History and Heritage

Bunker Hill Monument sits atop Breed's Hill, not Bunker Hill, in Charlestown, site of the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. In Cambridge, a bronze statue of John Harvard (nicknamed The Statue of Three Lies) sits outside Harvard University Hall; students touch John Harvard's shoe for good luck. The Fisherman's Memorial Statue in Gloucester pays homage to the maritime history of Gloucester and Cape Ann. In Lexington you'll find the statue of Capt. John Parker, leader of the voluntary militia, the Minutemen, located on the Lexington Battle Green. Plymouth Rock in Plymouth symbolizes the landing place of the Pilgrims in 1620. In front of the New Bedford Free Library in Bristol County stands a monument of Lewis Temple, inventor of the toggle iron, which revolutionized the whaling industry in the 19th century.

The Cape and Islands are dotted with lighthouses that honor the cape's rich maritime history and have protected generations of seafarers. See Nobska Light in Falmouth, East Chop Light and West Chop Light on Martha's Vineyard, and Brant Point Light on Nantucket Island. Front and center on the Village Green on Main St. in Hyannis prevails a statue of Iyannough, Cummaquid sachem. Renowned for his kindnesses toward the Pilgrims and Colonists, the village of Hyannis was named for him. Iconic colorful, Gingerbread Cottages dot the streets of Oaks Bluff with fluorescent color, dainty trim, and vibrant taste. Started as canvas tents on Trinity Park as part of the Martha's Vineyard Campmeeting Association in 1835, these houses have evolved into a 35 acre modern day fantasy. Originally built in 1827 as a church, a school for African children and a meeting house, the African Meeting House serves as a treasure trove of history and lessons learned. It's the only public structure remaining on the island that is identifiably central to the history of the African community of the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Johnny Appleseed statue commemorates John Chapman, son of a Minuteman and planter of many trees and vegetation around the state. Bring his legend to life at the Rt. 2 Visitor Center in Lancaster, one mile from where he was born in 1774. Behold military history at the Springfield Armory National Historic site, established in 1777 as the Arsenal at Springfield by George Washington to support the American Revolution. In 1794 it became the nation's first armory to manufacture military arms. The Hail to the Sunrise statue, located on Rt. 2 in Charlemont, depicts a Mohawk Indian looking to the east with arms uplifted to the Great Spirit. It commemorates the Five Indian Nations of the Mohawk Trail. See the Birthplace of Susan B. Anthony in Adams, built in 1817. Adams was the founder of the National Women's Suffrage League, a pioneer equal-rights advocate, and a political activist.

Find Lodging Options for Massachusetts

More Discoveries