This is where it all began boys and girls. On the evening of December 16, 1773, the Patriots and the Loyals met to discuss (again) the most recent tax levied by King George III. After many hours of back and forth, Samuel Adams stood in the pulpit and announced, “The time for talking is over, let’s throw some tea into the harbor.” I’m paraphrasing of course. To stand on the same spot where the decision was made to rebel brought tears to my eyes. Corny? OK.

Jim was a fascinating guide/storyteller. Fabulous in recreating the lead up and aftermath of the Boston Massacre. We couldn’t wait to hear the story at the next stop in this amazing historical event. Also, was willing to answer our questions. Highly recommend this tour!

This is one of the highlights on the Freedom Trail where many of the discussions/debates in the pre-revolution period occurred. In addition to being a well preserved building, there is a nice historical presentation set up giving a nice history of the times and events. Walk the building, sit in one of the cubicals and reflect on the history and significance of this place. Perhaps the best spot on the Trail.

A lot of important events in the pre and post Revolutionary War took place at the Meeting House. The church is pretty large, but the pews are pretty simple. There are a lot of exhibits (mainly text) that explain the events.

A nice collection of artifacts, a well-restored significant structure, and some very thought-provoking interpretive signage. General admission is only $10 for an adult, free with vet's ID. Thankfully, on an extremally hot day, it was comfortable inside as well. Nice staff and an OK gift shop.

It was built in 1729 as a Puritan meeting house, or church, the Old South Meeting House has been an important gathering place for nearly three centuries. It is somewhat surrounded by more modern buildings but its history protects it. Not too much to see inside but worth a visit. So many historic decisions/actions etc taken here.

This is another famous Colonial and Freedom Trail site for Boston that is a must-see visit. While the last 100 years, the building has served as civic meeting hall and historic site for the community, its origins are as the brick church of the Old South Congregational Church built in 1729 that splintered from the First Church in 1669. In 1872, the congregation left the historic structure to relocate in Boston's newest Back Bay neighborhood adjacent to Copley Square. The significance of the building is it was the largest meeting space in the city of Boston during the Revolutionary era. As such it was often the gathering place of many meetings of the Sons of Liberty and most significantly the meeting that launched the Boston Tea Party in 1773. It also held the annual commemorations for the Boston Massacre in the community after it happened in 1770. For these reasons, in the occupation of Boston after Lexington and Concord in April of 1775, the British army seized control of the building and used as a stable. There is a cost to visit the interior, but you can purchase a combo ticket with the Old State House at a discounted rate. I highly recommend seeing the interior to really understand the building and its colonial use. The outside is a large and strong red brick, but it belies just how big the structure is. Until you go inside, you don't realize how big this building is and why its size was so important for the colonial cause. There is really nothing that comes close as Faneuil Hall was only 40% of its current size during the colonial era. In addition to the space, the interior has historic information and displays and most importantly for our group, a clean, public restroom. Of particular interest is a diorama that shows colonial Boston with the size of the buildings in the central business and port district which emphasize the importance of Old South Church to the colonial cause.