Being one of the oldest cities in the US, Boston is bursting with history. If you’re living in the city or nearby, or just visiting, you need to check out these iconic historical landmarks and explore Boston and America’s past. Get ready to bring history to life by visiting these historic sites while exploring this modern city!
1
139 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02111
Boston’s Freedom Trail
Get some comfortable shoes ready and prepare to explore the 2.5-mile route full of history! The Freedom Trail starts at Boston Common and, as you follow the famous red brick path, you will be visiting 16 historic sites in total.2
306 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum
If you visit the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, get ready to be immersed in the world of the American Revolution!3
Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129
Bunker Hill Monument
The Bunker Hill Monument consists of a 221-foot granite obelisk located on Breed’s Hill, where the Battle of Bunker Hill occurred. This crucial moment in history is a must-learn subject for your kids, and what better way of learning about it than visiting the site?4
1350 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Harvard University
America’s oldest University and part of the Ivy League institution was founded in 1636 and you and the family can enjoy a nice walk around its building, a guided historical tour of the world-known campus, and more.5
19 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
Paul Revere House
Paul Revere left his house on April 8, 1775, to embark on a journey that will make him into a legend. Today, you can visit that house which is downtown Boston’s oldest building. You will get to see how the 17th-century citizens lived and get a glimpse of the colonial times.6
137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA 02360
Plimoth Plantation
The whole family can see and learn about what day-to-day living was like for the Pilgrims. As you explore this living history spot, you will bring 17th century America back to life and see how those who settled America lived.7
22 1st Ave, Boston, MA 02129, USA
USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum preserves and shares the stories of "Old Ironsides" and those who shaped her history with exhibits and programs for all ages.8
98 Union St, Boston, MA 02129
New England Holocaust Memorial
The New England Holocaust is a memorial to the people murdered during the Holocaust. This is a must-visit landmark in Massachusetts for the whole family to learn about such an important mankind event. Each of the six glass columns symbolizes the millions of lives that were lost, one of the six biggest concentration camps, and the six years that the Holocaust lasted.9
8 Smith Ct, Boston, MA 02114
African Meeting House
The African Meeting House served as a school, church, meeting space, and the place where The New England Anti-Slavery Society was established. In 1832, Maria Stewart and Frederick Douglass gave speeches inside the house.10
193 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
Old North Church
The oldest church building in Boston, this is the place where Paul Revere and Robert Newman warned residents that the British were coming by sea in 1775. You can not only tour the site but also attend mass, as it still remains an active Episcopal church.11
206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109
Old State House
Old State House is the oldest building still standing in the city. This is where Boston residents first heard the Declaration of Independence from the balcony! If this isn’t enough to convince you of visiting, outside the house you can still view the spot where the first fight for Independence occurred.12
24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
Massachusetts State House
The Massachusetts State House was completed in 1798 and was designed by Charles Bulfinch. It features a distinctive dome with 23-karat gold, and inside you will get to see stained glass, the Holy Mackerel, and the Sacred Cod.13
Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
Granary Burying Ground
The final resting place for those who helped shape American history. This small cemetery houses the graves of historical figures such as Paul Revere, John Hancock, citizens who were killed in the Boston Massacre, and many others.14
2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127
Fort Independence
Fort Independence is the oldest fortified military site in British North America. The fort was constructed in the 19th century, however, the first fort that stood here was built in 1643!15
Fort Warren, Boston, MA