A Walk Through Boston (part 1)

Boston is a city where different centuries share the street. Founded in 1630, it played a central role in the American Revolution, but much of its familiar appearance took shape during the nineteenth century, when expanding neighborhoods and ambitious landfilling projects transformed its geography—including turning the waters of Back Bay into streets lined with row houses. Today, brick buildings, old churches, and modern glass towers stand alongside one another, while people go about their everyday lives between them.

 For this visit, my camera was drawn to the buildings, the architectural details, the people, and the ordinary moments along the way. I’m keeping the words brief and letting the photographs carry most of this post—a wander through Boston, with plenty of stops to look around.

 (click on thumbnails to enlarge)

Sixty photos down, and I’m not done with Boston yet. A few in black and white next would be about right. Some scenes just work better that way—the details in the buildings, the shadows, and the people stand out differently once the color is gone.

A few places deserve a little more than a passing photograph, so I’m giving them some space of their own, along with a bit of background. First up is Warren Tavern in Charlestown,built in 1780 and named for Dr. Joseph Warren, who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was one of the first buildings to go up after the British burned Charlestown in 1775, and counts George Washington and Paul Revere among its past visitors. A bit more history than your average neighborhood pub.

Next is the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, where there’s plenty to look at besides the books. Its historic McKim Building opened in 1895, and between the grand staircase, murals, courtyard, and Bates Hall reading room, the architecture alone deserves a visit. It’s easy to get distracted here, especially with a camera in hand.

The attention to detail doesn’t stop at the doors. The library’s exterior is just as impressive as its interior, and this one deserves a little more room on the page.

 

 I’ll leave you with the library and call this part one. There are still more streets, places, and people to share, but they can wait for the next post. Turns out walking around Boston was the easy part—deciding which photographs to leave out is another matter.😉