Private Boston's Big Dig - Walking Tour

Private Boston's Big Dig - Walking Tour Photo #1 of 2 Photo copyright ShoreTrips.com.

Overview

Join a small group and dig deeper into how Boston changed its traffic to save its historic center.

If you drove through Boston during the 20 years of this project, it will be particularly fascinating to hear how it came about and the results - from people who know.

This Tour Includes:
- Walk with a historian
- Walk past Quincy Market, Old Massachusetts State House, Fanueil Hall
- Walk through the new corridor of parks, Rose Kennedy Greenway

Twenty years ago Boston began a project to move their freeway system underground with the plan to open up the historic center of the city to enjoy sunshine and space. This was a mammoth scheme, one that inconvenienced everyone for all those many years, but it did fulfill its objective and created a beautiful urban park as well.

The story of how that planning went into effect and was accomplished is the focus of this tour. Your 3-hour walk with a historian or architect will begin with a discussion about the English architectural and town planning legacy that was manifested in the Old Massachusetts State House and Fanueil Hall, which are the 2 fundamental monuments in Boston. Passing by many notable buildings such as the Quincy Market, the Custom House, and the nearby warehouse buildings of the Boston Granite School, you will trace the city's physical expansion along the shoreline. The rise of the different styles of commercial buildings chronicle the development of Boston's economy as it grew in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Eventually, a major highway was built through the city's core in the late 1950's and the question of expansion or redesign was a major subject for many years.

The story of this highway is the same dialogue that dozens of American cities have had over the last 20 years. The open area that the Big Dig provided to enhance the city life made the subject of urban planning a career for many. On your walk, you will experience the changes that occurred as you see the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the corridor of parks which now bring life into the city center, not just commerce.

This change has defined Boston and yet the history of the past and our origins here are still visible and you are able to enjoy.

- There is no food or beverages included in this tour.
- Gratuities are appreciated.
- Please dress comfortably and wear good walking shoes.
- This tour runs rain or shine. In case of extreme weather, please call the contact provided.

- This tour is private.
- If you have more than 6 people, please contact ShoreTrips.
- This tour is not recommended for young children.

Days offered: 7 days a week

Departures:

• 10:00 AM, duration: 3 hours