU as it is commonly known. Boston is a city of contrasts, filled with old and new. I love all the attention to detail in all the older buildings and architecture. It is also interesting to see old, historical buildings nestled in between all the modern buildings and skyscrapers that have been built around them.

Boston was established in 1630 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Boston is home to the oldest public library in the U.S. and the oldest park in the country, Boston Common.

A tribute to Samuel Adams, and NOT just for his beer. We learned so much on our tour. It was very informative and very interesting. Our tour guide was fantastic. One interesting little tidbit we learned was that this is NOT actually a model of Samuel Adams, like so many other statues are not actually truly representative of who they are supposed to represent. Apparently people like tall people, and Samuel Adams was a very short rotund man. The model for this Samuel Adams statue was a tall, fit man, and NOT Samuel Adams himself.

Our very patriotic and knowledgeable tour guide. He was very passionate and takes his job as a historical tour guide very seriously.

There are over 10,000 patriotic colonials buried in this very old cemetery, all though there are only about 200 or so actual headstones. This is very sacred and hallowed ground for America.

This is really where Samuel Adams is buried and rightfully honored.

On these steps, Paul Revere garnered support for America and her freedom.

Paul Revere’s actual house. Paul Revere is most famous for his midnight ride in 1775 to warn colonial militia of the impending British advance before the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which started the American Revolutionary War. Beyond his ride, he was a prominent silversmith, a skilled engraver whose work served as anti-British propaganda, and a successful industrialist after the war who pioneered copper and iron production. On April 18, 1775, Revere rode to warn American patriots, including John Hancock and Samuel Adams, that British troops were marching to seize military supplies. His ride was part of an alert system, famously involving lanterns hung in the Old North Church, to signal the British route of approach. This urgent warning allowed the colonial militia to prepare, giving them a crucial advantage in the subsequent Battles of Lexington and Concord.

History adorns every street, from all angles, all throughout the old city of Boston.

Snippets of modern day Boston intertwined with historical Boston.

Duck boats are all over coastal towns. They are amphibians that travel by both land and sea. Most of them are from WWII and are still functioning as tour vehicles.

If you like the hustle and bustle of big cities, then you will love Boston. If you are a history buff, then Boston is definitely a place you need to go. I HATE big cities, but I loved all the history in Boston. History is at every turn, around every corner. And for me, the historical aspects were well worth a trip to the Hub, or Beantown, famous nicknames Boston also goes by.

Stay tuned, and bring out the popcorn. We’re just getting started. 🙂

Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.