Boston--Birthplace of American Liberty
Boston, the birthplace of American liberty, is loaded with sites of historic importance. A mecca for all who seek to understand the 18th century ferment that led to the American Revolution, the “The Hub,” (of the Universe), as it was nicknamed, is where it all began.
Visitors to the city will find a wealth of information about the birth of the nation, including guided tours by knowledgeable Bostonians in colonial costume.
In Boston, near what is today Quincy Market, Samuel Adams, second cousin to the second U.S. president, John Adams, met with compatriots to plan the Boston Tea Party, which led to the colonial overthrow of British rule on American soil.
Boston was founded in 1630 by some 900 English Puritan colonists led by John Winthrop and named after the hometown of many of their number. These early settlers sought to create a "godly commonwealth,” of which Boston was “The Hub,” with John Winthrop as its head.
The rigid conformity imposed by Gov. Winthrop, however, had its down side, and drove many farther afield—notably Roger Williams, who fled for his freedom to Rhode Island.
The topography of present-day Boston has been vastly changed from the Boston the Pilgrims discovered. But it is relatively easy to navigate, and the best way to see the city is on foot.
Being one of the most walk-able cities in America, it is also one of the most richly endowed with historic sites, special attractions, world-class shopping and restaurants, with vestiges of 18th century architecture and scale.
Some of the back alleys and side streets are the most interesting, so bring your walking shoes and maps, and plan to make a day of it.
Park Street is the hub of Boston’s downtown area. From here, you can walk to Quincy Market and the “Cradle of Liberty,” Faneuil (pronounced like “spaniel”) Hall, where Sam Adams (for whom the famous Boston brew is named), and the “Sons of Liberty” gathered to forge the alliance that would seed the American Revolution.
Today’s walking routes fan out in all directions from Park Street, the central transfer point of the Boston MBTA (the “T,” as the oldest public transportation system in America is known). The song “Charlie and the MTA” started here, with the famous refrain, “and he never returned; he never returned; and his fate is still unknown…”
Today though, “Charlie” stands for the new, improved “T” ticket, or “Charlie Pass” which will take you all around town on the red, green, blue, orange and silver lines in the least amount of time.
If you bring a car to Boston, leave it at your hotel and start exploring on foot, or take one of the “Duck Tours,” an amphibious experience with quirky narratives, on land and water, departing from various locations around the city for an adult ticket price of $27.00. One word of caution: If you don’t want to be splashed during the Charles River portion of the tour, don’t sit near the back!
A few steps from the Park Street “T” station, you will find a red line on the sidewalk, leading up Tremont Street towards Beacon Hill. Follow the red line, and you will see most of the famous historic sites Boston is known for. Walking maps for the Freedom Trail are available at the Tourist Bureau Information Center across the street from the Park Street station.
- Barbara Sealock
For further information about Duck Tours:
http://www.bostonducktours.com/tickets_main.html
or call: (617) 267-(DUCK)3825
