As the sun slowly begins to rise over the Massachusetts landscape, a large, dark shadow falls over the base of Captain's Hill in Duxbury. As scary as this shadow may seem, its source is far from ominous… in fact, it's a source of pride within the community. So what exactly is the cause of this shady silhouette? Why, it's the Myles Standish Monument at the Myles Standish Monument State Reservation. Built over 28 years to commemorate the legendary military leader, this monument was once one of the nation's most magnificent. Today, it stands as a reminder of American perseverance, freedom and nationhood.

A quick history lesson for Massachusetts travel car rental customers...

The years following the American Civil War were rife with difficulties and dramatic changes. Many Americans responded to these changes by turning to the nation's founders and colonial heroes. Chief among these heroes was Captain Myles Standish. Standish was an experienced and capable military leader widely respected among his fellow Plymouth colonists. Born in 1587 in Lancashire, England, Standish would eventually become the leader of a military expedition to the New World in 1619. A long list of accomplishments followed this heroic journey. These feats included leading the first part ashore when the Mayflower reached Massachusetts, commanding exploring parties, defending against Native hostilities and forming rescue missions into the wilderness. Standish also grew to become an extremely accomplished farmer during his lifetime, harnessing over 100 acres in the southern section of Plymouth. Standish would later be immortalized in the fictional poem "The Courtship of Myles Standish" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Remembering an American hero

The memory of Myles Standish was resurrected in 1872 when nearly 10,000 people climbed to the top of Captain's Hill in Duxbury. On this exciting day in history, a cornerstone was laid on the hill, beginning a 28 year building program in honor of the American hero. The Massachusetts State Government and private individuals, including President Ulysses S. Grant, contributed funds to this project, ensuring that the memorial was eventually completed. Today, the monument stands more than 120 feet tall, and includes a 14 foot statute of Standish at the top. Massachusetts travel car rental customers will recognize it as the second most impressive monument to an individual American citizen, after the Washington Memorial.

A stairway to history

Massachusetts travel car rental customers are encouraged to visit this unique historical monument as part of an upcoming area adventure. When the building is open, you and your Massachusetts travel car rental companions can climb the nearly 125 steps to a small viewing area at the tower's top. Panoramic views from this vantage point are absolutely amazing. The sights include church spires, several 19th century lighthouses, the five mile long Duxbury Beach, Plymouth Harbor and Blue Hills. If you're too scared to climb to the top of the tower, don't worry - the views are still sensational from the monument's base.

The tower awaits you

Massachusetts travel car rental customers will find the Myles Standish Monument State Reservation in southeastern Massachusetts. If you're traveling from the Boston area, simply take exit 10 off of Route 3 to Route 3A north. From there take the second intersection to South Duxbury Center. Continue straight along Standish Street until you reach Crescent Street. Signs will appear to guide you to parking. If you're traveling from the south, Verc Massachusetts Travel Car Rentals recommends taking Route 24 to Route 44 east. Follow 44 to Route 3 North. The rest of the directions are as stated above. The Myles Standish Monument Sate Reservation is owned by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and is open on to the Massachusetts travel car rental customers seasonally.