Visit Boston: 6 historical sites that should not be missed

A history buff would not miss a chance to visit Boston. Take a stroll to one of the oldest cities in the US with various historical landmarks narrating the story of the American Revolution. Let’s explore the legacies left by the forefathers and the transformation of this marvellous city. 

PAUL REVERE HOUSE

Visit Boston and follow the red-brick line on the Freedom Trail, you will reach the house of Paul Revere – a patriot in the American Revolution. He is best known for his midnight ride to alert the American military prior to the outbreak of the battles. 

The house was the adobe of Paul Revere and his family from 1770 to 1800, demonstrating the 18th century Georgian and early Massachusetts Bay timber styles of architecture. With an ultimate effort from his great-grandson to preserve the building, the Paul Revere House opened its door to the public in 1908 and became the one of first house museums in the country. Visiting the site, you will learn about his biography and respect the relics that have been standing for centuries.  

USS CONSTITUTION

Being the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy, USS Constitution tells a heroic story of the 1812 War glory. You might be even more surprised as this ship is still peeking into sea life as it was 2 centuries ago. The USS Constitution with a strong oak wood hull has survived the cannon fire from enemies and defeated them in various battles. 

To understand more about this wartime as well as the origin of the name “USS Constitution” of the ship, you can visit the museum next door where more documentaries, exhibitions, and interactive activities are displayed.

OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE

As its name suggests, Old South Meeting House was a gathering place of different community groups along with the history of the city. Initially built by the Puritans in 1729 for civic use of town meetings, elections, and other special events, the Old South Meeting House then became the place for patriot meetings leading up to the American Revolution.  

After the war, the building was severely damaged and even faced the threat of demolition. However, the group of “twenty women of Boston”  was succeeded in restoring and preserving this important historical site and opened its door for the public as a museum since 1877.

BLACKSTONE BLOCK HISTORY DISTRICT

Besides the famous historical landmarks from wartime, the dynamic social and trading life since the 17th century in Boston has many things to tell. Blackstone Block History District is the one displaying the history and art of this time with cobbled streets and rustic surroundings.

Wander around the city’s oldest commercial blocks once dominated by the butcher trade for decades, you can have a meal at the Union Oyster House – an attractive culinary landmark to quench your thirst for seafood at this harbor city. 

BOSTON ATHENAEUM LIBRARY

Established in 1805, this is one of the first independent libraries and distinguishes cultural centers in the US. Boston Athenaeum Library is home to 15,000 rare books and art that require membership registration to get access to its magnificent resources. However, the first floor of this library is open to the public with rotating exhibitions and art galleries and especially the human skin book with utmost curiosity. 

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Who could miss Harvard University when visiting Boston? This world-class university is the oldest one in the US and an Ivy League institution with a long-lasting history since 1636. Being not only the university of the second President of the US – John Adams, but also the one having students advocating and contributing to the American Revolution. 

You can self-explore the university or take a guided tour by students to get along the campus sites such as the Memorial Church, Fogg Museum, University Hall, John Harvard Statue, and Widener Library and listen to the history of this prestigious university. 

Images: Internet

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