Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a visit to any national park can generate lots of questions. While we have attempted to answer some of those questions here, taking the time to explore this website will provide you with much more detailed information.

Where was the battle of Bunker Hill fought?
Though the colonial forces were ordered to defend Bunker Hill, the fortifications were eventually built on nearby Breed's Hill. The three attacks made by the British army that eventually forced the colonists from Charlestown peninsula were made at Breed's Hill. For more information...

What does it cost to board the ships in the Charlestown Navy Yard?
There is no charge to board the ships in the Charlestown Navy Yard. There are two ships berthed at Pier 1 in the Charlestown Navy Yard. USS Constitution is an active duty naval vessel and visitors are guests of the ship's captain. As guests visitor are not charged a fee to board. USS Cassin Young is a museum ship administered by the National Park Service and helps tell the story of the Charlestown Navy Yard.

I want to hold my wedding at the Navy Yard. Is there a place I can have it?
Unfortunately, we do not host weddings in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Can you explain the disorderly street layout in Boston?
Contrary to the notion that the streets are nothing more than the paths of drunken humans and sober cows, many of the 17th and 18th century streets were laid out along the contours of the original shoreline, and street junctions often occurred at important public places such as taverns, houses of worship, and other public buildings. The more conventional land survey and rectangular lots do not appear until Boston expands into its new southwestern neighborhoods in the mid 19th century.

A plaque in Faneuil Hall "Boston was organized as a city on May 1, 1822." Wasn't Boston around during The Revolution?
Yes, but as a town, not a city. During its 192 years as a town, all freemen of means could vote in town meeting, and thereby have a direct voice in the law making process. The transformation to a city form of government that began in 1822 consolidated power in the office of mayor and a city council.

Last updated: February 26, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Boston National Historical Park
21 Second Ave

Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone:

617 242-5601

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