Boston History Sites and Fun Facts

Last Updated on December 11, 2023 by Ellen Christian

You may have read about my visit to the Shelburne Museum and Hildene here in Vermont.  Well, I recently had the opportunity to visit Boston and learn more about Boston history sites. Check out these fun facts.

Boston History Sites and Fun Facts

Living in New England, one of my favorite time periods to learn about is the American Revolution. There is just something fascinating about tea parties and colonial living.  Of course, Boston is one of the most popular destinations to learn more about that time period. These are a few of the Boston history sites that I got to visit.

Why should you visit Boston?

Experience a unique blend of history and culture when you visit Boston, the heart of New England. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Boston prides itself on its vibrant historical sites, such as the Freedom Trail and the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. These iconic spots offer an immersive journey into America’s past, making the city a must-visit for history buffs.

But it’s not all history in Boston; the city’s culinary scene is also a huge draw. Boston treats food lovers to a diverse array of delectable dishes, with local seafood, particularly the famous New England clam chowder, being a highlight. Add to this the city’s thriving arts scene, numerous shopping districts and beautiful parks, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable trip. So pack your bags and get ready to explore Boston.

Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop

In 1740, Captain Newark Jackson opened a chocolate shop in the North End of Boston. Fun Fact: Chocolate was considered to have medicinal uses and women were discouraged from enjoying too much of it in case it stimulated their “libido.”

In 2013, Captain Jackson’s Historic Chocolate Shop was opened inside the historic Clough House where you can now watch costumed interpreters demonstrate 18th century chocolate making. After each demonstration, visitors are welcome to sample freshly made drinking chocolate.

Printing Office of Edes & Gill

In 1755, Edes & Gil became the owners of The Boston Gazette and Country Journal which was one of the most influential newspapers of the time.  The Printing Office of Edes & Gil is located on The Freedom Trail in Boston.

When you visit you can see the historic equipment, live demonstrations, interpreters and historic settings to help you understand how colonial printing was done. In Colonial times, little metal letters were placed in a frame to form words and sentences. They rolled ink over the over the letters and pressed paper on top to create the printed piece.

Fun Fact: The large letters (upper case) were stored in the top or upper case. They stored the small letters (lower case) in the bottom or lower case.

Old North Church 

On April 8, 1775, Bostonians hung two lanterns from the steeple of the Old North Church. This action launched the Revolutionary War and signaled the departure of British regulars “by sea.”  

Every year since 1875, on the eve of Patriot’s Day, the Old North Church commemorates the hanging of the lanterns by inviting guests to join the Lantern Ceremony. Fun Fact: Despite what the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow says, Paul Revere did not ride alone.

He was accompanied by two other riders, Williams Dawes and Samuel Prescott and that’s a good thing because he was captured by the British long before he made it to Concord.

Old State House

They built the Old State House in 1713. It was the seat of the colony’s government. And, that’s where the events that sparked the American Revolution happened. In 1768, the colony’s House of Representatives defied the royal governor and refused to rescind their call for united resistance to British taxes.

British officials dissolved the legislature and sent British regiments to occupy the colony. Today, the Old State House has guided tours, interactive activities, and exhibits where you can learn more.  

Fun Fact: On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read for the first time to the public in Massachusetts from the balcony of the Old State House.

There are so many fun Boston history sites to visit. I highly recommend that you walk the Freedom Trail with a Lessons on Liberty guide. Our guide, Michael, taught me so much.

I loved learning more about our country’s history and seeing all the fun sites that Boston had to offer. And, I even got to wear his great coat when the weather got cold.

I had a truly amazing time learning more about the Boston history sites.  We also had the opportunity to watch part of the Boston Marathon, eat at a number of truly amazing restaurants and do a little bit of shopping.  I loved visiting the historic cemetery and listening to the church bells ring at the Old North Church.

So, if you’re looking for something fun and educational to do this summer, I definitely recommend you spend a few days visiting these fun Boston history sites.

More fun facts about Boston

So, you may also want to know these facts.

1. Boston is home to the oldest public park in the U.S., the Boston Common, which dates back to 1634.
2. Boston’s Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox, is the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use.
3. The Boston University Bridge is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train, driving under a car, which is driving under an airplane.
4. Every year on the 16th of December, locals re-enact the Boston Tea Party, commemorating the event that played a significant role in triggering the American Revolution.

Finally, you may want to learn about St. Patrick’s Day history.