From the Tea Party rally on "The Common", it was a short walk over to the golden dome of the state capitol where we found a map and guide for a walking tour of Boston called, "The Freedom Trail". The trail is marked on the sidewalks and streets by either a strip of red bricks or red paint, so it's very easy to follow. The capitol building, although constructed in 1795, is called the 'new' State House by Bostonians. The 'old' State House was the one used by the British government during colonial days. We'll show you a photo later as we pass by.
The Park Street Church was our next milestone. Built in 1809 on the site of a town granary, the church served practical purposes as well as religious. During the War of 1812, the crypt stored gunpowder! Amongst the 'firsts' for this church, were first Sunday School in 1817, prison aid society in 1824, and missionaries to Hawaii in 1819.
Behind the church is the Granary Burying Ground, where many famous Americans are buried. Three signers of the Declaration of Independence, nine governors of Massachusetts, the victims of the Boston Massacre, 'Mother' Goose, Benjamin Franklin's parents and Paul Revere all are buried here.
On we walked to the King's Chapel - a symbol of what Puritans fled. After more than a half century of the Puritans exercising their religious freedom, King James II order the establishment of an Anglican parish in Boston. When no Puritan would sell the Anglicans land, the Governor seized a corner of the burying ground - assuming that the dead could not complain! In Britain at that time, church and nobility were enmeshed in corrupt politics and Bostonians wanted no part of that. When the American Revolution caused the British Army to evacuate Boston, many of the church attendees left with them. Eventually, the church became the first Unitarian church and continues today.
At the site of the first public school, Boston Latin School, this statue of Benjamin Franklin stands. Although he actually dropped out of the school, Bostonians are still proud of his attendance, along with other scholars such as, John Hancock and Samuel Adams.
In the early 1800's, this building functioned as the home of the nation's leading book publisher. Known now as the Old Corner Book Store, several now famous authors gathered here including Longfellow, Hawthorne, Emerson and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Charles Dickens also visited here.
This is the famous South Meeting House where the original Tea Party members masqueraded as Mohawk Indians before boarding British ships to dump the tea in the harbor.
And just down the block, the Old State House - the seat of government during British Rule.
Cory recognized the symbols of the lion and the unicorn at the top of the building as being identical to the banners and shields displayed at the Governor's Palace in Williamsburg.
After all the Tea Party and more than half of the Freedom Trail, we were ready for lunch and found delicious clam chowder at this restaurant on the harbor. All around us, business folks were ordering huge lobsters, but we were quite happy with the New England style chowder and fresh rolls. Our feet were also happy to get some rest!
Refreshed, we strolled out the pier to see if we could spy the location of the ship emptied of its tea. The exhibit was closed during our visit to Boston and it could not be made out from here. We enjoyed the beautiful spring day on the harbor anyway!
On we went and found Paul Revere's House...
And this tribute to his famous ride to warn the colonists of the British approach...
And here's the North Church with the tower housing the location of the warning lamps 'One if by sea, two if by land'. 
We deviated from the full tour due to our tired feet and legs from standing at the Tea Party for 3-4 hours before beginning the trail. We would definitely continued on across to see the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill, but were just too tired to make it on this day. We looped back through the downtown area and enjoyed a close look at many of the taverns.
Several markets are centered around Faneuil Hall. Restaurants, shops and modern chain stores are all mixed in four large buildings.
And amongst the several offerings, we were pleased to see 'Cheers' - a copy cat of the famous bar in the TV series by the same name. The boys didn't have a clue!
Our walk back toward the train station took us back by the Old State House.
Next to the traffic signal on the right is a circle of pavers that marks the spot where the colonists fell during the Boston Massacre. They were shot at very close range from that balcony visible ont he second floor. 
Successfully making our way back to the train station, we got the boys to pose for one more photo!
Well, two...they're just so handsome! We made it back in plenty of time for the commuter train we wanted back to our spot at the RV park.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment