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The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is a two and a half mile red brick pathway that leads many of Boston's most notable historical sites. The trail's stops are linked to colonial life and the American Revolution, since the move for independence had its roots in the city. The attractions are separate from each other, and some have admission charges.

Boston Common

Boston Common is the oldest city park in America, having been built in 1634. The British used it as a camp prior to the Revolution, and it was the site of public executions up until 1817. By 1830 it became the popular public park it is today.

Park Street Church

Park Street Church, constructed in 1809, is one of the “newer” stops on the Freedom Trail. It was known for fiery sermons and for being a spot for gunpowder storage during the War of 1812.

Granary Burying Ground

Granary Burying Ground, Boston's third-oldest cemetery, is the eternal resting place of Paul Revere, three Declaration of Independence signers, and the five colonists who died in the Boston Massacre.

The King's Chapel Burying Ground, another Freedom Trail stop, is a burial ground at the church that is known as Boston's oldest cemetery.

Benjamin Franklin Statue and the Boston Latin School

The Boston Latin School was the first public school in America, dating back to 1635, and is currently the oldest American school in existence. Four signers of the Declaration of Independence were educated at this school and one of them, Benjamin Franklin, was actually a drop-out. A statue honoring Franklin was erected at the school in 1856.

Old Corner Book Store

The Old Corner Book Store was a meeting place for such noted authors as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charles Dickens, and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. It is part of the Freedom Trail for its cultural significance.

Old South Meeting House

The Old South Meeting House is famous as the spot where the Boston Tea Party was organized. You can stand in the very building where patriots conspired to rebel against the Tea Act.

Old State House and Site of the Boston Massacre

The Old State House dates back to 1713, making it the oldest public building in Boston. The building was the seat of Massachusetts government until 1776, and the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed from its balcony.

This was preceded by the 1770 Boston Massacre, in which five civilians were killed, which happened in front of the Old State House.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall dates back to 1742 and was the site of many speeches encouraging American independence by notables such as James Otis and Samuel Adams. Today it is part of the Freedom Trail and is also part of Boston's National Historical Park.

Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere House was the residence of the famed patriot and silversmith when he made his midnight ride to warn that “The British are coming.” The house has been preserved, complete with furniture owned by the Revere Family.

The Old North Church

The Old North Church is formally called the Christ Church in the City of Boston, but it is best known as the location from which Paul Revere was signaled with two lanterns, indicating the British soldiers were attacking from the Charles River.

Copp's Hill Burying Ground

Copp's Hill burying ground dates back to 1659. It is the final resting place of notable Boston residents from colonial times. Visitors can cehck out the graves of Robert Newman, who signaled Paul Revere from the Old North Church, Prince Hall, known as the father of Black Freemasonry, and George Worthylake, the original keeper of the Boston lighthouse.

Bunker Hill Monument

The Bunker Hill Monument was built in honor of the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first significant battles between Americans and the British. It is located on Breed's Hill, where most of the battle actually took place. This stop on the Freedom Trail consists of 221 foot granite tower with 300 steps to the stop.

USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is the oldest floating commissioned naval vessel in the world that's still afloat. It was launched in 1797. The vessel was named by President George Washington and refers to the Constitution of the U.S.A. The Constitution proved its mettle in the War of 1812, defeating five British vessels. Its bitter battle with the British ship HMS Guerriere earned it “Old Ironsides” as a nickname.

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