Boston, Massachusetts is best known as being one of the most riveting and historical places that you can visit in the Northeastern region of the United States. The area was home to the first colonists, and also brought the Revolutionary War to the forefront in the country with the cataclysmic event called the “Boston Tea Party.” This cemented the idea of independence into the minds of the colonists, and set forth a variety of events as well. If the idea of learning about early United States history is exciting to you, I think you will really enjoy Boston, and the unique places within it!

This article reviews the very best landmarks that you will want to explore when you are visiting Boston. It also highlights unique individuals that have called this place home, or have impacted the area in some way. You will see dedications to people of both the colonial and more current times that have influenced this area. As you are planning out your trip, you will want to make sure that you take the time to visit these landmarks and monuments to really engross yourself into the regional culture.

Bunker Hill Monument

Located just north of Boston at 43 Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129, the Bunker Hill Monument is a must visit if you are traveling to Boston. The “Battle of Bunker Hill” was the first time that New England soldiers had faced opposing forces in the war, and although this particular battle was lost, it was extremely heavy in casualties. The cornerstone of this very historic site was laid in 1825 by Marquis De Lafayette on the 50th anniversary of the battle.

The impressive 221 foot (67 meters) granite obelisk was finished in 1842. It is also possible to climb the monument via a tight 294 step staircase which will give you spectacular city views. If you venture across the street from this structure, you will find the Bunker Hill Museum, which does an excellent job of reviewing this battle with great detail. They even have a mini recreation of it on exhibit, which we found to be quite interesting as it laid out how the battle had taken place place step by step.

https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhm.htm

https://www.nps.gov/places/bunker-hill-museum.htm

Cheers American Restaurant & Pub

If you were a fan of the iconic television series Cheers from the 1980s/1990s, you will want to visit the spot that provided inspiration for the place “where everybody knows your name!” This bar is remembered internationally for its exterior on the show, and today you can see the Cheers flag proudly displayed on it as well. Their menu is comprised of classic American cuisine, from their famous hamburgers, to decadent mac & cheese dishes, and of course a multitude of beverages. You can find them at 84 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108.

https://www.cheersboston.com/

Boston Irish Famine Memorial

One of the most emotional memorials that you will find in Boston is the Irish Famine Memorial. There are currently over 31 million residents in the United States with ancestry from Ireland (myself included) and these statues show the hardships that the Irish have endured over time, especially during the Great Famine that occurred from 1845 to 1852.

Although initially, the Irish were not accepted by America’s upper crust of society, later they were welcomed into communities during the late 1800s, and were also immersed into politics during this time period. You can see the stark differences between the statues, and how families eventually flourished in communities. I felt that it was a very moving memorial, and conveyed the importance of how amazing life can be when we truly value every person. You can find this memorial in the city of Boston in the plaza between Washington Street and School Street.

https://www.history.com/topics/immigration/the-irish-in-boston

Mary Dyer Statue

Mary Dyer was a Quaker woman, who was a strong advocate for religious rights, and had a voice of her own. Although previously banished from Massachusetts in the 1630s, she returned in 1657 as a Quaker missionary, and was later hanged due to her steadfast beliefs, and a refusal to back down from them. The bronze sculpture that was created in dedication to her was made in 1959 by the artist Sylvia Shaw Judson. Today, you can find this statue at 28 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108.

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/09/04/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-state-house-statues/

Bill Russell Statue

Of of the most legendary basketballs players from Boston is the iconic Bill Russell. You can find a landmark dedicated to him at 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA 02201, and it was created to honor his work on and off the basketball court. This bronze statue was unveiled in 2013 by the sculptor and artist Ann Hirsch.

