Jonathan ended up not being able to take time off work.. so heartbreaking, but Eric could so off we went!
Day 1
First order of business: Visit Bunker Hill where we recently learned that great great great grandfathers on the Pulsipher line(Steve's side) fought at this battle, father and son "shoulder to shoulder" fought bravely against the British for independence. We made a very quick stop hoping to find their names on a plaque or something, but no luck. Still it was great to visit!
We drove down through the traffic to find a parking spot at the Boston Commons to join the Freedom Trail with a guide. We missed the beautiful gardens next to the Boston Commons .. must see that next time! We wandered through the sort of run down Boston Commons park and joined a tour. We lucked out and got probably the best of the best guide, a well seasoned guide who is actually a descendant of one of the Sons of Liberty with the last name of Olsen.
This guide stayed in character for the most part and shared so many fascinating stories and did with such eloquence and style. He captivated our attention and taught us so many new things about the early days of Boston and the story of the Revolution. See that sprig of greenery in his hat? That was a sign of his loyalty to the patriot cause. This is the basis for the song "Yankee Doodle went to town ariding on a pony, stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni."
The symbol of the Freedom Trail
A great many famous and not so famous patriots are buried in this famous cemetery, the ________
To name a few, Otis, Sam Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere and more. And, ofcourse many not so well known who played an important role in the Revolution.
John Hancock's dislike of pretentiousness and his sense of humor here. This is a monument to him. He wouldn't have approved of having a monument erected of him and his coat of arms seems to support this idea: His coat of arms as pictured is a picture of a Hand below a cock (rooster). If you look at the top, you will see this. He had a great sense of humor!
I learned this time, as opposed to last time, what a hero Paul Revere was. A very accomplished man of many skills, he knew just about everyone. Everyone respected him. He was a patriot to the core and was willing to sacrifice and work for independence. In addition to this, He was the father of 10 children!
I loved this one honoring Benjamin Franklin's parents: (Borrowing this from another blog because I didn't get a picture! I must learn to take more pictures. )
Here's what it says:
JOSIAH FRANKLIN,
And
ABIAH, his Wife,
Lie here interred.
And
ABIAH, his Wife,
Lie here interred.
They lived lovingly together in Wedlock
Fifty-five Years;
Fifty-five Years;
And without an Estate or any gainful
Employment,
Employment,
By constant Labour, and honest1 Industry,
(With GOD’s Blessing)2
Maintained a large Family
Comfortably,3
(With GOD’s Blessing)2
Maintained a large Family
Comfortably,3
From this Instance, Reader,
Be encouraged to Diligence in thy Calling,
And distrust not Providence.
Be encouraged to Diligence in thy Calling,
And distrust not Providence.
He was a pious and a prudent Man,
She a discreet and virtuous Woman.
She a discreet and virtuous Woman.
Their youngest Son,
In filial Regard to their Memory,
Places this Stone.
In filial Regard to their Memory,
Places this Stone.
The The revolution was fought by two groups: The aristocratic educated wealthy in the south (Virginia, Philadelphia etc) and thre common man of Boston and the Northern parts of the country. These were young people who came to America often as indentured servants who then after working 12 years emerged from their indentured state free, clear and independent with skills. These were the people who fought to be free and independent from Great Britain. It was interesting listening to the stories of these young people some as young as 13 years of age very much involved in some of the pivotal events leading up to the Revolutionary War. John Hitchcock was the wealthiest citizen of Boston and Samuel Adams was the "politician" great at organizing and energizing people in a cause. The two of those men together made up a lion and a lamb in the cause of freedom. Otis was a bold, outspoken, brilliant lawyer who defined the concept of independence in the minds of the colonists early on. He put forth the idea that our rights come from nature and nature's God, not from a King. He coined the phrase "taxation without representation is tyranny," and "a man's home is his castle." He was also bold and a bit crazy! But, without this bold personality he might not have been strong enough to stand against the greatest power on earth--Great Britian.
