Brighton Boston Historical Sites Visiting Guide: Tickets and Hours

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to Brighton Boston Historical Sites

Brighton, a storied neighborhood within Boston, Massachusetts, is renowned for its blend of colonial history, diverse architecture, and lively urban culture. Established in 1630 as “Little Cambridge,” Brighton began as an agricultural hub, evolving in the 19th century into a center for New England’s cattle industry with the famed Brighton Stock Yards and Abattoir (Boston Public Library). Annexed to Boston in 1874, Brighton today features significant landmarks such as the Holton Library and Brighton Allston War Memorial, thriving arts and dining scenes, and scenic parks along the Charles River—all easily accessible via the MBTA Green Line (Meet Boston). This guide covers Brighton’s historic sites, visitor resources, attractions, and essential travel tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

Contents

Brighton’s Historical Legacy

Colonial Roots and Early Development

First settled in 1630, Brighton’s fertile land along the Charles River supported early colonial homesteads and agricultural production, supplying food to Boston and Cambridge (Boston Public Library). Known originally as “Little Cambridge,” Brighton remained predominantly rural for over a century, even as Boston expanded into a major port and intellectual hub (The Boston Day Book).

Town Incorporation and Cattle Industry Boom

In 1807, Brighton separated from Cambridge, establishing its own governance and infrastructure, including the Holton Library, founded by a bequest from James Holton (Boston Public Library). The 19th century saw Brighton’s rise as a livestock trading and meat processing center, with the Brighton Stock Yards supplying beef across the region and spurring local population and economic growth (The History List).

Annexation and Urbanization

Brighton’s annexation to Boston in 1874 integrated the area into the city’s urban landscape (Boston Public Library). The late 19th and early 20th centuries introduced new churches, schools, and diverse housing, including the iconic “three-decker” apartments that accommodated a burgeoning, multicultural population (The History List).

Demographic and Cultural Evolution

Throughout the 20th century, Brighton welcomed waves of Irish, Jewish, Eastern European, and Asian immigrants. The presence of Boston College and Boston University added youthful energy and fostered a vibrant dining and arts scene (Meet Boston). Today, Brighton is home to approximately 75,000 residents, reflecting Boston’s dynamic cultural fabric.


Key Historical Landmarks

  • Holton Library: Established in the 19th century, now part of the Boston Public Library system, reflecting Brighton’s civic and educational priorities (Boston Public Library).
  • Brighton Stock Yards: While no longer operational, their legacy lives on in local history and neighborhood layout (The History List).
  • St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center: Founded in the late 19th century, serving as a major community institution.
  • Architectural Conservation Districts: Victorian homes and classic triple-deckers offer a window into Brighton’s residential past.

Visitor Information

  • Hours: Holton Library and similar sites are open Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–5 PM. Public parks open dawn to dusk.
  • Tickets: Most outdoor and historic sites are free. Specialized and guided tours may require tickets; check with local organizations.
  • Accessibility: Most facilities, including parks and libraries, are wheelchair accessible.
  • Getting There: MBTA Green Line (B branch) and several bus routes serve Brighton. Parking is available but limited.
  • Events: Seasonal farmers’ markets, cultural festivals, and historical reenactments offer year-round activities.
  • Visitor Resources: For updates on hours, tickets, and tours, visit the City of Boston’s Brighton page or Boston Public Library Brighton branch.

Outdoor Recreation and Parks

  • Charles River Reservation: Enjoy walking, cycling, kayaking, and picnicking along the river (Charles River Reservation).
  • Rogers Park and Chandler Pond: Open daily, family-friendly, and accessible (City of Boston).
  • Brighton Common: Central green space hosting concerts, markets, and community events.

Arts, Culture, and Community Events


Dining, Shopping, and Nightlife

  • Washington Street & Brighton Center: Lined with diverse restaurants, cafes, and shops.
  • Breweries and Pubs: Local venues offer craft beers, live music, and trivia nights.
  • Boutiques: Unique shops and vintage stores support a vibrant small business community.

