For the first time in nine years, my wife and I took a vacation---a historical vacation---we travelled the long distance from Metro-Detroit here in southeastern Michigan back east to Massachusetts. It's been a long-time coming, and now it appears to be a long-time gone...in more ways than one.
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and now
2025 - Massachusetts (Boston, Lexington & Concord, and Plymouth)
As you can see, our vacations are not very frequent...
We may not take vacations very often, but each one is so very special.
And well thought out & planned~
And this post is just one of multiple up-coming vacation posts highlighting our latest journey.
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During the Bicentennial, I spent that wonderful summer up at our family cottage in Lexington. No, not Lexington, Massachusetts - the other Lexington. The one in Michigan, of which was named for the one in Massachusetts.
Now Lexington, Michigan is a wonderful little resort village on the banks of southern Lake Huron, and that's where my youthful summers were spent.
I tell you this because during that summer of 1976, it seemed like everyone commemorated this Bicentennial anniversary by visiting the actual Lexington, as well as the nearby city of Concord, visiting Boston, visiting Philadelphia, visiting Colonial Williamsburg, and, more locally, visiting Greenfield Village and Mackinac Island & Mackinaw City.
Aside from the two Mackinacs/Mackinaws, I didn't get to visit any historical places that played a significant role in forming the United States; I, instead, swam in Lake Huron and hung around at the beach, eyeing the "chicks" (yup---that's what we teenage boys called girls in the 1970s), having bonfires at night, barbecuing chicken, and just doing all of the other fun-in-the-summer-sun stuff..
Though I wanted to do something a bit more historical, I'm not too disappointed.
Oh, it would've been cool to at least have gone to Greenfield Village.
But, I was enjoying summertime USA.
It was the perfect teenage life.
Well, since that time, as I got older, losing my hair, many years from then, I have been trying to hit a few of those historic places I did not make it to as a youth. In 2008, my wife & I and our four kids took a third journey to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, plus this time we added Antietam/Sharpsburg, Maryland, and Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. In 2016, my wife and our two youngest travelled to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia.
What a time we had at each destination spot!
Well, here we are, nine years passed our last vacation, and my wife & I went on another historical trek, this time eastward to The Bay State - Massachusetts. the Freedom Trail in Boston, Battles of Lexington & Concord and even to Plimoth Patauxet. Each visit will be a saparate blog post, so stay tuned.
So let's go back to Sunday, May 11, at 4:15 am Sunday morning...our car packed...and off we went~~By the way, that particular Sunday just happened to be our 40th wedding anniversary.
Perfect!
And about 12 hours later -----
...and then, about an hour and a half to two hours later - a total of about 14+ hours driving - we arrived in Concord, for that's where our hotel was.
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We made it! We're in Massachusetts! A former New England colony!! |
We settled in and prepared for the historical fun to begin, for the next day---Monday---was going to be Freedom Trail Day!
My wife and I had both agreed to "dress" for this tour. I mean, as I do represent and present as Paul Revere here in Michigan, and knowing there would be multiple Paul Revere stops, I very much wanted to feel it as much as I could.
One of the first tombstones we saw that was of interest to me:
One of our next stops - - why...John Hancock!
I mean THEE John Hancock!
THIS John Hancock:
John Hancock was born in Braintree, Massachusetts, on January 23, 1737, and was/is one of the most well-known Founding Fathers. He was a prominent patriot during the American Revolution, known for his bold signature on the Declaration of Independence. He also served as the president of the Second Continental Congress.
After hearing all of the horror stories about driving in Boston - even from Boston-ites - we hired a tour guide, and he was, thankfully, willing to pick us up from our hotel and drive us into the city. Thank God he did, for there were so many twists and turns that I would've gotten lost in a heartbeat!
I cannot recommend enough in the hiring a tour guide. It just made our time much more relaxed.
And informative.
I took scads of photos (surprise, surprise, right?):
The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile red-brick path that guides visitors through 16 historic sites related to the American Revolution. It begins at Boston Common, a historic park, and winds its way through various neighborhoods, ending at the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. The trail highlights sites like Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, and the Old North Church, among others.
So...let's begin at the beginning of the trail, and remember that this is a (very) basic account of our visit and vacation:
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A plack in Boston Commons |
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Where the Redcoats were camped |
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In Boston Commons heading toward the red-bricked road to follow. |
Our first major stop was the Granary Burying Ground.
What a stop this was! It was moving...hallowed...and emotional.
