Boston Things to Do Tips by Tom_Fields

Bunker Hill Bunker Hill Review

The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775 . Following the minor engagements at Lexington and Concord, this was the first major battle of the War of Independence. Most of the battle actually took place on nearby Breed's Hill.

The American rebel troops, led by Colonel William Prescott, were dug in on top of the hill. As the British troops, known as Redcoats, advanced up the hill, the Col Prescott told his men "Don't fire until you see the whites in their eyes!" When the British were close enough, the colonials let loose a devastating volley. The British suffered heavy losses before finally taking the hill from the Americans. The Americans had run out of ammunition, so had to retreat. But this battle proved to the Redcoats that putting down the rebellion would be no easy task.

Designed by architect Solomon Willard, the monument was completed in 1843. It affords a fine view of the city.

Address: Monument Square, Charlestown, MA

Directions: Follow The Freedom Trail out of the Navy Yard toward Monument Square by proceeding north to Adams St.

Phone: (617)242-5641

Old Ironsides USS Constitution - Charlestown Navy Yard Review

The frigate USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, served with great distinction during the War of 1812. Built in 1797, she acquired the nickname due to her copper sheathing, which runs the length of her hull. This extra protection gave her a decisive edge in an engagement with a British warship, which she sent to the bottom.

This is the oldest US Navy ship in existence. It's a must-see for maritime and historical buffs.

The day of my visit was Independence Day, and the people of Charlestown flew a gigantic US flag from the ship's stern, took her for a cruise around the harbor, brought her back to her berth, and with great ceremony replaced the flag in its huge box. If you visit Boston on the 4th of July, this is the thing to see. It's an impressive sight.

Address: 1 Constitution Rd, Charlestown, MA 02129

Directions: On the Metro, the nearest stop is North Station on the Green Line, and Bunker Hill on the Orange Line.

Phone: (617) 426-1812

USS Cassin Young USS Constitution - Charlestown Navy Yard Review

This US Navy Fletcher-class destroyer was built during World War II. She is named for an officer who fought with great bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor, and in the fierce naval battles off Guadalcanal, where he was killed.

This ship is a fine example of a destroyer. The destroyer is a versatile, all-purpose combat vessel capable of all kinds of duties: engaging enemy surface ships with guns and/or torpedoes, providing anti-aircraft protection, anti-submarine warfare, providing gunfire support to the ground troops, search and rescue, and various auxiliary functions.

The Cassin Young served during the latter part of the Pacific War. She was at the Battle of Leyte Gulf and off Okinawa, where she was hit by a Japanese "kamikaze" suicide bomber.

Address: 1 Constitution Rd, Charlestown, MA 02129

Directions: Same as for the USS Constitution

Phone: (617) 242-5642

Boston's Old South Meeting House Freedom Trail Review

This building was built as a Puritan church in 1729. Benjamin Franklin was baptized here. During the War of Independence, it played a pivotal role.

On December 16, 1773, a mob an angry colonists met here to protest the British tax on tea. This brought about the famous "Boston tea party", where the Sons of Liberty, disguised as Indians, boarded British merchant vessels in the harbor and dumped hundreds of boxes full of tea into the water.

During the war, British troops converted the church into a stable. But afterward, it was restored to a house of worship. After an 1872 fire, the church moved. So, in one of our country's first historical preservation efforts, a group of Boston citizens saved it from the wrecking ball. Since 1877, it has been a museum.

Address: 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108

Directions: At Washington and Market Streets, in downtown Boston.

Phone: (617) 482-6439

Boston's Waterfront

Boston's beautiful waterfront, facing the harbor, is a great place to stroll and take in the sights. Here are some fine views of the city.

Directions: Downtown, on the east side.

First Baptist Church

Boston's Baptist congregation was founded on June 7th, 1665. The Baptists believe in baptizing people only when they reach the age where they comprehend what it means, NOT when they're mere infants. This was heresy at the time, and a violation of English law. So early church members were treated as criminals.

After meeting clandestinely for years, they finally established their own church n 1679. The present building was designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, in a style known as Richardson Romanesque. The main building material is Roxbury puddingstone. The tower is 176 feet high, and the frieze was designed by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who also designed the Statue of Liberty.

Address: 110 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

Directions: In the Back Bay area, near the Hatch Shell.

Phone: (617) 267-3148

Website: http://www.firstbaptistchurchofboston.org/

Trinity Church Trinity Church Review

Henry Hobson Richardson designed this lovely church, completed in 1876. It was built for the local Anglican parish, who had decided to move to the Back Bay area from the old downtown.

Address: 206 Clarendon Street, Boston, MA 02116

Directions: Copley Square, next to the Hancock Tower.

Other Contact: Fax 617-536-8916

Phone: 617-536-0944

Website: http://www.trinityboston.org/

Massachusetts State House State House Review

This magnificent building houses the executive and legislative branches of the Massachusetts government. It was completed in 1798, and is an example of a Bullfinch design.

Directions: Beacon and Park Streets, opposite Boston Common.

Other Contact: (617) 742-4528

Phone: (617) 727-7030

Website: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/trs/trsbok/trstour.htm

King's Chapel King's Chapel Review

This church was designed by Peter Harrison, and built in 1749. It had the first Anglican congregation in Boston. But during the Revolution most of the members left for Canada, as they were loyalists. In 1787, the first Unitarian congregation in America was established here.

The burial ground has the graves of John Winthrop, the first colonial governor, and other notables. One of the gravestones inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write The Scarlet Letter.

Address: 64 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108

Directions: At Tremont and School Streets.

Other Contact: Fax 617-227-4101

Phone: 617-523-1749

Website: http://www.kings-chapel.org/

Park Street Church Park Street Church Review

The Park Street Church, built as a Congregationalist church in 1809, was used during the War of 1812 to store gunpowder, acquiring the nickname "Brimstone Corner." It's also where the abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first speech condemning slavery, in 1829. This is one of Boston's most beautiful and historic churches.

Directions: Park and Tremont Streets.

Phone: (617)523-3383

Website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/parkstreet.asp