With the Old Breed is a firsthand account of the fighting in the Pacific during WWII, written by E.B. Sledge, a U.S. Marine, during the battles on Peleliu and Okinawa. He has passed away but his recollection of events he and his fellow servicemen endured are harrowing. The detail he portrays puts you in his shoes as he takes you through the war, step by step.

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg made a miniseries, titled The Pacific, based on E.B. Sledge’s and other Marine’s recollections, but the books’ details give you an intimate perspective through their journey.

— Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

Established in 1634, Boston Common is America’s oldest public park. Now a popular place for public gatherings, relaxation and fun activities, the Common has been used for many purposes throughout its unique history.

In 1775, over 1,000 redcoats set up camp on the Common during a British occupation. It later served as the site of many Puritanical punishments and eventually became an area for livestock to graze.

Its continued history included civil rights rallies, one led by Martin Luther King, Jr., and Vietnam War protests. This U.S. National Historic Landmark played an important role in shaping Boston today.

– Devin Thompson, The Boston 100

Boston’s rich history touches every corner of the city, and Faneuil Hall is no exception. Built in 1741 by a wealthy merchant named Peter Faneuil, this building hosted America’s first town meeting and remains an open forum space almost 300 years later.

Many critical speeches and debates took place in and around this famed structure in the 1700s that encouraged our separation from England and defined policies that remain today. Faneuil Hall is widely known for is bustling marketplace, but roughly ten thousand new American citizens take an Oath of Allegiance here each year, in the shadows of our forefathers.

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

The Massachusetts State House was built in 1798 by Charles Bulfinch on the site of John Hancock’s cow pasture. One hundred years later, a second grander wing was added by Charles Brigham. The House is the oldest building on Beacon Hill.

On the grounds below, there are several statues, the most popular being General Joseph Hooker, who incidentally lent his last name to a group of ladies who kept up the troops’ morale!

The Massachusetts Legislature consists of 40 senators and 160 representatives. All state citizens have the right of free petition and can have bills introduced by a legislator.

Free building tours available Monday-Friday 10 AM-3:45 PM

– Tara Frier, The Boston 100