Explore Historical Attractions in Boston 

Boston is a city with deep historical roots, making it the perfect destination for tourists interested in learning more about American history. Whether you are interested in learning more about Boston’s colonial past or getting an up-close look at some of the city’s most famous landmarks, there are plenty of historical attractions in Boston that will delight any visitor. Here is a list of some of the best historical attractions in Boston that you should check out when visiting this great city! 

The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking trail that winds through the heart of historic Boston. It provides an excellent way to explore the city’s many important sites related to the American Revolution and its founding fathers. The trail begins at the Boston Common, the site of the first public park in America.

Visitors can stop at the Old State House, Bunker Hill Monument, USS Constitution Museum, and more. The path also winds through several world-famous public parks and green spaces, including Granary Burying Ground, Boston Common, and the Public Garden. All along the way, visitors can find historical markers and monuments that tell the story of America’s fight for independence. 

The Old State House

The Old State House in Boston is a National Historic Landmark located in the heart of downtown. Built in 1713, it was the seat of government for the Province of Massachusetts Bay and later the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read to citizens on July 18th. The Old State House combines Georgian and Federal architectural styles and has been restored to reflect how it looked in 1798.

Today, visitors can explore its rich history through interactive displays, hear firsthand accounts from costumed interpreters, view rotating exhibits that tell stories from the past, or watch a movie about Boston’s role in the American Revolution. 

Boston Massacre Site

The Boston Massacre Site is one of the most important historical attractions in Boston. Located on the corner of State Street and Congress Streets, the site commemorates a violent clash in 1770 between British troops and American colonists.

On March 5th of that year, a group of colonists hurled insults and snowballs at the soldiers when an altercation broke out. Shots were fired, killing five colonists and injuring several more. This event marked the beginning of the American Revolution and is a reminder of how far the country has come since then. 

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall is one of Boston, Massachusetts’s most iconic historic attractions. Located in the heart of downtown near Quincy Market, it has been a gathering place for Americans since 1742. It was built by wealthy merchant Peter Faneuil as a gift to the people of Boston and was designed by architect Charles Bulfinch. The building is best known as a center for political debate and civic engagement.

Faneuil Hall remains an important part of Boston’s history and culture today. It is open to visitors who can explore the building, including the iconic Great Hall, where many famous speeches were given. There are also various shops and restaurants to explore in this bustling tourist destination. The grounds outside offer several statues, memorials, and monuments commemorating Boston’s past. 

Granary Burial Ground

The Granary Burial Ground is one of Boston’s most significant historical attractions, with a rich and storied history from 1660. Located in the historic Beacon Hill district of the city, the site has held some of the city’s most famous graves, including those of revolutionary figures such as Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock.

The burial ground is also home to many interesting monuments, including the “Old Corner” monument, which marks the original site of Benjamin Franklin’s printing house. Visiting the Granary Burial Ground is a great way to understand Boston’s past and learn about some of its most influential figures. 

Kings Chapel Burying Ground

The Kings Chapel Burying Ground is one of the oldest historical attractions in Boston. Located close to the Freedom Trail, the cemetery was established by early Puritan settlers in 1630 and contains graves that pre-date the American Revolution.

Throughout its long history, many famous figures have been buried on the grounds, including John Winthrop, an influential leader of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and Mary Chilton Winslow, one of the first women to step off the Mayflower. Attracting visitors worldwide, this cemetery is a remarkable reminder of Boston’s long history. 

Bunker Hill Monument

Bunker Hill Monument is a granite obelisk in the Charlestown section of Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city and stands as a memorial to the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June 17th, 1775 during the Revolutionary War. Built between 1827 and 1843, it stands 221 feet tall and commemorates the first major battle of the American Revolution.

Visitors can climb 294 steps up to the top of the monument for a stunning view of Boston’s waterfront and skyline. The interpretive center at the memorial’s base includes interactive exhibits about colonial life, military tactics, and how people lived during that period. 

