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Boston National Historical ParkKids signing a Declaration of Independence
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Boston National Historical Park
Frequently Asked Questions
 

Planning a visit to any national park can generate lots of questions. While we have attempted to answer some of those questions here, taking the time to explore this website will provide you with much more detailed information.

Where was the battle of Bunker Hill fought? Though the colonial forces were ordered to defend Bunker Hill, the fortifications were eventually built on nearby Breed’s Hill. The three attacks made by the British army that eventually forced the colonists from Charlestown peninsula were made at Breed’s Hill. For more information...

What does it cost to board the ships in the Charlestown Navy Yard?  There are two ships berthed at pier 1 in the Charlestown Navy Yard. USS Constitution is an active duty naval vessel and visitors are guests of the ship’s captain. As guests visitor are not charged a fee to board. USS Cassin Young is a museum ship administered by the National Park Service and helps tell the story of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Visitors to USS Cassin Young are welcome aboard at no charge? For more information...

I want to hold my wedding at the Navy Yard. Is there a place I can have it?  The Commandant’s House is managed by Amelia Occasions for Boston National Historical Park and is available for weddings, corporate events and receptions. For more information...

Can you explain the disorderly street layout in Boston? Contrary to the notion that the streets are nothing more than the paths of drunken humans and sober cows, many of the 17th and 18th century streets were laid out along the contours of the original shoreline, and street junctions often occurred at important public places such as taverns, houses of worship, and other public buildings. The more conventional land survey and rectangular lots do not appear until Boston expands into its new southwestern neighborhoods in the mid 19th century.

A  plaque in Faneuil Hall "Boston was organized as a city on May 1, 1822.” Wasn't Boston around during The Revolution?  Yes, but as a town, not a city. During its 192 years as a town, all freemen of means could vote in town meeting, and thereby have a direct voice in the law making process. The transformation to a city form of government that began in 1822 consolidated power in the office of mayor and a city council.

Colonial Boston Docks  

Did You Know?
Owning a shop to sell sewing supplies was one of the few occupations available to women in 18th century Boston. Many women were widowed by the French & Indian War and supported their families by working in the sewing trades. By 1770 over 70 shop-owning women in Boston were called "She-Merchants."

Last Updated: January 03, 2007 at 09:48 EST