8 Historical Sites to Visit in Boston

Did you know that Boston is just 30 minutes away from Dean? You can even take a short walk from campus right to the Franklin/Dean College stop and hop on the MBTA. Having Boston at your fingertips is great, especially for a history buff. Even though classes are being held online this fall, we hope you will take advantage of these historic sites when you are in the area. 

Here are 8 sites to check out on a historical adventure in Boston:

• The Black Heritage Trail – This walking route will take you on a 1.6-mile tour exploring the history of Boston’s 19th century African American community who primarily lived on the north slope of Beacon Hill. It is the largest collection of historic sites relating to life within a free Black community prior to the Civil War.
• The Freedom Trail – This 2.5-mile walking tour is marked by a red line, taking you to 16 nationally significant historic sites. Take a stroll through more than 250 years of Boston history.
• The Paul Revere House - On the night of April 18, 1775, silversmith Paul Revere left his home in Boston’s North End and set out on his legendary journey. Today you can visit downtown Boston’s oldest building to learn what life was like during the American Revolution.
• Old North Church – This church is Boston’s oldest surviving church building, and the famed spot of the “one if by land, two if by sea” lanterns from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “Paul Revere's Ride.” 
• African Meeting House – This meeting house was constructed in 1806 to be the first African Baptist Church of Boston. It is now the oldest existing Black church building in America. It served important educational, cultural and political roles within the Black community.
• Granary Burying Ground – This cemetery marks the final resting place of many important Revolutionary War figures. Some notable names to look for are Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin's parents.
• Boston Public Garden – Dating back to 1839, this is the first public botanical garden in the United States. Take a stroll along one of the many winding paths and look for the swan boats, which began operating in 1877.
• Boston Common – Adjacent to the Boston Public Garden, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park. It was established in 1634 by Puritan colonists.  It has been used as campgrounds for British troops, a site for public executions and a location for famous speeches.

These are a few of the many things to see and do in the Boston area! 

Dean College is located less than a 5-minute walk from the MBTA Commuter Rail. While on campus our students can also enjoy transportation to local shopping plazas, restaurants, movie theaters and more. Learn more about the local community.