Boston
had been a thriving city long before the United States itself
existed. Founded in the 17th century, Boston has been the center
of attention in New England since the colonial period. Today's
Boston continues to boast some of the best attractions to be
found in the Northeastern US. As the "cradle of the
Revolution," Boston is full of history like no other city
in America. For over 350 years, some of the world's greatest
patriots, writers, thinkers, athletes and artists have called
Boston their home, leaving an indelible mark on this incredible
city in the process.
A trip to Boston is necessarily a trip into American history.
Boston was the center of the revolutionary movement in the
1770's, and the monuments to those glorious times still stand.
Faneuil Hall (1742) was a meeting place for revolutionary
leaders, and it now houses dozens of shops and restaurants. The
Old State House (1713) was the site of the colonial government
and is open for tours. Paul Revere's house is also open for
tours, and the Old North Church (1723) and its famous lanterns
are still in use. The site of the Boston Massacre where five
colonists died in 1770 has been preserved. The First Public
School was in Boston; some of its graduates include Sam Adams
and Ben Franklin. The Granary Burying Ground in the middle of
town has the graves of patriots John Hancock, Paul Revere and
others. Even the Boston Tea Party is commemorated in a floating
ship museum, not far from the floating museum aboard the USS
Constitution, America's first great warship.
In addition to history, Boston boasts a wonderful cultural
tradition. There are currently more than 23 major theatres,
orchestras, and symphonies in Boston, and more small theatres
numbering into the hundreds. The Old Corner Bookstore was a
favorite meeting-place for Hawthorne, Longfellow, Emerson,
Thoreau and other great American writers. The Museum of Fine
Arts is the largest museum in New England, and is the
centerpiece of a collection of art museums that are spread all
across the city.
Kids will love Boston's history, and they will also love many
of its other attractions. Boston Common, which once housed
British troops, is now a beautiful park in the center of the
city. The Franklin Park Zoo is nearby, with a Children's Zoo and
other kid-friendly attractions. The Boston Science Museum
feature over 400 hands-on exhibits. The New England Aquarium has
more than 2000 sea creatures on display, including fish, whales,
and penguins. Finally, the Boston Children's museum is dedicated
to educating and entertaining kids at the same time.
Sports fans can attend professional basketball, hockey, and
baseball games involving some of America's greatest teams.
Football fans can enjoy professional games or college-level ball
at many of Boston's dozens of colleges and universities.
Millions of visitors a year come to Boston for its history,
and once they arrive they discover that there's even more to
enjoy in this amazing city.
