October 14, 2024
Boston is breathtaking. This was our first visit to the vibrant and historic city. We camped north of the city in Cape Ann, so we took the commuter train to the city from Gloucester. Smart move–no worries about parking and traffic, which looked like a nightmare.
Our first stop–the Freedom Trail. Since we got off the train without a clue of our location, we accidentally started walking the trail “backwards” and began with Copp’s Hill Colonial Burying Ground.
This cemetery dates from 1659, and includes many notable gravesites, including the remains of Robert Newman, who helped hang the lanterns at the Old North Church the night of Paul Revere’s infamous Midnight Ride.
The cemetery also includes several of the men responsible for the infamous Boston Tea Party. They are known as the Sons of Liberty, and their graves are designated with a brass plaque. British soldiers used to shoot at these gravestones for target practice.
The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is an easy to follow red-brick path leading to Boston’s 16 official historic sites. The Old North Church was a favorite stop.
What was most fascinating is that church goers used to have to “rent” a spot to sit in the congregation. These reserved seats were enclosed in blocks (kindof like modern office cubicles.) The families would decorate their own “cubicle” and it was a status symbol to sit in certain areas.
To attend the Old North Church, families had to rent one of these cubicles (scaffolding is temporary for repairs.)
Example of a decorated area for a wealthy family in the Old North Church. These were available for a fee.
The USS Constitution, also known as “Old Ironsides,” was built in 1797 for the U.S. Navy. She is the world’s oldest naval warship still afloat.
Paul Revere’s House, 1680
We walked the streets of Boston until we were about to drop. Love all the old buildings.
The breathtaking Boston Public Library is a must see. I was able to spend a little time there working on this blog.
Entry hall to the Boston Public Library
Inspiration at the Boston Public Library
Boston Common’s beautiful gardens and pond
Adorable mother and ducklings in Boston Common to honor the favorite children’s book “Make Way for Ducklings” by Robert McClosky
Our Snail Tracks 
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