Historical Boston: The Record Breaker

Boston holds more American "firsts" than any other city : the first public park, the first public school, the first public library, the first subway, the first marathon. Stroll through neighborhoods that shaped the nation and discover why historical Boston earned its reputation as the cradle of American civic life. This historical Boston walking tour takes you from the grand facade of the Boston Public Library through Copley Square, across the Public Garden, into Boston Common, up to the State House, and deep into the old city. At each stop, a piece of history snaps into focus. Along the way you will encounter the site where Alexander Graham Bell first transmitted sound, the church where Charles Dickens first read A Christmas Carol aloud, the oldest restaurant in America, and the oldest pub. Every stop is a record. Every block is a chapter of American history.

- Walk past the Boston Public Library, the first publicly funded municipal library in the United States - Stand in Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, founded in 1634 - Discover where Alexander Graham Bell first transmitted sound over a wire in 1875 - Visit Ye Olde Union Oyster House, the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States

Start: Boston Public Library. Finish: Union Oyster House. 12 challenges included.