Prominent Places
Boston has many historic buildings and places. More than a dozen lie along what is called the Freedom Trail, which runs mainly through narrow, crooked downtown streets. Among the chief attractions along the trail are the State House (1795), Park Street Church (1809), the Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel (1754), Old Corner Book Store (1712), Old South Meeting House (1727), Old State House (1713), Faneuil Hall (1742), Paul Revere's House (about 1670), and the Old North Church (1723). A circle of cobblestones in the street near the Old State House marks the site of the Boston Massacre.
Across the Charles River, in Charlestown, rises the 221-foot (67-m) Bunker Hill Monument, commemorating the first major battle of the American Revolution. Nearby is berthed the USS Constitution, or "Old Ironsides," a 44-gun frigate that gained fame during the War of 1812.
On Beacon Hill and in Back Bay are the former homes of many of Boston's most celebrated and influential 18th- and 19th-century residents. Especially notable is Beacon Hill's Louisburg Square, with cobblestone streets, gaslights, and old brick homes.
Boston has numerous parks. Oldest and probably best known is the 50-acre (20-hectare) Boston Common, which began as public grazing land and a military training field in 1634. Adjoining the common is the Public Garden, with formal plantings, rare trees, and the famous swan boats in summer. Much used for strolling is the Esplanade, along the Charles River. The largest park in Boston—and the site of the city's zoo—is Franklin Park, in Jamaica Plain. Nearby is the Arnold Arboretum, a 265-acre (107-hectare) botanic garden operated by Harvard University.
The New England Aquarium is on the waterfront. Also on the waterfront is the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, featuring a replica of an 18th-century brigantine. Fenway Park, near the Back Bay Fens, is the home of the Red Sox, an American League baseball team. The FleetCenter, a downtown sports arena, is the home of the Celtics of professional basketball and the Bruins of professional hockey. There is thoroughbred racing at Suffolk Downs.
