Five free ways to experience Boston’s rich history
BOSTON — This city is known for its “wicked” rich history, to use a term the locals love, going back to the Boston Tea Party and roots of the American Revolution.
But pride is not limited to the past: The city is also home to the World Series champion Red Sox.
And taking in the sites won’t cost you a penny. Just remember that the cramped vintage streets are better tackled on foot than by car. Freedom Trail
The city’s most trekked tourist attraction is the fourkilometre bricked pathway that takes visitors on a tour of Boston’s past.
The route starts i n the heart of the city at Boston Common and winds its way over the Charles River to Charlestown to the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Visitors can stop at any of the 16 designated sites from museums to graveyards to churches and meeting houses dating back to the 17th century.
One notables potis the home of Paul Revere, famous for the ride he made on horseback to warn colonists that the Brit- ish were coming. The 1680 wooden home is the oldest existing building downtown.
Another memorable site is the oldest public school in the U.S., called the Boston Latin School, which was attended by four signers of the Declaration of Independence: Ben Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock and Robert Treat Paine.
The trail also passes the Old South Meeting House where colonists planned their protest against the British tax on tea. The event became known as the Boston Tea Party,where revolutionists dumped crates of tea into the city harbour. Boston Common
With a view of the beautiful golden-topped State House, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the U.S. On any given day, it’s filled with people relaxing or jogging. In winter there’s ice skating; in warm weather, fireworks and concerts. Faneuil Hall
This signature landmark on the Freedom Trail was used as a meeting house during the American Revolution. The famous phrase “no taxation without representation” was coined under this very roof. Today the building is a retail centre. Harvard University
Harvard University is the first institution of higher education, dating back to 1636.
Located in Cambridge, just a short distance from Boston, its alumni include President Barack Obama and technology giants Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. Samuel Adams Brewery
Samuel Adams beer is served across the world, from its original Boston Lager to seasonal and specialty brews.
A 45-minute brewery tour includes history and even sample tastes. To read about Boston’s latest snazzy hotel, please see H7