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During your Boston vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Park Street Church
Henry James described this 1809 structure with a 217-foot steeple as "the most interesting mass of bricks and mortar in America." The church has accumulated an impressive number of firsts: The first missionaries to Hawaii left from here in 1819; the prominent abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison gave his first antislavery speech here on July 4, 1829; and "America" (commonly known as "My Country 'Tis of Thee") was first sung here on July 4, 1831. You're standing on "Brimstone Corner," named either for the passion of the Congregational ministers who declaimed from the pulpit, or for the fact that gunpowder (made from brimstone) was stored in the basement during the War of 1812. This was part of the site of a huge granary that became a public building after the Revolutionary War. In the 1790s, the sails for USS Constitution ("Old Ironsides") were manufactured in the former granary.
USS Constitution
"Old Ironsides," one of the U.S. Navy's six original frigates, never lost a battle. The ship was constructed in the North End from 1794 to 1797 at a cost of $302,718, using bolts, spikes, and other fittings from Paul Revere's foundry. Constitution played a key role as the new nation built its naval and military reputation, battling French privateers and Barbary pirates, repelling the British fleet during the War of 1812, participating in 40 engagements, and capturing 20 vessels. The frigate earned its nickname during an engagement on August 19, 1812, when shots from HMS Guerriere bounced off its thick oak hull as if it were iron. Today, the active-duty sailors who lead tours wear 1812 dress uniforms.Retired from combat in 1815, Constitution was rescued from destruction when Oliver Wendell Holmes's poem Old Ironsides launched a preservation movement in 1830. The frigate was completely overhauled for its bicentennial in 1997, when it sailed under its own power for the first time since 1881, drawing international attention. Tugs tow Constitution into the harbor every Fourth of July for its celebratory "turnaround cruise" (the vessel must be turned regularly to ensure that it weathers evenly).To continue on the Freedom Trail: Walk straight ahead to the museum entrance.Security On "Old Ironsides"--The Charlestown Navy Yard, home to USS Constitution and the Constitution Museum, is an active military base. Expect to have your bags searched at the gate or at the access point for "Old Ironsides," where you'll probably have to pass through a metal detector. And call ahead if the national terror alert is high; the navy yard closes to civilians at the first sign of a serious threat.
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
The second-oldest cemetery (1659) in the city is the burial place of Cotton Mather and his family, Robert Newman, and Prince Hall. Hall, a prominent member of the free black community that occupied the north slope of the hill in colonial times, fought at Bunker Hill and established the first black Masonic lodge. The highest point in the North End, Copp's Hill was the site of a windmill and of the British batteries that destroyed the village of Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Charlestown is clearly visible (look for the masts of USS Constitution) across the Inner Harbor. No gravestone rubbing is allowed.To continue on the Freedom Trail: Follow Hull Street down the hill to Commercial Street (note that there's no crosswalk on Commercial at the dangerous intersection with Hull) and follow the trail to North Washington Street and across the bridge. Follow signs and the trail to the Charlestown Navy Yard.
Days Inn Boston
Boston's Best Value. Property is non-smoking Boston Days Inn provides visitors to Boston with affordable accommodations. Conveniently located near Cambridge and an easy drive along the River to Boston. Don't let your only souvenir of Boston be your Hotel Bill. Boston Days Inn features: Cable with HBO and ESPN St. Elizabeths Hospital - 1/2 mile I-Hop and McDonalds - next door Cambridge / Harvard Square - 1 mile Fenway Park - 2 miles Fine Arts Museum - 3 miles Boston ...
Shawmut Inn
The Shawmut Inn offers comfortable accommodations for a relaxing holiday or business trip. It is ideally situated for visitors to the area and has a welcoming atmosphere with friendly and hospitable service. The hotel has excellent facilities as well as comfortable guest rooms and public areas. Totally renovated the property is excellent for the business traveler. Approximately a dozen restaurants are within a 5 minute ...
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