Great Britain at the time was the most powerful nation on earth. But, also a nation of laws. The Brits were civil compared to other nations. Yet, taxes upon taxes angered the independent minded colonists. The colonies were looked upon as children under the King's care, but the colonists did not agree. The colonists formed their own colonial legislatures, forming their own laws and creating their own troops.
Timeline of Events Leading to Revolution:
- Sugar Act (1764). This British law charged duties on sugar imported by the colonies. Several other products were also taxed.
- Currency Act (1751 and 1764). Several Acts which regulated the issuing of money by the American colonist.
- Stamp Act (1765). This British law required certain printed materials including newspapers in America be on paper produced in Brittan and stamped with a revenue stamp.
- Quartering Act (1765). This act forced the colonist to provide food and shelter for British soldiers when needed.
- Townshend Acts (1767). A series of acts passed By Brittan beginning in 1767 that taxed the colonies.
- Boston Massacre (1770). An angry mob of colonist confronts British soldiers in Boston. Five colonists are killed.
- Tea Act (1773). This act basically gave the British East India Company a monopoly on tea trade in the Americas.
- Boston Tea Party (1773). In response to the Tea Act patriots dressed as American Indians dump British tea into Boston Harbor.
- Intolerable Acts (1774). A series of laws also called the Coercive Acts passed by Brittan in response to the Boston Tea Party.
- "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!" Patrick Henry's speech (1775 March 23)
- The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere, William Dawes and (April 18 1775)
- "The Shot Heard 'Round the World" The Minutemen and Redcoats battle at Lexington and Concord.
- The Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17 1775)
The Samuel Adams pose.
Posing in front of the State House.... so much history there! Boston Massacre, site where the Declaration of Independence was read to the people (from the balcony)
I didn't get as many pictures as I wanted!
Eric and I were impressed with the Freedom Trail that we saw. We only saw part of it and will just have to come back to see more!
After eating an amazing lunch at the Blackrock..(Eric ate Fish and Chips that were so flavorful and I had Baked Haddock--so tasty, fresh is the best!) why didn't I take more pictures?! We headed out to find the Boston Tea Party Museum. We wandered through Faniel Hall and Quincy Market, always so much going on, sidewalk musicians etc. Anad, we walked to Atlantic Ave and strolled along the Harbor walk toward the Tea Party Museum. Such beautiful views! Eric and I loved this!
We made it to the Tea Party Museum and Experiences the Boston Tea Party for ourselves! I took on the role of Samuel Fenno, a housewright, known for his courage and patriotism. He took his particpation in the Boston Tea Party very seriously, vowing to never drink a drop of tea again. Eric took on the role of _________ We first heard the fiery debate behind throwing a million dollar's worth of tea into the Boston Harbor. Then we boarded the ship and threw tea overboard, explored the ship, then went inside the museum where we watched an interactive theatrical presentation.
We ended the tour in Abigails's Tea Room, a very charming tea room to enjoy some baked goods and others enjoyed sampling different types of tea popular in Colonial Times.
I need to learn to take more pictures... right?! I will get back into this blogging thing. And I will learn to print it up into a book each year!
Next, we wandered whereever our whims took us through the streets of Boston on our way back to Boston Commons. We hoped to find Mike's Pastries but were unsuccessful. Our plan was to get the car and go to Copely Square. We saw more of Boston as we drove there, old churches, charming homes, and buildings and amazing skyscrapers. We parked near Copely Square, walked through an amazing building that had a waterfall inside (oh the beauty and variety in big cities! I really love it!)
We walked over to Copely Square and saw a sign that said "Make Music Boston" We had seen this in other places of the city too. Apparently, anyone on the street could walk up and join whatever music was being performed. In this location, there was an entire large orchestra and a huge choir. The music was beautiful! And, most of all it warmed my heart to see people on the street, strangers making music together. It was so healing to see this act of unity and harmony in this divisive time in which we live. Naturally Eric and I joined in. It was wonderful! After the song, a spokeperson for the group stood up and thanked everyone and asked everyone to continue to RESIST. As it turns out, this gathering was part of a nationwide movement to protest in the Black Lives Matter Movement. Interesting. I like this kind of protest rather than the violent senseless protests of the past year +. So good for them. They created the division, the anger and the violence and it appears that they are choosing a different direction. Ok . Well, good for you sad sorry misguided people. Let's get back to living peacefully together already.
