5/24/09

On the Trail of America's Birthplace


DC is the Seat of our Nation's Capital and Boston is the Cradle of America's Liberty.   In the run-up to the American Revolution, it was the radicals in Boston who rallied most loudly against Britain and precipitated the events which led the colonies to seek independence.

And that is why I chose to come to this great patriotic city on the eve of Memorial Day weekend.   

The run this morning, a leasurely 2.5 mile path that follows the Nation's history was not uncommon or for the stuff of Iron Man.  But the path that led from the Boston Common, where the British forces were encamped during the occupation from 1775 to 1776 to the Old Ironsides was unique and meant everything that this Nation stands for especially on the cusp of Memorial Day.




Boston is a historic, hybrid city with a unrivaled collection of well-preserved old granite from the the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and modern steel and glass.  (the iconic clock tower stands tall amidst the new skyline with the modern Prudential Building nearby) 

We started by the Massachusetts State House, the famous Gold Dome, that we could see reflecting the Boston rays from the 8th floor of our hotel building on exquisite Beacon Hill.  During this momentous trek we would visit 16 historic shrines through a path painted on city streets with a conspicuous red line.


The beautiful, ornate interior of the State House -- we were so glad to take a respite from the heat and were enamored by the Bostonian elegance.


Then we passed the famous Old Granary Burial Ground where three signers of the Declaration of Independence including John Hancock and Samuel Adams (not only renowned throughout the world for Boston's world class and eclectic ale.  

With our nation this weekend commemorating and thanking those who served and sacrificed for our freedom by visiting Arlington National Cemetery and other war memorials in DC and throughout this great country, we must also thank and recognize the signers of our Freedom, some buried here at Old Granary.

As we were touched, we moved to King's Chapel -- a granite church built in the mid-16th century, the nation's first public school, the Old State House. the site of the Boston Massacre, where British troops opened fire on colonists who had been taunting them with stones, 




We were entertained by festive street performers at Fanueil Hall, Boston's main market and where Samuel Adams (a statue stands in front of the building) convinced fellow colonists to unite and fight the British oppression.



We were tempted by the rich smell of Boston clam chowder and free flowing beer next door from Boston's own micro brewery and pub: Cheers.


Next to the Paul Revere house where this iconic hero lived in this wooden house when he made his famous midnight ride to warn the minutemen of the impending arrival of the British troops.

The Fleet is in port (Norwegian frigate in the background)

Finally to the Bunker Hill Monument, a granite obelisk that resembles the Washington Monument, but actually predated it by many years.  The monument commemorates the battle between the colonists and the British (which was won by the British) but nine months later, General George Washington was able to force out the troops.



After climbing 294 steps and 221 feet high to the tippy top of Bunker Hill (very narrow and spiral mind you), we are offered a splendid panoramic view of downtown Boston and the harbor -- What a sight and well worth the sacrifice (steeper than the metro in Bethedsa).  Not exactly Ironman to tackle these steps, but now, let's proceed to the true Ironhorse, the Old Ironsides.

Travel Tip:  There are many easy ways to get from Logan Airport to downtown and back. The subway "The T" is easy, quick and only $2 each way.  Also we learned that Water Taxis are available for $10 each way.  On a nice, bright day, this is a wonderful way to get to the airport and get splendid views and shots of downtown Boston -- which we did.

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