Hold Your Horses, It's Not Actually an Alien Beacon (Probably)
Ever been strolling through Boston and stumbled upon a giant pointy finger jutting up from the ground? No, you haven't had a sudden lapse into a sci-fi movie (though with Boston's history, who can say for sure?). That, my friend, is the Bunker Hill Monument, and it's got a much cooler story than phoning home.
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| What is The Obelisk In Boston |
A Monument with Major #ClimbingGoals
This granite giant stands at a whopping 221 feet, making it one of the tallest obelisks in the world (bet you didn't know obelisks were a competition). It's a tribute to the Battle of Bunker Hill, a pivotal fight in the American Revolution where the colonists, well, let's just say they didn't exactly win, but they sure put up a good fight – like a scrappy underdog with a slingshot facing down a whole army.
The monument itself is pretty darn impressive. You can climb the 294 steps (wear comfy shoes, trust me) to the top for panoramic views of Boston and beyond. Just be warned, those last few steps are a doozy – you might need to channel your inner Rocky Balboa to make it.
So Why the Obelisk Design?
Let's be honest, obelisks are pretty cool-looking. But there's actually some history behind the design. Obelisks were originally ancient Egyptian structures, often covered in hieroglyphics and marking important places. The Bunker Hill Monument's designers wanted to evoke a sense of ancient grandeur and permanence, a fitting tribute to the sacrifices made in the battle.
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Bonus Fun Fact: Did you know the granite used to build the monument came all the way from Quincy, Massachusetts? They even had to build a special railway just to transport those giant rocks – talk about commitment!
Frequently Asked Obelisk Questions:
How to get to the Bunker Hill Monument?
It's located in Charlestown, Massachusetts, a short walk or ferry ride from Boston. You can't miss it, just look for the giant pointy finger in the sky!
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How much does it cost to climb the Bunker Hill Monument?
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There's a small entrance fee, but hey, the view from the top is priceless (well, almost priceless).
How long does it take to climb the Bunker Hill Monument?
Tip: Focus on one point at a time.
That depends on your fitness level and how many times you stop to catch your breath (and take in the view). But most people can make it up in 15-20 minutes.
How old is the Bunker Hill Monument?
Construction started in 1827 and finished in 1843, so it's been around for almost 200 years – older than your grandpa's knee, for sure!
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Is the Bunker Hill Monument haunted?
Boston loves its ghosts, but there are no official reports of hauntings at the monument. Although, if you're feeling spooky, maybe whisper a "thanks for fighting for freedom" to the brave soldiers commemorated there. You never know, they might just whisper back a "you're welcome."
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