Old South Meeting House

From the outside, it looks like any other church. That makes sense, seeing that it was erected in 1729 as a place of worship for some of history’s most notable settlers. As the largest building in Boston at the time, the Old South Meetinghouse became a breeding ground for political debate and planning during the American Revolution. In fact, it was here the Sons of Liberty gathered before raiding an East India Company tea ship on Boston Harbor in response to the exorbitant tax laws forced on early American settlers by the British. This act of defiance spurred the movement, and is one of the nation’s defining moments.

Why You’ll Love the Old South Meeting House

The Old South Meeting House is a place where you could spend 15 minutes or three hours, depending upon your interest in the American Revolution.

From the outside, the church building looks like any other on the streets of Boston, but this one, located in the Beacon Hill neighborhood, holds something special inside. From the moment you step through the doors you’ll catch the Revolutionary spirit.

The whitewashed walls extend far above the rows of pews, pulpit and balconies that used to hold the American ancestors who fought for the freedoms that exist throughout the United States today. You can imagine their furor as you stand in the spots they stood in, and walk the paths they marched.

Next, you’ll get a unique history lesson in the museum section of the Old South Meeting House. Examine original documents that detail the events that took place, along with other more lighthearted artifacts like a handwritten poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The Old South Meeting House is a stop along the Freedom Trail.

What Makes the Old South Meeting House Special?

The historical significance of the Old South Meeting House is beyond that of almost any other building in the nation. It is one of the oldest buildings left standing throughout the entire United States, and while the church’s congregants make use of a more modern building now, they still celebrate with an annual mass held in the hallowed halls.

What Else Is in the Neighborhood?

The Old South Meeting House is centrally located in downtown Boston, so you have your pick of restaurants and hotels after your tour. Just down the street is the Milk Street Café, which has been serving some of the finest culinary concoctions Boston has to offer since 1981. While it may not be a stop on the Freedom Trail, The Hub Pub is along your route. This classic pub offers casual drinks combined with traditional homemade pub food. Spoil yourself by spending the night at the Omni Parker House, a luxurious property owned by Omni Hotels & Resorts. If you’re up for some more sightseeing, the Old State House is just two blocks north, and Faneuil Hall is across the street.

Who’ll Have the Most Fun at the Old South Meeting House?

The Old South Meeting House will tickle any history buff’s fancy, and may bring forth interest in those who just want to learn a little about the Revolution. The historical site may get boring for young children who will have trouble deciphering the artifacts without help from older siblings and parents, but the nature of the Old South Meeting House allows for quick visits that will deter tantrums.