The United States has a rich history and culture. From the Native Americans who inhabited what is now the United States to the arrival of European colonists. The colonists eventually built a country, and the places of great interest became part of our history.
Every state has historical landmarks that represent so much. Pennsylvania contains 169 historical landmarks. Virginia has 123 historical landmarks. But, what about Massachusetts? Massachusetts is one of the original thirteen colonies. This indicates that the state is deeply rooted in the rich history of the United States’ inception.
Massachusetts has a whopping 192 National Historic Landmarks. And we’ll showcase five of the best places to visit. We’ll delve deeper into each of them and provide some fun tidbits.
John Adams’ Birthplace
John Adams, the second President of the United States, was born in Quincy. John Adams’ father built the Saltbox home, where the family lived during his boyhood. An Adams family member owned the residence until 1940 when they chose to sell it to the City of Quincy. The birthplace and neighboring house where John Quincy Adams was born are now museums and historical parks. The birthplaces of both presidents are open for tourists.
Beacon Hill Historical District
Beacon Hill, one of Boston’s oldest districts, includes cobblestone streets, Rose homes, and gas-lit street lamps that are in use today. When you travel down the small streets, you feel transported back to the 1600s and 1700s.
Beacon Hill is unique in terms of its rich history. The neighborhood has been historical and mystical since 1625 when William Blackstone erected a home and an orchard there. If you get the opportunity to visit Boston, take a walk around Beacon Hill and embrace the historical enchantment.
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Boston Common
It is the oldest public park in the country. Boston Common consists of 50 acres of rich history. It was founded in 1634, and it was here that men and women echoed their support for the Revolution. Since then, Boston Common has hosted key events in our country’s history. There is also a gloomy presence in the park, as witches and pirates are hung from a tree known as “The Great Elm.” Several notable historical individuals are also buried in the park.
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s House
The house in Concord was erected around 1828. Originally owned by John T. Coolidge and his family, Ralph Waldo Emerson opted to settle in Concord and purchased the house from him in 1835. He continued to reside there for the remainder of his life. During his tenure there, he hosted numerous guests, including Henry David Thoreau, Louisa May Alcott, and others. The home is now a museum, open from mid-April to mid-October.
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John F. Kennedy’s Birthplace
The 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, at his parents’ home. His father bought the house in 1914, just before he married his wife Rose. The Kennedys lived in this mansion until 1920, then bought it back in 1966. Rose Kennedy restored the residence to its 1917 appearance before donating it to the National Park Service. Today, you can have a tour of the house.
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Conclusion
And there you have it: five of the top national historic sites in Massachusetts to see. These places are immensely historical, representing a moment and a country’s history that has affected the future in extraordinary ways. When you walk through the corridors of these landmarks, consider the history that occurred there. It will be an eye-opening encounter.