Quincy Massachusetts is a city in the Boston area that is commonly referred to as the City of Presidents. Other nicknames that apply include the City of Legends and the Birthplace of the American Dream, and this has a lot to do with its famous sons. Both President John Adams and his son President John Quincy Adams were born in Quincy MA, as was the prominent statesman, John Hancock.

Settlers from England first started arriving in modern-day Quincy Massachusetts back in the 1620s. The city was originally part of Dorchester, and after being annexed by Boston, it became part of an area that was known as Braintree. It wasn't until 1792 that Quincy MA became its own town, and the new name was meant to honor Colonel John Quincy, who was a main member of the influential Quincy political family. Colonel Quincy was also the grandfather of Abigail Adams, who in turn was the wife of President John Adams and mother of President John Quincy Adams.

The top attraction in Quincy Massachusetts is the Adams National Historical Park. At this park, visitors can learn about four generations of the Adams family, and the chance to see the birthplaces of two United States presidents is reason enough to drop by. Tours start at the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center, which is found at 1250 Hancock Street. A low admission fee applies for visitors who are age sixteen or older, and the operating hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, mid-April to mid-November.

Massachusetts Map

Another attraction that Quincy MA visitors won't want to miss is the Quincy History Museum at Quincy Historical Society. This museum covers more than 400 years of Massachusetts history, with the main focus being on Quincy history and the Adams Family. It's not all about politics and presidents, however. Certain exhibits relate to companies that were founded in Quincy, for example. These companies include Howard Johnson and Dunkin' Doughnuts. You can find the Quincy Historical Society at 8 Adams Street/Adams Academy Building. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday year round, and during the peak mid-April to mid-November season, it also opens on Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m.

While taking a tour of Quincy Massachusetts, visitors are encouraged to make a stop at the United First Parish Church. This church was originally established in 1639, and the current building dates back to 1828. Both John Adams and John Quincy Adams were attendees, as were their wives, and all four are buried below in a family crypt. A plaque marks the pew where they used to sit. Interestingly enough, there is only one other church in the United States that contains a presidential tomb. That church is the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., and the president who is entombed there is Woodrow Wilson.

Between Quincy and nearby Boston, tourists will have little trouble finding things to do. Time allowing, they might even try to arrange a side trip out to Cape Cod for some fun in the sun. This is a great part of the country to visit for so many reasons, especially if you want to mix and match experiences. There aren't many hotels in Quincy proper, in which case those who wish to drop by for a visit might rely on the Boston hotels.