Labor Day Tour of Boston's Colonial Shoreline September 6, 2010

The annual Boston By Foot 5-hour Labor Day walking tour.

This year, travel back in time and walk in the footsteps of colonial Bostonians as we trace the original shoreline of the Shawmut peninsula. As early as 1641, Boston began to reshape itself by filling in coves and tidal flats along the harbor. The process continued over three centuries such that today's downtown Boston is double in size.

The earliest surviving map of Boston was drawn by Captain John Bonner in 1722. Starting from the Neck, we will push modern Boston aside and walk through 18th century by tracing the outline of the Bonner Map.

Through the original South End, along a bustling colonial waterfront, and around the trimount, explore the geography of colonial Boston and its notable buildings, wharves, bridges, and mills. Come experience the culture and learn of the politics, economy, and beliefs of early Americans in Boston.

Put on your tricorne hat and visit a time when steeples defined the Boston skyline, animals grazed the pastures near South Station, the Back Bay was wet, and few wanted to live on Beacon Hill. From the malt shop of Samuel Adams to the swimming hole of a young Ben Franklin, take in the sights of the ships, the smells the rope walks and the tastes of oysters and chocolate along the causeway.

The Big Foot tour is offered only once annually and features a different theme designed and researched by the guides each year. Get out this Labor Day and see what makes Boston By Foot tours so unique.

Boston By Foot

Official Website: http://www.bostonbyfoot.org/tours/Bonner_Map