Installed at this location in 1856, this 8-foot bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin was placed here in front of the former location of the Boston Latin School- a school that Declaration of Independence signers Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine all attended.

Founded on April 13, 1635, the Boston Latin School was the first public school in the United States. The original school building was torn down in 1745, but has survived at several different locations since then. It continues today in the Fenway neighborhood, and now accepts boys and girls.

Interestingly, Franklin was the most famous high school dropout from the Boston Latin School.

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