Sports, Fitness, and Wellness

  • Nearby Sporting Events: Quick access to Fenway Park via public transit.
  • Gyms & Studios: Numerous fitness centers and yoga studios with flexible hours.
  • Outdoor Fitness: Parks and riverfront trails are popular for running, biking, and group exercise.

Family-Friendly Activities

  • Playgrounds and Community Centers: Rogers Park and Brighton Common feature modern play areas.
  • Educational Attractions: Public lectures and programs at local colleges and community centers.
  • Access to Boston’s Top Sites: Convenient base for visiting the Freedom Trail, Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, and New England Aquarium.

Seasonal Highlights and Tips

  • June: Outdoor dining, gardens, and community events are at their peak.
  • Getting Around: Brighton is bike-friendly and well-served by public transit; parking is tight during events.
  • Accommodations: Nearby Allston and Brookline offer additional lodging options.
  • Safety: Brighton is welcoming and safe; standard city precautions apply.

Notable Site: Brighton Allston War Memorial

The Brighton Allston War Memorial honors local veterans from World War I through Vietnam, featuring engraved names and symbolic sculptures. Located near Brighton Center, the memorial is open 24/7 and is accessible by wheelchair. Major annual events include Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. For more, check the Brighton-Allston Historical Society or the Boston Parks Department.


FAQ

Q: What are the best times to visit Brighton’s sites?
A: Weekdays during business hours for indoor sites; parks and outdoor areas are enjoyable year-round.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, through local organizations. Check community calendars for schedules.

Q: Is Brighton family-friendly?
A: Yes, with many parks, playgrounds, and community events for all ages.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Use the MBTA Green Line (B branch) or local buses for easy access.

Q: Are there annual historical events?
A: Yes, including farmers’ markets, festivals, and commemorative ceremonies.


Plan Your Visit

Download the Audiala app for audio tours, check the official Brighton neighborhood page, and follow social media for updates on events and visitor tips.


Key Takeaways

Brighton offers a unique blend of historical depth, cultural vibrancy, and modern amenities. From colonial roots and cattle industry heritage to thriving parks, arts, and dining scenes, Brighton welcomes all visitors. For up-to-date information, rely on digital tools and official city resources to ensure a rewarding experience (Boston Public Library; The History List).


