Day in Boston

A May 2008 trip to Boston by VanessaK

USS Constitution Photo - USS Constitution, Boston, Massachusetts

Quote: On our way back from Maine, we decided to spend a few hours in Boston. I didn't want to just drive through such a great city. We decided on a walking tour of some great old buildings.

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USS Constitution

Attraction | "A piece of seafaring history in Boston"

Quote:

By the time we had finished touring the USS Cassin Young, the line to the USS Constitution had diminished. We were in line probably 20 minutes before we were able to board. You are able to look around yourself or you can opt to go with a guided tour. There are uniformed men and women available for tours or to answer your questions. Admission for either choice is free and can be viewed Tuesday through Sunday and most major holidays. We chose to look around ourselves since we had a plane to catch but I have loved to hear its history as you tour this gorgeous ship. I found the ship lovely in this dark, polished wood and white sails. It is a beauty and well as a masterpiece.The USS Constitu...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 24, 2011

USS Constitution
Pier 1 Charlestown Navy Yard
Boston, Massachusetts 2129
(617) 242-5642

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Charlestown Navy Yard

Attraction | "USS Cassin Young"

Quote:

As we drove around trying to find the USS Constitution we parked about 2 blocks away from these ships. I would have never guessed that there were two boats next to each other. One of course is the famous USS Constitution and the other the USS Cassin Young, both are a part of the Boston National Historical Park. We began with the Cassin Young due to the long line at the Constitution. The USS Cassin Young was built and commissioned in 1943. She was a destroyer sent to the Central Pacific Ocean to attack Japanese strongholds in the Caroline Islands. After that, the Cassin Young was sent to fight in WWII in the areas of Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and during the Korean Conflict. By the 1960s she was ol...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on July 24, 2011

Charlestown Navy Yard

Charlestown, Massachusetts

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Old North Church

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Attraction | "One if by land, two if by sea."

Old North Church Photo - Old North Church, Boston, Massachusetts

Quote:

I have heard the story of Paul Revere and the Old North Church in Boston, MA since I was a small child. I knew the story of how Paul Revere was given two lanterns high in the church steeple as a message that the English was coming by sea instead of the thought land attack. This night in 1775 began the American Revolution. The church came to life again in the movie National Treasure with Nicholas Cage. So when we stopped to see a few sights in Boston on our way to the airport, I told my husband I wanted to see this church. We asked a woman in military dress how far the church was and if we could walk or should we drive. "It’s not too far, just a short walk probably under a mile". So off we started to walk across the Boston Harbor Bridge, passing the Boston Gardens arena, and across many lanes of traffic. I could tell we were getting close to the historical part of town so I was getting excited until I realized that the historic part of town in all up hill.

We passed an old cemetery where we were told many famous people were buried. We climbed that steep hill until I thought I would fall back down, or die trying. After what felt like hours, we finally arrived at the Old North Church, also known as Christ Church in the City of Boston. It was built in 1723 and is the oldest standing church today in Boston. The inside of the church is magnificent with its pew boxes, linear alter, and the chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings. This church was the King’s church and of those wealthy people who were loyal to the King of England and were usually placed in high positions in the royal government. The king even sent silver to the church for use in the services and a bible.

Today you are able to sit in any of the pew boxes but in the 1700’s these boxes were sold to families. The closer up front or in the middle isle cost more money. Once a box was yours, you could decorate it however you wished. So many of the names I have never heard but I also knew that anywhere I sat, I was sitting where history was made all those years ago.

There are still church services held there today. So the church has been maintained well throughout the years. The is no entrance fee but they do have a donation box if you so choose.
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Member Rating 5 out of 5 on July 23, 2011

Old North Church
193 Salem St
Boston, Massachusetts 02113
+1 617 523-6676