Eric and I blended in ... and left fairly quickly to go see the Boston Public Library.
The Boston Public Library. I wanted to visit this library. I had heard that it was a beautiful building and very old.
Stunning Mosaics!
Stunning paintings on every wall in the entry way, painted by John Singer Sargent. Amazing... breathtaking.
Eric looks like he naturally fits in here
Imagine studying here!
Beautiful!
Oh motherhood.. such joy.
And what do you know... the Finish Line for the Boston Marathon was right in front of the Boston Public Library. Kind of cool. And, sobering to think that this is the site of the Boston Marathon Bombing.
We stopped in at an old church that was still open at this point.
We decided we wanted to go up into a tall building to get a look at Boston from the sky. We walked for a mile or so to go into the Prudential Building where we were rewarded a beautiful view of the city from the 52nd floor. After this, we went down to the Prudential shopping area, lots of nice shops and a very cool food market. Everything was fresh and organic and felt like an outdoor European market. We tried to buy food but ended up buying some fancy chocolates and Gelato. We left to go back to our car, listening to fun sidewalk musicians as we went. We got in the car, drove out of the city and out ot Concord where we stayed at what looked like a scary hotel. Turned out not too bad!
Day TWO
We headed to Minute Man National Park, where we learned about the events leading up to the "Shot heard 'round the world!" It began with this midnight ride. I love imagining the drama of this ride and how Dr. Samuel Prescott escaped being captured so he could get to his sweetheart (fiance') to warn the people that the Regulars were coming!
Eric and I visited the Hancock Clark house, which is the house where Sam Adams and John Hancock went to hide out to keep from being arrested. This was John Hancock's grandparent's house in Lexington. Paul Revere met them here the night of the midnight ride to warn them.
Hancock and Sam Adams had a fascinating alliance between them. Sam was the Lion and Hancock was the lamb. Atleast that is what I think and they worked well together in persuading others.
The Battle of Lexington and Concord took form before dawn on April 19, 1775 as, having received word that the regular army had left Boston in force to seize and destroy military supplies in Concord, several dozen militiamen gathered on the town common, and then eventually went to the tavern to await the arrival of the British troops. Definite word reached them just before sunrise, and Captain Parker's company of militia left the tavern to assemble in two ranks on the common. Following the arrival of the army, a single shot was fired, by whom, we still do not know. With this shot, the American Revolutionary War began.!
I only got a glimpse inside this room, but it is here in the tavern where the militia men awaited the arrival of the British Troops before dawn and that first fateful battle of the Revolutionary War, that took place steps away from this tavern at the Lexington Green across the street. I can only imagine the crackling fire in the fireplace, the food and drink and nervous excited conversation taking place at that time.
Just across the street from this tavern, the first real battle of the Revolutionary War began. I really like this :
Captain Parker !
"At dawn on April 19, some 700 British troops arrived in Lexington and came upon 77 militiamen gathered on the town green. A British major yelled, “Throw down your arms! Ye villains, ye rebels.” The heavily outnumbered militiamen had just been ordered by their commander to disperse when a shot rang out. To this day, no one knows which side fired first. "
I believe 10 colonists were killed here and there were only injuries on the British side. This was quite serious and sad. These were fellow countrymen up to this point. They fired upon their own people. But, it was this, that turned the day into a bloody battle as militia and minute men came from everywhere and lined the street between Lexington and Concord beating back the British Troops!
The handsome and strong militiaman that came into Lexington and Concord from all around.
Eric at the North Bridge. This is where it is recorded that the first shot heard 'round the world was shot, because the Colonists were actually ordered to shoot. The colonists beat back the British soldiers and began to go back toward Lexington, being shot at the entire way. In the end about 250 soldiers died. The Revolutionary War had begun.
We started out at the North Bridge.
This obelisk says:
"HERE On the 19 of April, 1775, was made the first forcible resistance to British aggression.
