Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is the second oldest graveyard in Boston. It was established in 1659 in the North End.  Named after shoemaker William Copp, the burying ground has many tombs of Boston’s less-affluent craftsmen and artisans. Here are some highlights to check out when you visit, perhaps as part of a day in the North End!  

1. Daniel Malcolm lived in the North End and was a member of the Sons of Liberty. He evaded paying taxes during the buildup to the Revolutionary War, but he didn’t get to see American independence, as he died in 1769. When the British soldiers occupied Boston, they’d often hang out at Copp’s Hill and use Malcolm’s tomb for target practice!

2. Puritan ministers Cotton and Increase Mather are also buried at Copp’s Hill. You may know them for their fiery role in the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th century. 

3. Robert Newman was a sexton at the Old North Church. He helped hang the lanterns during Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride: “One if by land, two if by sea…” The sea in Longfellow’s 1861 poem, by the way, referred to the Charles River, which separates Boston from Charlestown.  The British placed cannons on Copp’s Hill during the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place in Charlestown in 1775, because it was high ground. 

4. You’ll also find the USS Constitution in Charlestown. Edmund Hartt, who was the ship’s master carpenter, is buried at Copp’s Hill. 

5. The animal life at Copp's Hill is amazing. On several occasions we've seen a black cat roaming through and bunnies (bunnies!) hiding over in the bushes by Malcolm's grave (#1 on this list).

​One of our favorite buildings in Boston, the Old State House, currently has an exhibit about John Hancock's home called "Through the Keyhole." Hancock's uncle built a mansion on the top of Beacon Hill that John later inherited. Before the house was leveled in 1863, Hancock's front door and several items from inside the home were saved and are part of the current display. The North Bennet Street School in Boston recreated the striking doorway.

Given its rebellious and revolutionary history, Boston is THE place to celebrate Independence Day! And because revolutionary history is what we do best, we have the perfect recommendations to help you make the most of the holiday. Follow the schedule below for a full day of celebration or pick what fits with your BBQ and beer-drinking plans.

9-10am: Flag-Raising Ceremony and Parade to Granary Burying Ground
Grab your coffee to go and join other Independence Day celebrators at Boston’s City Hall Plaza. The Mayor will give some opening remarks to kick off a parade toward Granary Burying Ground, where city officials will lay wreaths on the graves of those who helped launch the American Revolution, including three signers of the Declaration of Independence – Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. 

10-10:30am: Reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Old State House
Continue on the parade route to assemble in front of the Old State House for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence. The Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia. But the first time it was read in Boston, it was broadcast from the very balcony you’ll see it read from today. Abigail Adams attended the reading and wrote, "Great attention was given to every word...and then three cheers."

10:30am-1pm: USS Constitution Turn-Around Cruise
The USS Constitution, aka “Old Ironsides,” is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Launching from its home in Charlestown Naval Yard at 10:30am, the ship will head out to Castle Island to fire a 21-gun salute at 12pm. You can watch the ship come and go from much of Boston Harbor, but local sailing groups and boat companies also offer tickets to ride alongside Old Ironsides on her annual expedition.

8-11pm: Boston Pops Firework Spectacular on the Esplanade
The city’s most famous Fourth of July event takes place at the half shell, along the Esplanade and Charles River. There will be crowds, so stake out a spot anywhere along the Esplanade throughout the day. The concert starts at 8pm and the fireworks fly from 10:30-11pm. You can see the fireworks from most places downtown with a view of the Charles River. This year’s guest performers include Queen Latifah and Arlo Guthrie.

Not a fan of big crowds? Celebrate a day early! Join us for a tour on July 3 at 2pm to learn some revolutionary history and drink local craft beer. Afterwards grab some dinner and head to the Esplanade. The Boston Pops have a full dress rehearsal (without the fireworks) from 8-10pm that’s much less crowded. 

​Who knew Boston has one of the biggest “Little Italy” neighborhoods in the USA? We did! The North End has everything you’d expect given its namesake – food worth salivating over, historic sites, and a cadre of locals staking out the best people-watching spots. Follow our itinerary for the perfect mix of history and fun!

1. Paul Revere’s House
Start your morning off with some history! Paul Revere’s house stands out against the typical North End brick architecture. It was built in 1680 and owned by Revere from 1770 to 1800. With a self-guided tour, you can explore the hall, kitchen, and bedchambers – ending in their new Visitor Center, which highlights Revere’s life and role in the American Revolution. 

2. Old North Church (and Crypt!)
Wander up the back roads of the North End to Old North Church. Built in 1723, the windows near the top of this 191-foot high steeple had two lanterns hung on the night of April 18, 1775. The lanterns warned Charlestown that British soldiers were traveling to Lexington “by sea.” If you take the tour, you’ll get to go up to the bell tower (where Paul Revere was a bell ringer when he was a young lad!) and down into the crypts. It’s still a functioning church with service on Sundays, so plan ahead. 

3. Regina Pizzeria
Ready for lunch?  Head to Regina Pizzeria, a North End institution open since 1926.  The family-owned establishment has been firing up brick-oven pizzas for over three generations.  You’ll get some delicious pizza and perhaps a side of Boston attitude, though we like to call it flair! If there’s a line, it usually moves quickly and is worth the wait. 

4. Ye Olde Tavern Tour along the Freedom Trail
Walk off that pizza and learn more about the decade before Paul Revere’s midnight ride by joining us on Ye Olde Tavern Tours of the Freedom Trail!  Spoiler: Revere loved drinking in Boston's taverns, so you’ll be following in his footsteps by enjoying New England craft beer at three historic taverns. Bonus: We end minutes away from the North End, so head over for a little dessert after the tour.

5. Grab some Dessert
Cannolis from the North End are definitely a thing  if you're visiting Boston. While most people knows about Mike's Pastry, act like a local and go to Modern Pastry across the street or even more local, Bova's Bakery, a couple blocks over. If cannolis aren't for you, there are plenty of other tempting desserts. All three bakeries have been around since at least the mid-twentieth century, so it's a great way to end your day of history and fun.