Boston Civic Center walking tour

This scavenger hunt has a difficulty level of NORMAL.

The ideal group size is between 2 and 6 people – but is not restricted to this. Children are welcome and will enjoy most of the challenges.

After purchase, to begin your hunt in Boston Civic Center, you will need to head to the Omni Parker House, 60 St School, Boston, MA 02108, USA. This is the start location.

Once there, connect to this site to begin your urban tourist adventure. You need a well-charged cell phone connected to the Internet (LTE or 4G, Wifi is not enough).

Alternatively, you can access “My Account” and follow the instructions there.

Never hesitate to contact us if you experience any difficulties.

Ancient History

The first Europeans named this region Trimoutaine for its 3 mountains. They’ve now mostly been leveled to hills. Trimoutaine became Boston in 1630, in honor of Boston in Lincolnshire, England, from where came many of the wealthiest early settlers.

This peninsula is thought to have been inhabited since 5000 BC.

Puritans strongly influenced the education and ethics of the early city. The first public school in America was founded in Boston in 1635.

Its citizens participated in 4 wars (for the English) against France and the natives (American Indians) until Britain ejected them permanently from North America.

Boston was the largest city in British America until Philadelphia overtook it in the mid-18th century. Its proximity to the ocean has kept its port and shipping very active from its earliest days.

Many of the milestones of the American Revolution happened around Boston. The protests spurred by British laws and the measures to apply these laws led to the Boston Tea Party, then to the American Revolution. Boston was besieged between 1775 and 1776.

Recent History

The village of Boston became a city in 1822. After the revolution, the War of 1812 greatly affected maritime trade. Indeed, merchants found alternative trading partners to maintain activity as northern Europe was pretty much shut down during this time. When this war ended, returning business contributed to an economic boom.

Many Irish immigrants found their way to Boston, especially during the potato famine. Then, towards the end of the 19th century, most neighborhoods had become ethnic enclaves: Irish, Italians, Russian Jews, etc. Each brought his religion and culture which would eventually blend to some degree.

The top of Beacon Hill, one of the 3 hills where stands the Massachusetts State House, was leveled to fill marshy areas, creating more living space. However, a great fire razed a large portion of Boston in 1872.

The first half of the 20th century was difficult as many industries relocated elsewhere for cheaper labor. The second half saw an economic boom during which many skyscrapers were built. Then, Boston’s elite hospitals, colleges, and universities have greatly contributed to this boom.

Today, Boston is an intellectual, technological, and political center.