Old North Church

Old North Church, located in the heart of Boston’s North End, is one of the city’s oldest and most revered historical attractions. Completed in 1723, it was designed by renowned architect Peter Harrison, and it is a reminder of Boston’s rich revolutionary history.

Built for the Anglican community, this church has become a symbol of America’s fight for independence. The church is best known for its role in Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, a critical event that launched the American Revolution. Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture of Old North Church and learn about its history and significance from informative guided tours. 

Trinity Church

Trinity Church is one of the most renowned historical attractions in Boston. Located in Copley Square, it is a vibrant parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and a National Historic Landmark. Founded in 1733 on Summer Street in Downtown, this church was the first Anglican Church established in New England. However, after the original church burnt down in the Great Boston Fire of 1872, the congregation rebuilt its church in Copley Square, which opened in 1877. It is home to an impressive collection of monuments, artifacts, and stained-glass windows that chronicle the history of the church as well as Boston itself.

Trinity Church is renowned for its unique architecture. Its gracefully curved towers are a striking example of Gothic style, while its golden Virgin Mary statue pointing skyward exemplifies the Romanesque style. 

Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere House is a historic landmark in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts. It was the home of Paul Revere, a patriot of the American Revolution, who famously rode to Lexington on April 18th, 1775, to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock of British troop movements.

Built around 1680 and owned by the Revere family for over 200 years, this house is now a museum open to the public. Visitors can explore the home’s three stories and learn about Paul Revere’s life through exhibits about his work as an artisan and patriot. 

Pierce Hichborn House

The Pierce Hichborn House, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a historic residence that dates back to the early 1700s. The home was built by Thomas Hichborn and his son John in 1704 and is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. It has been carefully preserved and is now open for tours, allowing visitors to explore the history of early America and learn more about the life of its original inhabitants.

The interior of the Pierce Hichborn House contains numerous artifacts from the Revolutionary War era, such as uniforms, swords, muskets, and other military items. Visitors can also view period furnishings and decorations used during this time. Additionally, several exciting displays of various documents, letters, and artifacts provide a glimpse into the lives of the men who fought in the war. 

Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House is an iconic landmark located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It has been around since 1798 and serves as the seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Visitors can explore a wide array of historical attractions showcasing the state’s political and cultural heritage.

The State House is renowned for its impressive architecture, including its golden dome and the ornate House Chamber. Its Great Hall contains murals depicting key events in Massachusetts history. Visitors can take guided tours of the State House which provide an educational experience about the significance of the site and its importance to state culture. 

USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is a historic warship preserved and maintained in Boston since 1797. Located in the Charlestown Navy Yard, it is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat. The USS Constitution was originally built to protect American merchant ships from European warships.

The vessel is renowned for its success in battle during the War of 1812 when it earned its nickname “Old Ironsides” after surviving multiple engagements with British ships without significant damage. Visitors to the USS Constitution Museum can explore exhibits detailing the history and construction of the ship, as well as view artifacts from naval battles such as cannons, and swords.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum is a must-see historical attraction in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts. The museum and museum ship are devoted to preserving and sharing the history of the historic event that sparked the American Revolution.

Visitors can experience what it was like for those who partook in the original tea party by touring a replica of three ships: the Beaver, the Eleanor, and the Dartmouth. The museum features interactive exhibits, live actors in period costumes, and a multimedia presentation on this iconic event. Guests can also explore artifacts recovered from the bottom of Boston Harbor to learn more about the Tea Party’s impact. 

Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library is one of Boston’s most iconic and beloved historical attractions. Established in 1848, this public library was the first extensive free municipal library in the United States. It houses more than 23 million volumes, making it one of the largest public libraries in the world. The historic building is located on Boylston Street in Copley Square and contains spectacular architecture, murals, and sculptures. Visitors to the library can explore its many collections and exhibitions or participate in various events such as lectures, book clubs, music performances, and more.