City of Presidents Tours

Quincy, Massachusetts

As the birthplace of John Adams, John Quincy Adams and John Hancock, Quincy has long been recognized for the pivotal role her native sons and daughters played in the fight for American independence. It was John Adams – the “Atlas of Independence” – who championed the dream of a new nation on American soil, a country built upon the principles of freedom, justice and a passionate spirit of independence.

That independent spirit would lead succeeding generations of Quincyites to pursue the American dream with the same passion and tenacity as their revolutionary forefathers: men and women like Howard Johnson – who opened his first ice cream shop in Quincy – and Amelia Earhart, who once held a financial interest in Quincy’s Dennison Airport.

The spirit is still alive today. Be sure to book a tour with one of our expert guides to learn more about the many historic treasures & chapters in the Quincy story!

For more information on our unique Quincy Tours contact us here.

Quincy Hancock Adams dedication militia Copy

Path of Presidents

Follow the Path of Presidents: eleven United States Presidents, lived, visited friends, gave speeches, and dined in the communities south of Boston. Did you know that James Garfield slept at the Old House at Peace Field, that Harry Truman spoke on the steps of the United First Parish Church, and that George H. W. Bush was born in Milton?

From obvious locations such as Washington’s headquarters in Cambridge and John F. Kennedy’s birthplace in Brookline, to obscure homes that belonged to William Howard Taft and Grover Cleveland, the Path of Presidents will illustrate that almost every American president – including Jefferson, Lincoln, and both Roosevelts – came to Boston and influenced the city’s history, as Boston influenced theirs.

The Birth of the Monroe Doctrine Painting by Clyde O DeLand showing John Quincy Adams far left and US President James Monroe standing

Quincy Must-Sees

Quincy History Museum at Quincy History Society

The Adams Academy, built of Quincy granite, is an early and important example of Gothic revival architecture in America.

The John Adams House – Adams National Historic Park

This historic home is birthplace to the sixth President to the United States, John Adams born in 1767.

Did You Know…

Quincy is Home of the 1st Dunkin’ Donuts

In 1950, William Rosenberg changed the name of his Quincy doughnut shop from The Open Kettle to Dunkin’ Donuts, and an international franchising giant was born. The original location recently completed a retro-renovation and has memorabilia on display. Dunkin’ Donuts is the world’s leading baked goods and coffee chain, serving more than 3 million customers per day. This location offers WiFi and is open 24 hours.

11 3 12 QUINCY MADunkin Brands Fist Store

History Fact

Quincy Shipbuilding

Quincy has a proud shipbuilding tradition that includes producing many of the U.S. Navy ships that fought for our freedom during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Just as the term “Quincy granite” came to signify the best in the business, the term “Quincy built” referred to the finest ships afloat. Shipbuilding in Quincy continued until the mid-1980s, when General Dynamics closed the Fore River Shipyard.

Today, visitors can tour one of the ships built at Quincy’s world famous shipyard: the Cold War era heavy cruiser the USS Salem. Home to the U.S. Naval Shipbuilding Museum, the Salem offers visitors the chance to experience life on the former flag ship of the Sixth Fleet.