The second-oldest cemetery (1659) in the city is the burial place of Cotton Mather and his family, Robert Newman, and Prince Hall. Hall, a prominent member of the free black community that occupied the north slope of the hill in colonial times, fought at Bunker Hill and established the first black Masonic lodge. The highest point in the North End, Copp's Hill was the site of a windmill and of the British batteries that destroyed the village of Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Charlestown is clearly visible (look for the masts of the USS Constitution) across the Inner Harbor. No gravestone rubbing is allowed. To continue on the Freedom Trail: Follow Hull Street down the hill to Commercial Street (be careful crossing Commercial at the dangerous intersection with Hull) and follow the trail to North Washington Street and across the bridge. Follow signs and the trail to the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Boston 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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