On the opposite Bank stood the American Militia. Here stood the Invading Army
and on this spot the first of the Enemy fell in the War of that Revolution
which gave Independence to these United States. In gratitude to GOD
and In the love of Freedom this Monument was erected AD. 1836."
Notice this statue of the Minute Man. Minute Men were to be ready to fight at a moment's notice. Therefore, they always had their firearm with them throughout the day. They were skilled and ready to go! Way to go Minute Men!
I loved this quote...
I wish I had taken more pictures!
Here we are on the road between Concord and Lexington where all this action took place. We could easily imagine the drama that unfolded in this very spot, along the road and behind the rock walls and homes that lined this most important road.
One such place was the Hartwell Tavern. Just up the road from this were two other homes. Oh if those walls could talk!
Eric is pointing to the clever sign advertising that this would be a good place to allow yourself and your horse to have a drink and a rest while traveling.
At this stop along the road, we took part in a demonstration of marching and firing guns in formation. It was interesting and well done.
Here we witnessed the firing of a musket!
The fashion of the day for a militia man.
I love this beautiful architecture of the North Bridge Visitors Center. What a beautiful home!
After this eventful day, Eric and I headed back to Boston, starving to death. If we could do it over, we would have stopped to eat along the way rather than wait to eat when we got there. We got caught in traffic and it took longer so we ran out of time, had to eat something and therefore couldn't take the Boston Harbor Ferry ride like we wanted! Tragedy! But, we had a very fun drive to Boston. We love it when Siri takes on a detour. We found ourselves driving along the beautiful Charles River! It was a beautiful sight and I wish I'd been able to get some pictures of the boat races we saw, and just the beautiful sight! We also took a meandering detour through the city and that gave us ample time to see different Boston neighborhoods and people watch! Always fascinating!
When we arrived and parked, we walked over to Qunicy Market to grab dinner.
Although this is a very touristy place, it is a lot of fun! There is always a lot going on here. There was some large group doing a dance/exercise routine to dynamic music. In the front there was another performing group. It was super fun!
We went inside this lovely place to find a smorgasbord of all kinds of foods to choose from for dinner! I found this photo of the Boston Chowda place. Eric chose to eat Fish and Chips and I chose to eat Indian Food, Chicken Tika Masala which was delicious!! We were starving and the food tasted great.
Just looking at those lobster rolls make me hungry!
For dessert, Eric and I tried a Boston Cream pie, followed by Gelato! Oh yes!
After this lovely meal, we headed off to the grand finale of our Boston Days: A theatrical production called "Blood on the Snow," at the statehouse!
This was an AMAZING production! We are so glad we did this. It brought everything we had learned the past two days together. The acting was so very fine! Since they didn't allow pictures during the production, I found these online and had to post them here so I remember. We loved this play, it was absolutely fascinating look at the events that took place the day after the Boston Massacre. It was a fascinating look at the debate and the push to Independence and most of all it gave us a look at what the personalities and spirits of the men involved might have been like. This was a fabulous experience!
We saw this production in the very room where it happened in this most historic building
In this very room...
These amazing actors-- played boston councilman, Governor Hutchinson, Colonel of the British Army, Sam Adams and John Hancock, the servant and the slave. It was interesting to see the psychological plays going on as they debated the issues and negotiated a resolution following the Boston Massacre. Fascinating!
Here's a great description of this play: Blood on the Snow returns to Old State House! Experience one of the formative events of the American Revolution in the room where it happened. In the aftermath of the Boston Massacre, the town’s leaders desperately struggle to prevent more bloodshed. Their decision could save a city, or tear apart an empire. Here at Boston’s Old State House, is the site where, 250 years ago, Boston’s leaders placed Massachusetts on the road to revolution.
Loved this! Worth going!
After this splendid play, they had a question/answer session. Eric and I stayed for a little while and then had to leave, hurried to our car but not before seeing this happy sight:
Adorable dancing children!
Then we drove out of Boston and made our way to Rhode Island (about an hour's drive) to Luke's house. Here we met up with Mom, Dad, Cathy and Mike and the bride to be Katie. I also met Luke's step mom Diana and also had fun talking with Luke. Let the festivities begin!
