by Carol H. Morgan

Created on: May 16, 2008   Last Updated: December 09, 2008

From its first founding as a settlement on the Shawmut Peninsula in 1630, this cradle of liberty on the harbor has nurtured important events of our nation. The Boston Tea Party, one of the most important symbolic acts of American independence, was staged in Boston harbor. Many important events and battles of the American revolution were carried out Boston's streets and open spaces.

Distinctive new waves of American immigration later began to swell Boston's streets and suburbs from the 1800s, making for a unique mix of colonial American history the classic American melting pot. Any family visiting Boston to see areas of historical interest should be sure to check out the freedom trail and the harbor cruise, and possibly venture out of town for a few of the other areas of historical interest nearby.

BOSTON'S FREEDOM TRAIL

In the middle of Boston's historic quarter is one of the most famous formally-established walking tours in the world. The 2 and a half mile red brick trail can be taken any time, but it's wise to check the website (http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/) to see what the times are for any spots that involve visiting hours or admissions. Sometimes special activities or children's art projects are scheduled at points along the trail so families will especially want to plan accordingly.

A number of walking tours can be taken with walking guides, prices are variable and seasonal, consult (www.thefredomtrail.org). Highlights of the trail include are along a looping trail so they don't need to be seen in any particular order, but some highlights include:

*Boston common. This 44 acres is the oldest public park in America. It has served every purpose from grazing cattle to training militia men to crowds coming to hear speakers from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Pope John Paul.
*A number of historic churches and burial sites, including Granary church and cemetery, the grave site of Paul Revere.
*Bunker Hill Monument. The famous site of an important underdog victory for the colonists.
*U.S.S. Constitution. The oldest navy warship in the world. This structure built in 1680 is the oldest in downtown Boston.
*Faneuil Hall. A historic marketplace now a place for local artisan wares and cuisine.

BIRTH OF A NATION HARBOR CRUISE

Not many of those 'city highlights' type boat rides aren't worth the time or money, but in Boston's 'Birth of a Nation' tour about the Boston Tea party that symbolized the start of American independence, Paul Revere's famous ride and the Battle of Bunker

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