Best National Historic Landmarks Just Outside Boston

Steeped in history, weeks if not months of touring time needs to be set aside for a brief overview of the National Landmarks within Massachusetts, the outskirts or inner city of Boston. To fully appreciate where we live and what has occurred in the past, make sure to stop at each dark brown colored historical sign, whether along the avenue or at one of the many state parks. Below are the five most popular by visitor's statistics.

Fairbanks House (Late 1630s)
511 East St.
Dedham MA 02026
(781) 326-1170
www.fairbankshouse.org

National Historic Landmarks are chosen for a myriad of reasons, one of which is being the oldest surviving structures. Cambridge hosts the largest number (19) of NHL outside of Boston. The oldest standing structure in all of America is...a house. A home to a Puritan family formerly of England, it has stood the test of time against the New England elements. Passed from one generation of Fairbanks to the next, changing only by one addition due to a the need for a larger nursery, Fairbanks house is still considered an unspoiled property, a structure that has defied age and weathering conditions against all odds.

Old Ship Church (1680)
107 Main St.
Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 749-1679
www.oldshipchurch.org

The frame and walls of the Old Ship Church still stand as they were originally built in the year 1681. Split by simple hand-held axes, not one beam resembles the other exactly in dimension. The explanation behind the name Old Ship remains a mystery, started in its day as a meeting hall and Sunday morning worship place. Many visitors and scholars alike have pondered over its origin, considering the unusual roof structure which resembles the hull of a ship. Tours are available by appointment only, being a functioning parish in the city of Hingham.

Cole's Hill (1620)
75 Court St.
Plymouth MA 02360
(508) 746-1620
www.legendsofamerica.com

Make the trip to Cole's Hill during the ghost and ghoulish month of October to find the burial ground of the first Plymouth colony in its entirety. The tragic first winter in the pilgrim's history took place in 1620. Cole's Hill stands today as the predominant landmark for Plymouth harbor. The view of land, harbor and sea sets the scene that greeted the Mayflower's weary passengers. The popularity may not seem as impressive as Burial Hill, which home to the first fort and settlement, were it not for the glimpse that can be caught in the majestic panorama that hasn't been destroyed by city streets and sky scrapers.

Related: Boston's Best Historic Landmarks

Longfellow House (1775)
105 Brattle St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
(617) 876-4491
www.nps.gov/long

Longfellow House where General George Washington laid plans on the siege of Boston? Or Longfellow House, home to  Henry W. Longfellow 19th-century poet? There's quite a bit of history to take in here. The choices are ample, as well as the collections of drawings, photographs and period pieces housed here. Search through the sites and experience it all to find the park that best fits your interests.

Isaac Royall House (1730s)
15 George St.
Medford, MA 02155
(781) 396-9032
www.royallhouse.org

Stories of wealth and turmoil intertwine at the Isaac Royall House and Slave Quarters. The structure remains as one of the finest left standing since the colonial era. Men from the northern states fought for independence, yet remained as masters still to slave communities, as these household items and archaeological artifacts will attest. The museum is open for touring on most weekends during the fall season. Ivied porches, winter kitchens and separate outbuildings between orchards; the Isaac Royall is not just one home to peruse, but one of many to meander through at your leisure.

Related: Best Historic Sites On The North Shore