Old South Meeting House - Bucketlisted

Old South Meeting House

Historic site of the Boston Tea Party

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Where the Star-Spangled Banner was born: a compact fort with sweeping harbor views and living history. It’s an easy win—flat paths, open lawns, and a visitor film that sets the scene in under 15 minutes.

Start at the visitor center for your map, then follow the ramp to the east wall for the best harbor vantage. Time your visit for a flag raising or lowering—the ranger talk turns the place into a story you’ll remember.

For a slower visit, circle the star-shaped ramparts clockwise and watch ships move in and out of the Patapsco.

What’s new? Updated today

Sunset flag lowering 6:30pm (Fri–Sun)
Temporary exhibit: War of 1812
Harbor shuttle every 20 minutes

What are the hours? — 9:00–17:00 (daily)

Hours may vary for holidays and special events; check the official site before you go.

How much does it cost? — $15 adults · kids free

Admission covers the fort and visitor center exhibits; special tours may be extra.

Where do I park? — On-site lot + overflow

Lots can fill on weekends by mid-day; arrive early or consider rideshare.

Is it accessible? — Flat paths; accessible restrooms

Most ramparts have graded access; some historic areas may have uneven surfaces.

Arrive 30 min before sunset for the lowering ceremony and best light.
Wind picks up on the ramparts—bring a light jacket even in summer.
Stroller route: enter via visitor center, ramp to east wall loop.

The Old South Meeting House was the stage for one of the most pivotal moments in American history—the Boston Tea Party. On December 16, 1773, more than 5,000 angry colonists gathered here, crowding the largest building in colonial Boston to debate the controversial tea tax. With tensions at a breaking point, Samuel Adams gave the signal that sent the Sons of Liberty marching to the harbor—where they dumped 342 chests of British tea into the water, igniting the revolution.

But its radical history doesn’t stop there. John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Dr. Joseph Warren all spoke within these walls, and it was here that Bostonians demanded the removal of British troops after the Boston Massacre. When war broke out, the British retaliated by gutting the meeting house’s interior—turning it into a stables and riding arena for their soldiers.

Saved from demolition in 1877, the Old South Meeting House became the first historic site in America preserved not for a person, but for an event. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark on the Freedom Trail, offering exhibits, events, and a chance to stand in the very room where a revolution was sparked.

USA > Massachusetts > Boston

Historic Sites, Landmarks