Boston’s Old State House (Site of Boston Massacre)
We’ll begin our tour here, at this important site in both history, and in “Freedom’s Ring.” The Old State House (called the Town House in colonial days) is over 300 years old. The Boston Massacre occurred right in front of it and the building can be seen in Paul Revere’s engraving of the event.
In July, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was first read from the balcony to the citizens of Boston. This tradition continues every Fourth of July.
To learn more, visit here.
IN THE BOOK:
Contemporary: Pages 25, 259-260
Historical: Pages 36, 62-69
Union Oyster House
Although this place did not exist in colonial times, it is dear to my heart. Brad and Annie first meet here, and this is the place where I signed my contract! It was also the site of Isaiah Thomas’s “Massachusetts Spy,” a popular Patriot newspaper at the time. Midwife Louisa lives close to the present-day Union Oyster House.
If you’re in Boston, stop and have a meal here. Their food is fantastic. My kids are particularly fond of the corn bread and oyster crackers!
IN THE BOOK:
Contemporary: Pages 26-33
Historical (on Union Street): Pages 125-132, 147-152, 167-171
Old Granary Burying Ground
Very close to the Common and now beside Park Street Church, the Old Granary Burying Ground plays an important part in “Freedom’s Ring.”
It is named for a large grain storage building that used to be where the church is now located. Buried here are the five victims of the Boston Massacre and many of the fathers of our country, including Sam Adams, Paul Revere, John Hancock, James Otis, and Robert Treat Paine.
IN THE BOOK:
Contemporary: Pages 260-261
Historical: Pages 39-43, 104-106
Faneuil Hall
Nicknamed “The Cradle of Liberty,” Faneuil Hall was built in 1742. Both a meeting and market place, Sam Adams prodded the citizens of Boston to fight for their independence here.
IN THE BOOK:
Contemporary: Page 26
Historical: Page 78
Lexington Green
This is where the official start of the American Revolution occurred, where a ragtag group of Patriots chose to stand their ground against the King’s Army and fight for their freedom. I get chills just thinking about it!
I highly recommend coming to see the yearly reenactment put on by the Lexington Historical Society.
Learn more about this, and the following two Lexington sites here.
IN THE BOOK:
Contemporary: Pages 332, 335-336
Historical: Pages 295-300
The Old Belfry
This belfry not only played an important part in history, it is an important symbol in my book. Located on Lexington Common the morning of April 19, 1775 (Patriots’ Day), the belfry was the first to summon the militia to fight for their freedom. Now located just to the side of the Common, this exact replica is rung every Patriots’ Day to signal the start of the Lexington Reenactment.
IN THE BOOK:
Contemporary: Pages 118-119
Historical: Pages 185, 285, 288, 293
Buckman Tavern
If you ever come to Lexington, be sure to take a tour of this historic place—one of my favorites! It was here that the militia gathered, waiting for the arrival of the Regulars that early April morning in 1775. Though I do not feature it in the contemporary part of “Freedom’s Ring,” it is such an important part of the historical story (and of history!), I couldn’t leave it out.
IN THE BOOK:
Historical: Pages 185, 191, 220, 248-253, 288, 300-303, 315-319
Here ends the tour! I hope you’ve enjoyed it and I hope it gives you a better picture of the historical places and people that surround so much of the fiction in my debut novel, “Freedom’s Ring!”
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