Monuments in Boston

By Sam Williams


The wide selection of monuments in Boston include battleground memorials, historic warships and public statues. Boston monuments are among the most popular and storied in the US.

Bunker Hill Monument

One of the most classic monuments in Boston, Bunker Hill Monument remembers the bloody Battle of Bunker Hill in the American Revolution. In June 1775, the Brit Army undertook a series of major assaults to destroy the colonial militiamen's fortress on Breed's Hill in Charlestown. Although the British were finally successful, they paid a high cost and the Battle of Bunker Hill- the first major engagement of the war- changed into a rallying point for those that wanted freedom from British oppression. Today, the striking monument soars above the Boston skyline in the consequential Charlestown neighborhood in the city's northwards section. Completed in 1842, the monument is a Boston icon and symbological of the city's national loyalty and proud colonial heritage. It also contains the engaging Bunker Hill Museum, which holds artifacts from the North American Revolution and is a must see for history buffs and other visitors to the monument.

Site of the Boston Massacre

The famous Boston Massacre, one of the watershed events leading up to the Revolutionary War, is revealed by a ring of stones on State Street in Boston. Reenactments also occur on the anniversary each year. This, like many other Boston monuments, is an excellent place to trip to get a sense of the city's history and interesting colonial heritage.

Castle Island

This hidden gem in Boston is full of history. The home of Boston's Korean War vets ' memorial, Castle Island also boasts Fort Autonomy, a large military fortress built in the 1800s. Though off most tourists ' radar screens, Castle Island is a fantastic place to go to.

George Washington Statue

Found in the lovely Public Garden of the Boston Common, this famous statue of George Washington mounted on a pony waves visitors from all over the world to Boston. Installed in 1869, it is a Boston icon and a must see for anybody visiting the city of Boston.

Ether Monument

Also in Boston's Public Garden is the Ether Monument. The garden's oldest monument, it recognizes the first use of ether in anesthesia. A testament to medical advances and Good Samaritans, it's one of the garden's most famous and beautiful monuments.




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