While Bill Russell played for the Celtics, he won a very impressive 11 NBA (National Basketball Association) championships, during his 13 year run. He was also the first African American coach of a modern professional sports team when he was named the player and coach of the Celtics in 1966.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Bill-Russell

Red Auerbach/Larry Bird Landmark

Located right in the Faneuil Hall Market Place at 8 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109, you will find a sitting statue of the famous Celtics basketball coach Red Auerbach, next to the shoes of the great player Larry Bird. As the team president, and general manager of the Celtics, Red Auerbach won more NBA titles then any individual in the organization of the NBA, which makes him one of the most successful team officials in the history of North American Sports.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Red-Auerbach

It makes sense that the Celtics player Larry Bird plaque is placed next to an amazing coach of the Celtics team, as he is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is the only person in the NBA to be named the Rookie of the Year, Finals MVP, Most Valuable Player, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and even Executive of the Year which is quite an accomplishment.

https://olympics.com/en/athletes/larry-bird

Steaming Kettle

One of the most fascinating and historical landmarks that you can visit in Boston is the Golden Teapot. It was created in 1873 by local coppersmiths Hicks and Badger and at times would blow steam into the air to emulate a whistle. It was used as advertisement for a tea company, and since Boston was a city of new immigrants in the 1800s, it helped individuals identify what this particular store was selling.

Also, today on occasion, it is still possible to see steam from this unique spot! You can find the Steaming Kettle at  63-65 Court St, Boston, MA 02108. We were really impressed at how large this kettle seemed, and it really captivated us as we meandered around the city.

https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/boston-lost-landmarks-golden-teapot-government-center-tea-kettle-scollay-square/

Edgar Allan Poe Statue

Edgar Allan Poe is one of the most well known American authors that had an immense impact on Gothic Fiction, and to this day is revered for his poems and short stories. One of his most recognizable is of course “The Raven.” The bronze based statue was created by artist Stefanie Rocknak in 2014.

You can see the statue of Edgar Allan Poe marching away from the Boston Common and the Frog Pond towards his birthplace on Carver Street. The author was known to not agree with the Transcendentalist movement during his lifetime, and his statue walking away from the Frog Pond represents this. You can find him at Boylston St & Charles St, Boston, MA 02116.

https://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/2014/10/06/edgar-allan-poe-comes-back-boston/

Oneida Football Club Monument

If you are a fan of American football, this is one monument that you will not want to miss! This marble tablet was donated by seven of the original members of the Oneida Football Club in 1925, who were the very first organized team to play any kind of football in the United States. It was a local Boston variant of the game, and it also predated the codification of rules that exist in the current game. It was really neat to look out on the field and imagine what these early games may have looked like! Today, you can find the monument in the Boston Common near the Frog Pond.

https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth-oai:nv936t206

Benjamin Franklin Statue

One of the most influential of the Founding Fathers in the United States is of course, Benjamin Franklin. He was a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence as well as the first postmaster general. In addition to these accolades, he was a scientist, writer, diplomat, publisher, printer, and political philosopher. With all that being said, when you are visiting Boston, I highly recommend checking out his 8 foot (2.4 m) bronze statue residing in front of the City Hall. The statue was created by Richard Saltonstall Greenough, with areas of the base made by Thomas Ball, and was dedicated on September 17, 1856.

Previously to our visit in Boston, I had known that he was a local prominent figure in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (and also buried here) but it was so interesting to learn of his beginning roots in the Boston community. Before his journey began in Philadelphia at the age of 17, he was an apprentice to his brother, working in his print shop in Boston, and from there, began publishing his own articles and letters.

He also was an early advocate of freedom of speech. When he did run away to Philadelphia, he did so as a fugitive, as he left his apprenticeship without his brother’s permission. I consider this statue a must visit on your journey in Boston, considering how much Benjamin Franklin has impacted so many aspects of the American life, even to this day!

https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/benjamin-franklin-statue.html

I hope that you find this landmark guide useful for your trip to Boston, and that it helps you discover more about the engrossing roots that were fundamental in the beginnings of the United States as well. When we traveled there, it felt like we were walking through different times in history, and it was interesting putting all these puzzle pieces together to discover the origins of what is here today! Let me know in the comments if you have traveled to Boston, and what you thought of this region in New England too. I hope that you are having a wonderful day, and remember to click the like and subscribe button!

Additional Resources-

The Best Things To Do In Plymouth Massachusetts

The Plymouth Rock In Massachusetts

USS Constitution

Boston Public Garden

Watch Hill Lighthouse Westerly Rhode Island

Boston Tea Party Museum

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NortheastAllie

For generations, my family has lived in the Philadelphia area, and my writing reflects these influences. This blog explores perspectives on life, encouragement, travel, health, and local living.

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