Official Sources


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Airport Station
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Allumination
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Ancient And Honorable Artillery Company Of Massachusetts
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Appeal To The Great Spirit
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Arthur Fiedler Memorial
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Back Bay Fens
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Back Of The Hill Station
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Bagheera Fountain
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Basilica And Shrine Of Our Lady Of Perpetual Help
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Beacon Hill Monument
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Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
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Berklee College Of Music
Berklee College Of Music
Big Dig
Big Dig
Blandford Street Station
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Boston Athenæum
Boston Athenæum
Boston Center For The Arts
Boston Center For The Arts
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Boston Citgo Sign
Boston Citgo Sign
Boston City Hall
Boston City Hall
Boston College Station
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Boston Common
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Boston Consumptives Hospital
Boston Consumptives Hospital
Boston Garden
Boston Garden
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston Irish Famine Memorial
Boston Light
Boston Light
Boston Marathon
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Boston Marathon Bombings
Boston Marathon Bombings
Boston Massacre Monument
Boston Massacre Monument
Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Library
Boston Medical Library
Boston Museum
Boston Museum
Boston Music Hall
Boston Music Hall
Boston Navy Yard
Boston Navy Yard
Boston Opera House
Boston Opera House
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  Boston Playwrights' Theatre
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Boston Public Garden
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Boston Public Garden Flagpole Base
Boston Public Garden Flagpole Base
Boston Public Library
Boston Public Library
Boston State Hospital
Boston State Hospital
Boston Strong
Boston Strong
Boston University
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Boston University Central Station
Boston University Central Station
Boston University East Station
Boston University East Station
Boston University Libraries
Boston University Libraries
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  Boston Women'S Memorial
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Boy And Bird Fountain
Boy And Bird Fountain
Boylston Station
Boylston Station
Brigham Circle Station
Brigham Circle Station
Brighton
Brighton
Brook Farm
Brook Farm
Bunker Hill Monument
Bunker Hill Monument
Bust Of Patrick Collins
Bust Of Patrick Collins
Bust Of Richard Cushing
Bust Of Richard Cushing
Castle Island
Castle Island
Cathedral Of The Holy Cross
Cathedral Of The Holy Cross
Charles Eliot Memorial
Charles Eliot Memorial
Charles Street Jail
Charles Street Jail
Charlesgate Hotel
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Charlestown Bridge
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Chestnut Hill Avenue Station
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China Trade Gate
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Chinatown Heritage
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Cleveland Circle Station
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Codman Burying Ground
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Colonial Theatre, Boston
Colonial Theatre, Boston
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  Commandant'S House
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Community College Station
Community College Station
Consulate Of France In Boston
Consulate Of France In Boston
Copley Square
Copley Square
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  Copp'S Hill Burying Ground
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Custom House Tower
Custom House Tower
Cutler Majestic Theatre
Cutler Majestic Theatre
Declaration Of Independence Tablet
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Democratic Donkey
Democratic Donkey
Dewey Square
Dewey Square
Digital Public Library Of America
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Dolphins Of The Sea
Dolphins Of The Sea
Dorchester Art Project
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Dorchester Heights
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Dorchester Heights Monument
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Downtown Crossing Station
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Echo Bridge
Echo Bridge
Echo Of The Waves
Echo Of The Waves
Eddie Pellagrini Diamond
Eddie Pellagrini Diamond
Edward M. Kennedy Institute For The United States Senate
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Edwin Upton Curtis Memorial
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Emancipation
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Emerald Necklace
Emerald Necklace
Englewood Avenue Station
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Equestrian Statue Of George Washington
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Equestrian Statue Of Joseph Hooker
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Equestrian Statue Of Paul Revere
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Ether Monument
Ether Monument
Fairview Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Building
Federal Reserve Bank Of Boston
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Fenway Park
Fenway Park
Fenway Station
Fenway Station
Fenwood Road Station
Fenwood Road Station
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  Firemen'S Memorial
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First Church In Boston
First Church In Boston
Floating Hospital For Children
Floating Hospital For Children
Forest Hills Cemetery
Forest Hills Cemetery
Fort Independence
Fort Independence
Fort Revere Park
Fort Revere Park
Fort Strong
Fort Strong
Fort Warren
Fort Warren
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
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George Robert White Memorial
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George Thorndike Angell Memorial
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Granary Burying Ground
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Great Molasses Flood
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Griggs Street Station
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Harriet Tubman Memorial
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Harrison Gray Otis House Ii
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Harvard Avenue Station
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Harvard Bridge
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Harvard School Of Dental Medicine
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Harvard Square
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Harvard Stadium
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Hawes Burying Ground
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Heath Street Station
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Hooper Mansion
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Hotel Vendome Fire Memorial
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Hungarian Revolution Memorial
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Huntington Avenue Theatre
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Institute Of Contemporary Art, Boston
Institute Of Contemporary Art, Boston
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Japanese Lantern
Japanese Lantern
John Barry Tablet
John Barry Tablet
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  John Boyle O'Reilly Memorial
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John F. Kennedy Federal Building
John F. Kennedy Federal Building
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library And Museum
John Hancock Tower
John Hancock Tower
John Harvard Statue
John Harvard Statue
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  Joseph J. O'Donnell Field
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Joslin Diabetes Center
Joslin Diabetes Center
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  King'S Chapel
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  King'S Chapel Burying Ground
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Larz Anderson Park
Larz Anderson Park
Lechmere Viaduct
Lechmere Viaduct
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
Lexington Battle Green
Lexington Battle Green
Logan International Airport
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Long Wharf
Long Wharf
Longfellow Bridge
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Longwood Medical Area Station
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Lotta Fountain
Lotta Fountain
Louisburg Square
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Lower Mills
Lower Mills
Make Way For Ducklings
Make Way For Ducklings
Malcolm X And Ella Little-Collins House
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Marine Barracks
Marine Barracks