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The signs before entering. |
My wife and I had both agreed to "dress" for this tour. I mean, as I do represent and present as Paul Revere here in Michigan, and knowing there would be multiple Paul Revere stops, I very much wanted to feel it as much as I could.
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So here my wife and I are at the entryway to the Granary Burying Ground. Lots of trees = lots of shadows. Not sure who the people on the left are, but we have a photo-bomb here lol |
One of the first tombstones we saw that was of interest to me:
One of our next stops - - why...John Hancock!
I mean THEE John Hancock!
THIS John Hancock:
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Recognize the signature? |
The following italicized section comes from THIS page:
Before the American Revolution, Hancock was one of the wealthiest men in the Thirteen Colonies, having inherited a profitable mercantile business from his uncle. He began his political career in Boston as a protégé of Samuel Adams, an influential local politician. Hancock used his wealth to support the colonial cause as tensions increased between colonists and Great Britain in the 1760s.
He participated in the boycotts that came with the Stamp Act and the Townsend Acts. His business became a political flashpoint in 1768, when British customs officials seized one of his sloops, the Liberty. The customs agents accused Hancock of smuggling and, after a highly publicized trial, the charges were dropped without explanation, likely due to lack of evidence. While no legal repercussions came of the case, its publicity helped Hancock cement his position amongst the revolutionaries.
When a Town Meeting met in Faneuil Hall to discuss the Tea Act in 1773, Hancock served as the moderator. The declared sentiment, that any who purchased tea was ‘An Enemy of America,’ led to the Boston Tea Party.
In retaliation to the destruction of the tea, Governor Thomas Gage dissolved the Provincial Assembly. The members of the assembly instead met in Concord, creating the Provincial Congress to act as the government of Massachusetts in place of Gage. Almost immediately, Hancock was elected president of this new institution.
With his new leadership position in a now autonomous government, Hancock moved to Lexington alongside his long-time associate Samuel Adams. In April 1775, the British marched on Concord. After being warned by Paul Revere and William Dawes, Hancock and Adams fled, fearing arrest. Hancock’s escape culminated in his arrival in Philadelphia, where he joined the Continental Congress, who swiftly and unanimously elected him President in 1775. He retained the position for the signing of the Declaration of Independence a year later. As President, Hancock signed the document first to ratify it. Hancock’s name and the Declaration became inextricably linked, with Hancock’s signature becoming his most famous trait, despite his lengthy political and business career.
Hancock only served as President for two and a half years. He returned to Massachusetts in 1777, though he rejoined the Continental Congress temporarily in 1778. He went on to win the governorship of Massachusetts from 1780 until 1785, when he announced his retirement. His retirement only lasted a year before he reclaimed the office in 1786. Hancock served as governor of Massachusetts until his death in 1793.
Paul Revere, born December 21, 1734 -- Old Style calendar --- and/or January 1, 1735 New Style calendar – and died on May 10, 1818, was an American silversmith, military officer, and industrialist who played a major role during the opening months of the American Revolutionary War in Massachusetts, engaging in a midnight ride in 1775 to alert nearby minutemen of the approach of British troops prior to the battles of Lexington and Concord.
Paul Revere is considered a hero primarily for his legendary midnight ride in 1775, where he alerted the colonial militia of the approaching British troops before the Battles of Lexington and Concord. This crucial warning gave the colonists a vital advantage in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.
Revere's ride, along with the efforts of at least 30 others such as William Dawes, gave the local militiamen a crucial heads-up, allowing them to prepare for the impending conflict.
Revere's ride, along with the efforts of at least 30 others such as William Dawes, gave the local militiamen a crucial heads-up, allowing them to prepare for the impending conflict.
He was also a key member of a network that monitored British troop movements and relayed information to patriot leaders, and actively participated in the Sons of Liberty, a group that organized resistance against British policies, including his involvement in the Boston Tea Party. Revere served as a messenger and courier, carrying important information between different groups and regions.
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To think I was right there, at the grave of my life-long hero and of a true American hero and patriot! I do love the Tea Party participant marker. |
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On a personal note, ever since I was a young lad Paul Revere has been my revolutionary and founding father hero, so to be at his grave was very touching for me. |
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I took this photo of Granary Burial Ground pretty much from the front of the Paul Revere headstone. A Revolutionary scene! |
The Franklin obelisk in Granary Burying Ground marks the grave of Benjamin Franklin's parents, Josiah Franklin and Abiah Folger Franklin, according to the City of Boston's website.
