When family comes to visit Boston right off a cruise ship I get a chance to explore my own backyard. They walked right into the hustle and bustle of the modern day Faneuil Hall - Quincy market complex but lets not forget the history!
Faneuil Hall, fronted by a statue of Sam Adams, was financed by young Peter Faneuil for the commercial benefit of Boston's merchants. John Hancock called him "the topmost merchant in all the town." It was dedicated on Sept. 10, 1742 in the hurly-burly action of Dock Square, which had market stalls on all four sides - waterfront, fish market, hay market and sheep market. The hall served as a forum for the opinions of rebels and patriots, including Sam Adams and Paul Revere. George Washington toasted the nation there on its first birthday!
Quincy Market was constructed in 1826 and served for almost 150 years as a retail and wholesale distribution center for meat and produce. By 1950 the area had become rundown and there were plans to demolish it. In the early 1970's a committed group of Bostonians wanted to preserve it and by 1976 it was rebuilt through the efforts of Jim Rouse, architect Benjamin Thompson and Mayor Kevin White.
Today the shops and restaurants attract more than 18 million visitors annually. There is always music, food and people to watch. The 25th annual tree lighting will happen Saturday, November 21st with a Holiday Tuba Concert Saturday, November 28th. Click on the link above for more information and enjoy your own "backyard"!
Thank you to the Boston Insight Guide for much of the information presented here!
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