Boston’s Spirited History and Vibrant Culture Alive in its Freedom Trail Sites, Educational Institutions, and Sports Activities
Boston was founded by a group of eight hundred Puritans led by John Winthrop. They arrived on a fleet of 11 ships in 1630 to escape religious persecution in England. They were acting pursuant to a charter which the Massachusetts Bay Company had obtained from King Charles I to settle hospitable land in the region. By the 1640s, the Massachusetts Bay Colony which included Boston had increased in size to over 20,000 residents and established several thriving industries including shipbuilding, trading, lumber and fur trading. Debate over religious issues and the colony's future path led to the founding of other communities throughout southern New England. It was an early indication of the residents' fierce determination to resist oppression, and a harbinger of the city's role as a center of dissent and revolt against the British crown during the American Revolution.
The vibrancy and spirit of Boston remains an important part of the city’s character today. With a city population of approximately 700,000 people and a metropolitan population of 4.9 million people, Boston attracts large numbers of students to its distinguished colleges and universities and is one of the world's leading centers for the health care and life sciences industries. It has a young median age of 32.6 and boasts a quality of life that includes cultural institutions and numerous entertainment options.
For an introduction to Boston's culture, history, and people the following activities are worth exploring:
Sample the Historic Sites on the Freedom Trail - The Freedom Trail is a collection of historic buildings and locations that connect the colonial settlement of Boston to events of the American Revolution and the birth of the United States. Sixteen locations are considered to be part of the Freedom Trail which extends for 2.5 miles from the Boston Commons to the Bunker Hill Monument. Some of the most interesting place to stop along the Freedom Trail are:
Massachusetts State House - Built in 1798 on land owned by John Hancock, the State House has served for generations as the headquarters for the state's legislative and executive offices and is easily spotted because of the gold dome that adorns the roof.
Old North Church and Paul Revere House - These two buildings are linked by their roles in the initial battles of the American Revolution. Lanterns were hung in the Old North Church to warn that British forces were approaching the city and gave rise to the horseback rides by Paul Revere and other patriots to warn local militias.
Old South Meeting House and Faneuil Hall - These two locations were common places for local leaders to gather and speak to the crowds about the need to oppose new laws and actions taken by British authorities.
Bunker Hill Monument - The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot-tall column or obelisk built in 1843 to commemorate the first major battle between British forces and American militias in June 1775 near Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill during the siege of Boston. Along with a statue honoring Colonel William Prescott, the monument recognizes the colonial forces who inflicted more than 1000 casualties on attacking British troops in an unsuccessful effort to keep them from occupying the city at the start of the American Revolutionary War.
Relax at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Newbury Street, and other Shopping destinations - Like many places in Boston, the Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a stop on the Freedom Trail. It includes the famous Hall and the surrounding streets where Boston residents spoke out against British colonialism prior to the American Revolution, and later against slavery and suffrage restrictions. Today, the area is also an important attraction for visitors because of its interesting collection of shops, restaurants, food stalls, and artists. Both national brands and local wares can be found scattered throughout the Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market buildings which fan out from the 1747 historic Faneuil Hall. Although a must-see destination for tourists, the marketplace has also remained popular with locals.
Newbury Street in the Back Bay is one of Boston's more posh locations. The lower end of the street is packed with designer stores and world class retailers offering luxury goods along with fine dining establishments. In contrast, the upper end features budget stores and quirky specialty shops catering to the diverse residents of the city. While large malls and department stores have faced challenges in recent years, the well-known Copley Place and Prudential Center locations still attract downtown shoppers and working professionals to boutiques and entertainment attractions.
Explore Boston's Maritime History and Ocean Life - The Charleston Navy Yard established in 1800 served as the first shipyard for United States Navy. For almost two centuries thereafter, new vessels were built, and dozens of ships were repaired there in huge dry docks. The leading attraction at the Navy Yard is the USS Constitution known as "Old Ironsides" which is the world's oldest worship still afloat. The great battles and history of the 305-foot-long vessel which was manned by 450 sailors and marines come alive when viewing it's three huge masts, 44 gun portals, and 48 sails. The Visitor Center at the Navy Yard describes the long history of the USS Constitution, the World War II Destroyer USS Casino, and the other vessels and naval equipment on display. Another maritime attraction and historic site worth exploring is the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum located on the Fort Point Channel. The replica ships and museum storytellers act out some of the historic events of 1773 when local Patriots dressed as Native Americans stormed English vessels and threw their tea shipments overboard in protest against the onerous Stamp Tax imposed by the British. The well-respected New England Aquarium is also located in the North End Waterfront section of the city. Thousands of different sea life are on display there such as seals, sea turtles, octopus, sharks and penguins.
Visit Some of the Educational Institutions in the City - The city of Boston and the surrounding suburbs host forty-four public and private colleges and universities. An estimated 150,000 undergraduate and graduate students live within the city which helps create a climate of intellectual curiosity and cultural exploration to the community. While many of these schools are highly rated such as Northeastern, Tufts University, Boston College and Boston University, the two most interesting universities to visit and walk around are Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. The museums located on the grounds of these institutions such as the, the Peabody Museum of Archeology, the Museum of Natural History, the Harvard Art Museum, and the MIT Museum all have interesting exhibits. Just walking around Harvard Yard or hiking between the two universities along the Charles River on Memorial Drive can be a stimulating experience on a nice day.
Experience a Sporting Event in Boston - For people who enjoy sports, Boston is a special place. While prior generations looked principally to the Boston Celtics for championship parades, the 21st century has seen Boston teams succeed in all four major sports. Between the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins, the city has captured 12 championships during the past 23 years and their teams draw enthusiastic fans in a relatively small marketplace. Even a casual fan will find that attending a game at one of the Boston area venues is an exciting experience.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities - There is no denying that the weather in Boston during the winter months from late November to early April is not great for any outdoor activities other than ice skating and skiing in the nearby mountains. However, from May to early November, conditions are excellent for hiking, biking and enjoying boating on the Charles River and other outdoor activities. The Boston Commons is the nation's oldest public park, founded in 1634. Although it was originally used for cattle grazing and hangings, today it serves as a fifty acre urban oasis with trails, ponds, playgrounds, and bandstands used for public events. For more solitude, the adjacent twenty-four-acre Boston Public Garden offers flowers, Swan Boats, and shade trees.
Other Museums and Attractions - There are several other interesting museums in Boston worth checking out. One is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum located at Columbia point in Dorchester where memorabilia and important events from the life of the popular President are featured along with artifacts that illustrate the great events of his era. The Children's Museum and Museum of Science also provide interactive exhibits that will occupy children interested in science, construction, and the cosmos.