Boston-It has history

Well folks, I'm getting excited. One week from today I should be pitching my tent in Acadia National Park in Maine. I can't wait to get back into the woods and taking a much needed vacation after a very hectic past semester for me and the hubby. I'm also excited because on the way up to Maine, we are stopping to see my dear friend Kelsey in Syracuse, New York. On the way back from Maine, we are stopping to see my hubby's cousin Jenny in Boston, Massachusetts. And speaking of Boston, I thought it would be nice to share pictures from my trip there in January 2009. That's right, Boston in the middle of winter. Hubby and I went up there for a scientific meeting and decided to stay a few days after to experience the city with a Belgian friend of mine, Gert. Boston is home to Boston National Historical Park. To see the historical sights, we decided to walk the freedom trail (highlighted in red on the linked map).  Yes, walk this trail in the middle of winter, why not. This trail is amazing and chock full of history. I also enjoyed the juxtaposition of the historic buildings with modern Boston built around them.

The trail starts in Boston Common, a large park in the heart of Boston. Normally, I can only assume, this would be a lush green area. However, when we were there in the middle of winter, it was nothing but a sheet of ice. Still nice though.

The first place we happened upon was the State House, which was quite lovely.

Continuing along, we reached the first historic cemetery on the trail, the Granary Burying Ground. This is the final resting place for several individuals from the Boston Massacre.

The resting place of Paul Revere. Yes, that one.

Resting place of Samuel Adams. You know, the guy from the beer, and of course several other notable accomplishments, as referenced on his tombstone.

This grave marker includes the name of Crispus Attucks, the first person shot during the Boston Massacre. 

Marker for the Freedom Trail. You follow these as well as the red brick line.

Next up was King's Chapel and Burying Ground.

John Winthrop, 1st governor of Massachusetts is buried here.

Statue of Benjamin Franklin.

Old City Hall, which now houses a Ruth's Chris Steak House.

Boston is know for it's large population of Irish immigrants. These statues are in memory of the Irish Potato famine.

The Old South Meeting House.

Faneuil Hall, which now houses shops and eating establishments.

Replica Cheers Bar restaurant.

Paul Revere's House.

Me with Paul Revere's statue.

Me and Gert, a.k.a., G-Waffle.

Walking up to the Old North Church.

Contrary to the B.S. that Sarah Palin made up, this is the church where Paul Revere hung lanterns to warn of the British coming.

Another graveyard, Copp's Hill Burying Ground.

The Mather Tomb, containing none other than Cotton Mather, fire and brimstone Puritan preacher who played a role in the Salem witch trials.

Views while crossing the Charlestown Bridge.

Bunker Hill in the background, our final destination on this journey.

The USS Constitution.

Walking through some delightful neighborhoods towards Bunker Hill.

The Bunker Hill Monument.

Unfortunately, you can't go to the top in the middle of winter, due to frozen stairwells and all. Oh well.

After a long day of wandering around Boston, we ended back up in Boston Common, where hubby decided to feed the squirrels.

Ice skating in Boston Common.

Even though it was the middle of winter, Boston was wonderful. It's a very walkable city. We stayed at the John Jeffries House, which was a delightful little establishment, walking distance to a metro station and to Boston Common.  We ate at a couple of delicious establishments walking distance from the hotel including Antonio's and King & I.  We hope to head back one day when it isn't completely frozen over.