The city of Boston has been a cradle of American democracy since the days before the United States even became a country. It has given birth or rise to thousands of influential men and women who helped shape history. The following four sites, managed by the U.S. National Park Service, offer a look at some presidents and creative types who lived in Boston.
Adams National Historical Park
This site pays tribute to the significant Adams family, which included presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, as well their wives. The park includes their farm at the foot of Penn’s Hill and a country estate at Peace Field.
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
Travelers can tour the grounds and watch a film about America’s leading landscape architect, who moved to this home in suburban Boston in 1883. Olmsted is famous for designing such renowned public spaces as Central Park in New York City.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site
Rose Kennedy re-created her family’s first home to share her memories of her family, which include son John. As guests tour the mansion and grounds, they will see artifacts and hear stories related to the early life of the 35th American president.
Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site
Decades after the mansion was the headquarters for Gen. George Washington and his men in 1775 and 1776, it was the residence of Henry W. Longfellow, one of the world’s foremost 19th-century poets.
NOTE: Please check with National Park Service officials or go to nps.gov regarding the reopening of these sites.
Top photo: The Longfellow House
Photo by National Park Service
