Thompson Square provides residents and visitors a place to catch their breath in the middle of a hectic intersection along Main Street. It's a small park that pays homage to what once was a bustling corner of commerce for historic Charlestown, but is now a spot where dog owners can take a break with their pets or for neighbors to stop and say hello to each other. From the park, you can get a good look of One Thompson Square, a Victorian Gothic structure built in 1875 just after Charlestown ceased to be an independent city and became part of Boston.
Known as "the Gateway to Boston," City Square marks the spot where Charlestown was original settled in the 17th Century. The park provides a surprising oasis at a major intersection and offers excellent views of downtown Boston. It features 70 different varieties of trees and perennials, as well as a fountain and monuments to Charlestown veterans and its historic role in the U.S. Navy. The park hosts dozens of civic events and may be used for private functions as well. It is maintained, in part, by the nonprofit organization Friends of City Square Park.
One of the Navy's oldest shipbuilding facilities, Charlestown Navy Yard is a must visit for anyone with an interest in American history. The shipyard is located at the north end of the Freedom Trail. Both the famous USS Constitution and WWI's USS Cassin Young are berthed at the shipyard and open for tour. The yard is maintained by the U.S. National Park Service and houses a Visitor's Center and gift shop.
John Harvard Mall is a park located in historic Charlestown. The promenade is open to the public and was built by Harvard University in the 1940s. It is now run by the city. The park contains several trees and features a playground with new equipment, as well as fences, painted gates and light poles.
