This revered structure (half of Boston pronounces its name
FAN-yul and the other half
FAN-ull) is known as the Cradle of Liberty because, as Boston's town meeting hall in the 1770s, fiery debates leading to the Revolutionary War took place there. Today, it's a stop on the Freedom Trail walking tour and part of the Faneuil Hall Marketplace (often called Quincy Market), a busy area filled with stores, restaurants, food stands and bars.
You won't find a quiet museum atmosphere on the ground, but walk up to the second-floor rotunda to the neoclassical Great Hall, where Samuel Adams and his fellow revolutionaries passionately discussed matters of liberty and growing tensions with Britain. The Ancient and Honourable Artillery Co. of Massachusetts also maintains its hallowed headquarters and exhibit hall there. Daily 9 am-5 pm. Talks by park rangers about the building's history are offered every 30 minutes 9:30 am-4:30 pm except when the hall is booked for other events. Free. North Street at Congress Street (State T stop on the Blue and Orange lines, or Government Center stop on the Blue and Green line), Boston. Phone 617-242-5642. http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/faneuilhall.asp.
