Benjamin Franklin Statue, Boston

In front of the old City Hall, on the site where the original Boston Latin School once stood, you'll discover the 8-foot bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin. Created by local sculptor Richard Greenough and installed in 1856, it was notably the first statue of a human to be placed in any city in America. It's worth noting that while many people think of Benjamin Franklin as a U.S. president, he was, in fact, one of the Founding Fathers, a statesman, and a diplomat, but he never served as President of the United States.

Born in Boston in 1706, Franklin attended the Boston Latin School as a young boy; however, he did not complete his formal education and instead began working for his brother, who owned a printing press. Franklin eventually started publishing his own articles and ventured into politics, where he advocated passionately for the abolition of slavery and the protection of Native American rights. He holds the unique distinction of being the only person to have signed all four of the most significant documents in American history: the Declaration of Independence, the Alliance with France Treaty, the Peace with Great Britain Treaty, and the Constitution of the United States.

In addition to his political career, Benjamin Franklin was a renowned scientist and inventor. In 1749, he invented the lightning rod. He also played a significant role in establishing the first public lending library and the first fire department in Pennsylvania.

Tips:
For better lighting when photographing the statue, consider visiting in the morning – though you can still capture a decent photo in the afternoon. If you're a meat lover, Ruth's Chris Steak House is located nearby, making it a good dining option.