Samuel Adams (1722-1803) was a prominent Founding Father, known for his role in the American Revolution and as the first Governor of Massachusetts according to Britannica. He was a passionate advocate for colonial rights, a key figure in the Sons of Liberty, and a skilled propagandist who helped to mobilize public support for the cause of independence.
A cobblestone circle beneath the Old State House balcony marks the site of the 1770 Boston Massacre. The incident began with local boys taunting a British sentry in March of 1770. When the sentry struck one of the boys, the situation quickly escalated. Mobs of laborers, sailors, and others of "the lower sort" joined into the confrontation. Some armed themselves with sticks and clubs. Others merely observed the incident as bystanders. A detachment of seven soldiers under command of a Captain eventually emerged on the scene to rescue the beleaguered sentry. When they crossed the square to reach him, the crowd formed around them and the captain had the men draw into a small perimeter, muskets loaded.
Just to ensure everything, I did my own research and learned that 90% of the structure (including two doors, three window frames, and portions of the flooring, foundation, inner wall material and raftering) is original to 1680.
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While Benjamin Franklin himself is buried in Philadelphia, this obelisk commemorates his parents and relatives. |
Up next - - - -
Samuel Adams (1722-1803) was a prominent Founding Father, known for his role in the American Revolution and as the first Governor of Massachusetts according to Britannica. He was a passionate advocate for colonial rights, a key figure in the Sons of Liberty, and a skilled propagandist who helped to mobilize public support for the cause of independence.
Right next to Sam Adam's grave is the common grave for those who died during the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770.
Anti-British sentiment was high in 1770. Loyalist, Ebenezer Richardson, who worked as a confidential informant to the Attorney General and Customs service, had tried to disperse a protest occuring in front of a shop owned by another loyalist, Theophilus Lillie, but had rocks thrown at him. He went back to his house for his musket, and then climbed up to the second floor of the two story building. The crowd continued to throw stones, which broke Richardson's windows and struck his wife. Richardson tried to scare them by firing a gun into the crowd, but instead, the ball had hit young Christopher Seider in the arm and the chest.
I mean, we were walking among all of these founding fathers and those of the founding generation! In a weird way it was as if I was in the company of all of our early American founders.
It was time to continue our tour - - -
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The Old Corner Bookstore~ |
The Old Corner Bookstore, Boston’s oldest commercial building, now houses a Chipotle Mexican Grill outlet. The Old Corner Bookstore, was an iconic landmark along the Freedom Trail that once helped the city’s literary scene flourish. Built in 1718, the Old Corner Bookstore sits at the corner of Washington and School streets.
I wonder if the founders in the northern colonies ever had Mexican food? lol
Well, at least they haven't torn it down.
I was impressed with, of all things, a few of the alleys. These are areas that are rarely visually updated, and therefore we are able to sort of see Boston past in a bit of a different light.
For our next stop - - - - -
The following comes from THIS page:
Built in 1713, the "Town House" acted as a merchants' exchange on the first floor. The second floor served as the seat of colonial and later state government throughout the 1700s. The royal governor, appointed by the King of Great Britain, held his office in the building until 1775, and from the balcony he gave voice to the King 3,000 miles removed from London. The governor's stature as surrogate for the crown was underscored by his elevated position upon the balcony which overlooked King Street. Upon the right and left of the balcony, a lion and unicorn—royal symbols of the King of Great Britain—graced the main façade facing the public square. From this balcony, Bostonians listened to royal proclamations, but here they also heard for the first time the Declaration of Independence, which announced the birth of a new nation.
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The tall, multi-part steeple with elaborate clear glass windows steeple of the Old Court House. |
With all of taunts, screams, and church bells ringing, one of the soldiers was struck. Confusion and fear overwhelmed the sentry. He recovered, took aim, and fired. Most of the other soldiers opened fire in response, thinking an order had been given. The captain never gave an order, but as the balls flew through the street, men fell dead and wounded. The first bloodshed of the Revolution fell on to the ice and snow in front of the Old State House.
In another chamber sat the highest court of the colony. In 1761, James Otis opposed the Writs of Assistance before the court, arguing that the writs violated the constitutional liberties of Englishmen. Though he lost the case, it left a lasting impression on a young lawyer named John Adams who attended the proceedings. Later Adams later wrote that "then and there the child independence was born."
