From one history major to most people who are not, I'll let you in on a secret: Boston is one of the most historical places in all of America. Wait, that's not a secret? Okay, let's restart.
Boston is one of the most historical places in America, or even the world. There's history in literally every single step you take through the City Upon a Hill! To narrow it down a bit to the best places to go, enjoy this list of the top 10 historical places to go for you history nerds like me!
1. Fenway Park
If you love sports, I don't know why you haven't been to Fenway Park yet. It's the oldest baseball stadium and home to the Boston Red Sox, one of the greatest teams in baseball history!
2. Boston Harbor
Pro-tip: Don't go dressed as a Native American. In hindsight, that was extremely offensive.
Come on, everyone knows why you should go here. The Boston Tea Party happened here! Colonists dressed up as Native Americans dumped British tea into the harbor. If you go, you should be like me and actually buy tea and hold it teasingly over the harbor for a picture opportunity.
3. USS Constitution
The USS Constitution is a huge ship. Literally, huge. Launched in 1797, the USS Constitution was actually named by George Washington himself. Folks, George Washington literally named this ship. George. Washington.
She is mostly known for her activity during the War of 1812, though she's the oldest ship still in commission by the Navy today! When you visit, you can go to the museum but also explore the actual ship. Pretty cool.
4. The JFK Museum
Pretty self-explanatory, but the JFK museum is a library and museum all about President John F. Kennedy. The exhibit is humbling and beautiful, which shows both a short film about the late President and his life, as well as artifacts from his life (my favorite was his childhood desk where he scratched his initials-- JFK-- into it, completely unaware of how well-known those initials would become)
5. The Old State House
At the intersection of Washington and State Streets lies the Old State House, the old seat of the Massachusetts General Court. It was built in 1713 and remains one of the oldest public buildings in America! Today, it serves as a historic museum.
In front of the Old State House, however, is the sight of the Boston Massacre! Where on March 5th, 1770, British soldiers shot into a crowd of boys, killing five, after being provoked by them throwing ice. Many site the Boston Massacre as one of the sparks that caused the Revolution.
6. Paul Revere's House
The British are coming! Ha, just kidding.
Opened in 1680, you can explore the home of Paul Revere, a colonial patriot during the Revolution. Make sure that you yell that the British are coming at least 15 times before entering, and 12 more times before leaving.
7. Museum of Fine Arts
If you like art, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-see. It's an art museum featuring works by Monet, JMW Turner, Van Gogh, Sargent, Renoir and many, many more.
8. Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is a must just by being in Boston. Historically, though, it's even more fun. Located near Government Center, the Hall has been a marketplace and meeting hall since 1743, and a place a lot of famous people (like Sam Adams, drink up) gave speeches encouraging the break from Great Britain.
People sometimes call it the "cradle of liberty." Like, how can you not go?
9. Bunker Hill
Located in Charlestown, Bunker Hill and the Bunker Hill monument commemorate the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Though a lost battle by the Patriots, the Battle of Bunker Hill served as quite a threat to the British-- who actually lost more soldiers than the Americans-- and forced them to reconsider their plan in tackling the Americans, taking a more cautious approach that would help rather than hinder the Continental Army in the future.
10. Freedom Trail
If you want to see most of the things on this list, honestly, just go on the Freedom Trail. I highly recommend it for any person even slightly interested in history. It's a 2.5 mile walk around, basically, the entirety of Boston, checking in at the most historical stops everywhere, including the Granary Burying Ground (where Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock lay), the Park Street Church founded in 1809, King's Chapel Burying Ground (the oldest cemetery in Boston) and many, many more.
You can do it with a guide or just walk the trail by yourself-- it's in the pavement throughout Boston starting at the Common!
Honorable mentions: the Old Corner Bookstore, the Old North Church, and the Boston Common-- places you would see along the Freedom Trail anyway!
