Boston Landmarks Tips

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When was the Massachusetts State House Built?

The Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House stands a top of Beacon Hill across from the Boston Common. Home to the Massachusetts Senate and House of Representatives, the “new” State House was built in 1781 due to a growing state government. Free tours are available to see the 23 karat gold dome and Sacred Cod up close and personal.

   
What was the Battle of Bunker Hill?

Bunker Hill Monument

The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought on June 17, 1775, marking the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. “Don't fight until you see the whites of their eyes,” commanded Colonel William Prescott to Colonial troops. Although the British won the battle, the colonists' withstood two charges and their strong showing against the more experienced British Army encouraged the colonists to continuing fighting the war. The current 221 foot tall granite monument is located on Breed's Hill and if up to the challenge, visitors can climb the tower's 294 steps to the top lookout area.

   
Why is the Old North Church famous?

Old North Church

Located in Boston's North End, the Old North Church is most famous for its lanterns hung on April 18, 1775, that signaled the start of the Revolutionary War and sent Paul Revere's on his midnight ride to warn “the British are coming!”

   
Where is the "Make Way for Ducklings" statue in Boston.

"Make Way for Ducklings" Sculpture in Boston Public Garden

Robert McCloskey's book “Make Way for Ducklings” is immortalized in the Public Garden at Boston Common in the famous bronze statues of Mrs. Mallard and her young'uns. The book won the Caldecott Medal when it was written in 1941 and it has remained hugely popular ever since. “Ducklings” has never gone out of print and has sold more than two million copies. It tells the story of a pair of ducks looking for a safe place to raise their family, away from the foxes and turtles that so worry Mrs. Mallard. They like everything about the Public Garden except for the lack of food – a dilemma soon solved by the people drifting by on the famed Swan Boats who tossed them peanuts and by a kindly policeman. The book hits other familiar Boston sites – such as the Charles River, Beacon Hill, and Louisville Square and the Public Garden is a great place to take the family. To illustrate the book, McCloskey used live ducklings as models and their descendants still grace the Garden today. The sculpture was done by Nancy Schon and erected in 1987. It is set in cobblestones and spans 35 feet. The kids will love memorizing the names of the much-loved ducklings: Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Oack, Pack and Quack.

   
I've heard that the Gardner Museum in Boston has a special program for anyone named Isabella. Can you tell me what that's all about?

Calling All Isabellas

If you are visiting Boston (or even if you live here) and your name is Isabella, you are definitely in luck. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, one of the most delightful museums anywhere, has what they call “The Isabellas Free...Forever” admissions policy. Isabellas, with proper identification,are given general admission tickets for free whenever they visit – for life. “Isabelle” with an “e” and “Isabela” with one “l” doesn't make the cut. Nor, obviously, does Izzy. Has to be “Isabella”. Adding to the fun, the museum also hosts a “Calling all Isabellas” day every year, usually in April. With more than 350 celebrants, this is a grand collection of Isabellas from all over who, with their families, attend an exclusive party in the museum's beautiful courtyard. Isabellas can bring up to four friends or relatives. The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is located at 280 The Fenway, right across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am-5 pm. Telephone: 617-278-5156.

   
Who is buried at Granary Burial Ground?

Granary Burial Ground

Some of America's most famous founding fathers gravestone's can be found at Granary Burial Ground. John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere and the victims of the Boston Massacre are all buried here. The cemetery is open daily and is located on Tremont Street, across from the Park Street Church.

   
What is at the Prudential Center?

The Prudential Center

The Prudential Center, located in Boston's Back Bay, offers some of the city's best shopping and dining. For the most breathtaking views of the Boston skyline, head to the Skywalk Observatory on the Prudential Center's 50th floor or dine in style on the 52nd floor at the Top of the Hub restaurant.

http://www.prudentialcenter.com

   
Where is Cheers located?

Cheers Restaurant and Bar

To go “where everybody knows your name,” travel to Cheers on Beacon Hill. While the bar has been a Boston favorite since 1965, it became a national landmark in 1982 when it inspired the hit TV show by the same name. There is also now a second location in Faneuil Hall.

84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108

   
Why is Boston called the Hub of the Universe?

Hub of the Universe

Boston's claim to fame as “The Hub of the Universe” was the work of none other than Oliver Wendall Holmes. In 1858, Holmes referred to the Massachusetts State House Building as the “Hub of the Solar System”. Bostonians liked the sound of that so the nickname, with minor modifications, stuck. When the now defunct Filenes built their flagship store at the corner of Washington and Summer Streets, a fancy bronze marker was installed to forever give credence to the name.

   
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