Following the massacre, young lawyer, John Adams, was asked to defend the soldiers and their captain in the upcoming trials. Adams believed in upholding the principles of justice and a fair trial, even for those who might be unpopular with the public. He understood that the soldiers were entitled to a defense, regardless of their actions.
Adams, along with other lawyers like Josiah Quincy Jr., successfully defended the soldiers, with most being acquitted. Only two soldiers were convicted of manslaughter, receiving reduced sentences of branding on their thumbs.
Years later, Adams reflected on his defense, stating that it was one of the most gallant and generous acts of his life and a service to his country. He believed that a fair trial, even for unpopular figures, was essential for maintaining justice and order.
It was at Faneuil Hall in 1764 that Americans first protested against the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act, setting the doctrine that would come to be known as "no taxation without representation." Gatherings to protest the Townshend Acts, the Redcoat occupation, and the Tea Act would follow.
The Green Dragon Tavern was a publik house located on Green Dragon Lane (today's Union Street) in Boston, Massachusetts. A popular meeting place for both the Freemasons and the Sons of Liberty, it was demolished in 1832.
However - - we ate our lunch at the Green Dragon on this day!
But how?
But how?
Well, their web site states: "The Green Dragon Tavern has a long and rich history, playing an important part in the freedom of Boston during the War of Independence. Established in 1654, The Green Dragon was a favourite haunt of Paul Revere (whom we considered a close neighbour) and John Hancock (whose brother lived next door!). It has been ratified by Daniel Webster – the famous historian, that it was indeed in the Green Dragon that the plans for the invasion of Lexington and Concord were overheard thus starting the famous ride of Paul Revere."
While the current building is not the original structure, it stands on the same land.
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Yes! Let's eat at The Green Dragon Tavern, just so I can say we did! |
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~Headquarters of the Revolution 1773 - 1776~ Okay, so it's not the original, but the spirit -- or, spirits, rather -- is there! |
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We were greeted by Sam Adams as we enetered~ |
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Today, it’s celebrated not just as a place to drink but as a historical landmark embodying Boston’s identity as a birthplace of American independence. |
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The Green Dragon Tavern honors its revolutionary roots with an ambiance that reflects its storied past. The interior is decorated to evoke a sense of the 18th century. |
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Okay...Mr. Revere is here...and so is a rather stiff-looking Sam Adams... so where are the rest of the Sons of Liberty? |
And "a few cobblestones away" we came across The Bell in Hand Tavern, though since we just ate, we didn't stop in. However, the Bell in Hand Tavern is widely considered to be the oldest continuously operating bar in the United States. It has been in operation since 1795.
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The Bell-in-Hand Tavern |
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Some information for the public to read. |
Next on the list very much excited me, for it was the Paul Revere House!
(the following italicized comes from National Register of Historic Places listings in northern Boston):
Despite the substantial renovation process which returned the house to its conjectured appearance around 1700, 90% of the structure (including two doors, three window frames, and portions of the flooring, foundation, inner wall material and raftering) is original to 1680, though none of the window glass is original. Its heavy beams, large fireplaces, and absence of interior hallways are typical of colonial living arrangements. The two chambers upstairs contain several pieces of furniture believed to have belonged to the Revere family.
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One of my most anticipated sites! |
On the evening of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, a Boston Patriot, set out from his home (now the Paul Revere House) to Lexington to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock of their potential arrest by British soldiers. This act of alerting the revolutionary leaders was part of Revere's midnight ride, which became a legendary event in American history.
I believe my big complaint about the Paul Revere House is that they do not allow photography. Now I've heard all the, ahem, reasons, and frankly, I don't buy it, especially historical rooms and homes. Not even if it is not flash photography. And if a place like the Paul Revere House is not going to allow such a thing, then sell books with pictures of the rooms, for Pete's sake!
So I bought whatever 'room' postcards I could, and here they are:
"This room reflects the later years of the Revere family occupancy.
The Best Chamber served as both a primary bedroom and an elegant parlor. The practice of using rooms for many functions was especially common in middle-class homes, which often did not have separate
parlors or sitting rooms.
Five pieces of furniture in this room belonged to the Revere family:
– the bow front chest of drawers, to the left of the bed (mahogany veneer on pine, 1780–1800). Lent by the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
– the large upholstered chair (late 18th c.). Gift of Mary C. Rogers, 1953.