Marvin E. Goody Memorial
Marvin E. Goody Memorial
Massachusetts Archives
Massachusetts Archives
Massachusetts Avenue
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Massachusetts Avenue Station
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Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial
Massachusetts General Hospital
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Massachusetts Historical Society
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Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial
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Massachusetts State House
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Mattapan Station
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Metropolitan Park System Of Greater Boston
Metropolitan Park System Of Greater Boston
Mgh Institute Of Health Professions
Mgh Institute Of Health Professions
Middlesex Fells Reservation
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Mission Park Station
Mission Park Station
Morse Auditorium
Morse Auditorium
Mount Calvary Cemetery
Mount Calvary Cemetery
Mugar Memorial Library
Mugar Memorial Library
Museum Of Fine Arts Boston
Museum Of Fine Arts Boston
Museum Of Fine Arts Station
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Museum Of Science
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Neighborhood In Boston
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New Calvary Cemetery
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New England Aquarium
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New England Conservatory
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New England Historic Genealogical Society
New England Historic Genealogical Society
New England Holocaust Memorial
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New England Museum Of Natural History
New England Museum Of Natural History
Nixes Mate
Nixes Mate
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North Shore Medical Center
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North Square
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North Station
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Northeastern University
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Old City Hall
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Old Corner Bookstore
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Old North Church
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Old South Church
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Old South Meeting House
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Old State House
Old State House
Olmsted Park
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Omni Parker House
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Orpheum Theatre
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Packards Corner Station
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Paul Revere House
Paul Revere House
Pope John Paul Ii Memorial
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Port Of Boston
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Prudential Station
Prudential Station
Prudential Tower
Prudential Tower
Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial
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Quincy Market
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Quincy Quarries Reservation
Rachael Revere Park
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Riverway Station
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Rko-Boston
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Ruggles Station
Ruggles Station
Saint Francis De Sales Cemetery
Saint Francis De Sales Cemetery
Saint James The Apostle Cemetery
Saint James The Apostle Cemetery
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  Saint Mary'S Cemetery
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Saint Michael Cemetery
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Samuel Adams
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Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site
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Science Park Station
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Shubert Theatre
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Small Child Fountain
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Soldiers And Sailors Monument
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South Station
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South Street Station
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Spangler Center
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  St. Elizabeth'S Medical Center
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  St. Mary'S Cemetery
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  St. Stephen'S Church
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State Station
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State Theatre
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Statler Fountain
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Statue Of Alexander Hamilton
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Statue Of Anne Hutchinson
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Statue Of Benjamin Franklin
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Statue Of Bill Russell
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Statue Of Christopher Columbus
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Statue Of Edward Everett Hale
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Statue Of George S. Patton
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Statue Of Henry Cabot Lodge
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Statue Of Horace Mann
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Statue Of John Endecott
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Statue Of John F. Kennedy
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Statue Of John Glover
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Statue Of John Singleton Copley
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Statue Of John Winthrop
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Statue Of Josiah Quincy Iii
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Statue Of Kevin White
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Statue Of Mary Dyer
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Statue Of Maurice J. Tobin
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Statue Of Phillips Brooks
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Statue Of Red Auerbach
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Statue Of Robert Burns
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Statue Of Samuel Eliot Morison
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Statue Of Tadeusz Kościuszko
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Statue Of Tony Demarco
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Statue Of Wendell Phillips
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Statue Of William Lloyd Garrison
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Sullivan Square Station
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Sutherland Road Station
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Symphony Hall
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Taipei Economic And Cultural Office In Boston
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Tappan Street Station
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Td Garden
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Ted Williams Tunnel
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Temple Bell
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The Founders Memorial
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Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church
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Thermopylae
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Tobin Bridge
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Tremont Street Subway
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Tremont Temple
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Trinity Church
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Triton Babies Fountain
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Tufts Medical Center Station
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Tufts University School Of Dental Medicine
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Union Cemetery
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University Of Massachusetts Boston
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Uss Cassin Young
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Uss Constitution
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Uss Constitution Museum
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Veterans Memorial
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Walter Brown Arena
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Walter Street Burying Ground
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Wang Theatre
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Warren Anatomical Museum
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Warren Street Station
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Washington Street Station
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William Lloyd Garrison House
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