Beantown's Brick (and Metal) Bodacious Bunch: A Monumental Tour of Boston
Ah, Boston. Cradle of liberty, land of chowder, and...a surprising number of really cool monuments! If you're planning a trip to this historic city, you're in for a treat. Sure, there's the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park, but don't forget to look up (literally) and appreciate the awesome statues and structures that dot the landscape.
Here's your cheat sheet to some of Boston's most bodacious monuments:
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| What Monuments Are In Boston |
Revolutionary Relics:
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- Bunker Hill Monument: This 221-foot granite giant commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. Climb the 294 steps (if your calves are feeling feisty) for epic views of the city. Warning: Bragging rights about conquering the stairs not included with admission.
- The Freedom Trail: This red-bricked path winds through the heart of Boston, connecting 16 historic sites, including the Old North Church (famous for those "one if by land, two if by sea" lanterns) and the Old South Meeting House (where fiery colonists gathered to discuss the merits of tossing tea into the harbor).
Beyond the Revolution:
- The USS Constitution: Nicknamed "Old Ironsides" for a reason (it shrugged off cannonballs like they were mere pebbles), this warship is the world's oldest commissioned vessel still afloat. You can even tour the ship and pretend you're a swashbuckling pirate...or just a regular tourist with a good imagination.
- Massachusetts State House: Home to the state government, this golden-domed beauty is a stunner. Take a free tour and learn how laws are made (hopefully not involving any sword fights).
- Make Way for Ducklings!: Okay, this isn't exactly a monument, but these bronze ducklings following their mama across the Boston Public Garden are adorable and a must-see. Just don't try to hop on their backs for a photo op – they're made for admiring, not mounting.
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For the We-Nerd-Out-Over-History Folks:
- The Ether Monument: This one commemorates the first successful use of anesthesia in surgery. Not the most thrilling monument, but hey, it's a conversation starter, right?
- Boston Public Library: This architectural masterpiece houses a treasure trove of books and also boasts some pretty impressive sculptures outside. It's basically a monument to knowledge and lions (seriously, there are a lot of lion statues).
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Monumental Must-Do's:
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- Pack comfy shoes: There's a lot of ground (and stairs) to cover.
- Bring your camera: You'll want to capture all these historic bad boys (and ducks).
- Brush up on your Boston history: Impress your friends with your knowledge of battles, brews, and beans (the city's unofficial food groups).
FAQ:
How to get to the Bunker Hill Monument? The monument is located in Charlestown. You can take the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) or hop on a ferry from Boston.
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How much does it cost to enter the USS Constitution? Tours are free!
How long does it take to walk the Freedom Trail? The Freedom Trail is about 2.5 miles long. Allow yourself 2-3 hours to stop, explore, and soak up the history.
How many steps are there in the Bunker Hill Monument? There are 294 steps to the top. Like we said, bragging rights not included.
How do I find the Make Way for Ducklings statues? The ducklings are located in the Boston Public Garden, near the intersection of Arlington Street and Beacon Street.
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