– the two black painted Windsor chairs, used in Revere’s home on Charter St. (pine and hardwood, early 19th c.). Gift of Mary C. Rogers, 1953.
– the ladies’ work table with the green sewing basket (mahogany, early 19th c.). Gift of Rachel Revere Coolidge Kimball, 1991.
The fabric on the bed and chairs is a reproduction of a late 18th-century French pattern block printed on cotton cloth."
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Me at the front of the Paul Revere House~ I had chills...one of my favorite pictures! |
This, to me, was wonderful - - to think that here I was!
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Patty & I at the Revere House back door. Several people took pictures of us back here. |
Some have said that this house is mostly replication, but I will listen to the historians who were there as part of the restoration over opinions any day. As for there not being too much Revere furniture on display (another complaint I've heard), well, more often than not, to find original furniture belonging to one-time owners of a historic house and the family that lived there is so rare. They are lucky to have the few Revere pieces they do have.
Plus, they have...
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All of the above were made by Paul Revere in his shop. All are originals to Revere. |
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And the items in the previous picture would have been made by Paul Revere in a shop similar to the one we see in this diorama that was inside the house. (Notice my wife in the reflection--lol~) |
Yep...initially, I was disappointed in the no photo rule - but upon my own further research I have come to very much appreciate this house even moreso now knowing more about its restoration...and the fact that, yes, Paul Revere lived here!
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Another image of my wife and I at the Paul Revere House |
Yet, there was more Paul Revere in store, for just a short jaunt away - - -:
we'd been walking all day and our feet ached, my lower back hurt, and my sciatic nerve in both legs was giving me trouble. I hated to do it but we had to call it quits for the day---sadly because who knows how long before I might make it back here. But I got to see so much on this day!
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The very famous equestrian statue of Paul Revere The sculpture was modeled in 1885, cast in bronze in 1940, and dedicated on September 22 of that year.
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We did not go to see the USS Constitution/Old Ironsides or Bunker Hill-Breed's Hill, for at this point,
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For our first time, we rode a subway train! |
Certainly no disappointment here!!
Many thanks to Winston, our tour guide extraordinaire! He drove like a champ through Boston traffic, and, because he's been giving this tour for decades, knew where each and every special piece and building was and the stories that go with them, giving us deeper information and understanding than possibly heard elsewhere. He also got us on a subway train back to where the car was parked---another 1st for us---never been on a subway before!
This trip has been a long time coming for us, and for me in particular, for it has been on my mind for literally decades. So why haven't I made the trip before? Well, as noted at the top, we're not much for taking vacations; also noted up top is that we've made it to numerous other historical places. My wife and I have spoken about going to Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island in northern Michigan, which has an 18th century history, and that's on our list. So is Philadelphia. Those two will probably be our next adventures.
One thing, though - if we do ever make it back to Boston and the Freedom Trail, we will plan for two days rather than one! That is definitely needed!
By the way, while it took us around 14 hours driving to get there, we actually drove past the Erie Canal! We were going to stop to check it out but there was only the one exit we saw and passed it before we knew. However, now that we know, that is something I wouldn't mind traveling to one day - perhaps on a return trip - so we can see the canal that created our state of Michigan.
Anyhow, the day after doing the Freedom Trail, we did the Battle Road - Lexington & Concord tour. That's the subject of my next post! So - - - - stay tuned...one week - - -
Until next time, see you in time.
~~~Michigan's own reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord...click HERE
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I love that we visited at the beginning of America's 250th!! |
Here are a few other posts I've put together you might enjoy:
~~~Revolutionary War 250: American History - Faneuil Hall and A Conversation With Revolutionary War Patriot Samuel Downing---click HERE
~~~Links to the American Revolution from Passion for the Past Postings to Help Celebrate America's 250th - click HERE
~~~I've Gone To Look For America: Colonial Williamsburg, Harpers Ferry, Antietam, and Gettysburg - click HERE
~~~Colonial Williamsburg---click HERE
~~~My posts on America's Bicentennial:
~~~With Liberty and Justice For All: The Fight for Independence (From the Collection at The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village)---click HERE
~~~The Revolutionary Greenfield Village...Plus---Click HERE
~~~A Listing of Links to the Historic Structures at Greenfield Village: Walls DO Talk---click HERE~~~Michigan's own reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord...click HERE
Vacation
2 comments:
From Mary M. - "What a great trip!!!!"
Such fun photos...so glad you had a good visit to Paul Revere's home! I enjoyed your trip's narrative.
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