Boston’s Top 7 Historical Sites & Landmarks

Boston’s history stretches back to 1630 when Puritans settled the Shawmut Peninsula and named it after their hometown in Lincolnshire, England. Boston soon became one of the most important hubs of commerce in the New World.  Dissatisfied as subjects of the King of England, the city’s patriots led the colonists’ demands for self-rule and independence. King George III was not happy. We all know the story; if you don’t, here’s your chance.

This, the Cradle of Democracy, is a city with a wealth of history and a reputation for innovation and tenacity. Read on to discover some of the most popular historical landmarks in Boston.

Boston's rich history stretches from its 1630 Puritan origins to its current status as a thriving metropolis. These seven historic landmarks each hold fascinating secrets that many visitors never discover. From hidden underground spaces to surprising cultural firsts, these sites offer glimpses into Boston's remarkable past that go far beyond the standard tourist narratives.

1. The Boston Common and Boston Public Garden

Boston Common dates back to 1634, making it the oldest public park in the US. For nearly 400 years, the Common has been witness to grazing livestock, British encampments, abolitionist gatherings, speeches, food riots, concerts, militia mustering, protests, ice skating, ball games, and public executions. Throughout Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden there are sites of interest and historical significance, identified with markers. Interesting facts about The Common include:

• The Common once had a powder house hidden beneath what is now the softball field
• The Public Garden's footbridge is the world's shortest suspension bridge
• Mrs. Mallard's statue dimensions were specifically calculated for children to sit comfortably
• Each bronze duckling gets dressed in sports jerseys during major games

2. Black Heritage Trail/Boston African American National Historic Site Massachusetts

Off-season, self-guided tours are powered by the National Park Service’s app. Many of the points of interest along the trail are private property, however there are a few that are open to the public. One of those is the First African Baptist Church, built in 1806; located on Smith Court, It's also known as the African Meeting House. The Black Heritage Trail speaks to the historic, heroic, and innovative contributions of Boston’s Black community. Notable historical facts include:

The African Meeting House basement contains original student graffiti from the 1840s

• The Hayden's kept gunpowder in their basement, ready to blow up their house rather than surrender fugitives
• Hidden trap doors and secret spaces used for hiding freedom seekers still exist
• The Phillips School's third floor served as a military recruitment center for Black soldiers

3. The Freedom Trail  

This 2.5 mile stroll with easy terrain starts at the Boston Common, winds through the historic North End, and ends at the Bunker Hill Memorial in Charlestown. Along The Freedom Trail are 16 significant historical sites, including museums, meeting houses, and a ship. Little known facts include:

• The Old North Church's bells were recycled from captured pirate ships
• The Boston Massacre site contains exactly 13 cobblestones in its circle
• Faneuil Hall's grasshopper weathervane contained secret Revolutionary War documents
• Mother Goose (Elizabeth Goose) is buried in Granary Burying Ground

4. Paul Revere House

Born and raised in the North End, Revere was a silversmith, illustrator, dentist, and industrialist. And a court-martialed field commander. Who knew? Despite several renovations over the past few centuries, much of the original 17th-century architecture of the Paul Revere House remains intact. Interesting facts to observe include:

• 90% of the internal structure dates to 1680
• The family had a pet duck that followed Paul around the house
• The kitchen doubled as a primitive dentistry practice
• Code messages were left in specific window panes

5. Faneuil Hall

Built in 1742, this building was a gift to the city from merchant Peter Faneuil. While it’s now a galleria-type market, Boston's Faneuil Hall was originally used for meetings, commerce, public speeches, and rabble rousing by the likes of Sam Adams. Historians have also uncovered these obscure facts about the "Cradle Of Liberty":

• Underground tunnels connected it to the waterfront
• The grasshopper weathervane was used to catch German spies in WWII
• First floor merchants had to swear an oath not to overcharge customers
• Every U.S. president since Washington has given a speech here

6. Charlestown Navy Yard 

Now a National Park, this shipyard operated for 174 years and was, for more than a century, considered one of the most important maritime hubs in the world. The USS Constitution Museum is located at the site, as well as a superb Visitor’s Center.  Also known as “Old Ironsides,” the USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship on the water. Built in 1797, the frigate earned her nickname and sealed her reputation in the War of 1812. The USS Cassin Young, a more modern Fletcher-class destroyer, also calls the Charlestown Navy Yard home. Naval and maritime history will come alive for NUBS and old salts alike. Historical highlights include these little known facts:

• The ropewalk building is the longest wooden building in America
• Underground tunnels connected various buildings for all-weather work
• First Navy Yard to use electric lights for nighttime work
• Building 39's unique "sawtooth" roof was designed to maximize natural light

7. The Boston Harborwalk

The decades-long, ongoing rejuvenation of the Boston Waterfront has been a partnership between businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. This community collaboration has restored Boston Harbor's waterfront to the people of the city, the state, and to the millions of visitors who come from around the world to see New England's. Fascinating facts about the Harborwalk include:

• Site of the Great Molasses Flood where locals claim to still smell molasses on hot days
• Houses the nation's first Coast Guard station at Battery Wharf (1791)
• Contains mysterious "ghost stairs" at Long Wharf leading into the water
• Archaeological studies have uncovered perfectly preserved 1700s artifacts beneath the surface

Book your waterfront hotel room now at the Battery Wharf Hotel Boston Waterfront, so you can step right onto the Boston Harborwalk to begin your sight seeing journey around New England's most historic city.