For an fun and historical glimpse of Boston's past, take a walking tour along the Freedom Trail. Just follow the red line to visit the 15 sights around the city!
Heading to Boston? Reserve a day for the Freedom Trail--and historic trek around town that's easy to follow--just follow the red line! That's right, just start at the Boston Common, look for the beginning of the red line and you'll be on your way. The trail, which is approximately 2.5 miles long, was established in 1958, connecting 15 historical sites that all hold special significance for the country's early struggle for freedom. Here's what you'll see:
Boston Common
Once pasture land, the Boston Common is the oldest public park in the world. In 1830 it was made illegal for cows to graze in the Common, but remained open to the public. Today its beautiful gardens and greens play host to numerous concerts, events, and just a nice place to hang out on a summer day.
The State House
The State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch in 1795 and completed in 1798. Since then new portions have been added, but the historical value remains true. Both Governor Samuel Adams and Paul Revere were present to lay the cornerstone.
Park Street Church
Once a gunpowder mill, the church sits on the corner of the Common. For a time the building was leased and the sails for the U.S.S. Constitution were constructed here. The first antislavery address was given here by William Lloyd Garrison on July 4, 1892.
Granary Burying Ground
A most famous cemetery where one can find the markers of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and victims of the Boston Massacre.
King's Chapel
This was the first Church of England in Boston and later became the first Unitarian Church in America. The burying ground is the oldest in the city, although it is not associated with the church.
First Public School Site
America's first dedicated school house was built here in 1645.
Globe Corner Book Store
This structure was built in 1712 and is still used as a bookstore today. Many literary elite met here, including Hawthorn, Longfellow, and Emerson.
Old South Church
This church was built in 1729 and for a time was the largest building in Boston. The Boston Tea Party of 1773 commenced here after a meeting was held to discuss the British duty tax on tea.
Site of the Boston Massacre
Near the Old State House you'll find a circle of cobblestones, marking the spot where British Soldiers ("Redcoats") fired on an angry mob, killing 5 and wounding 6. This marks the first bloodshed of what would become the Revolutionary War, on March 5, 1770.
Fanueil Hall/Quincy Market
You can't go to Boston without visiting Fanueil Hall and Quincy Market--a fantastic collection of shops, restaurants and touristy-fun, all within the confines of beautiful historic buildings. Given to the city in 1742 by Peter Fanueil, Faneuil Hall was dubbed by John Adams as "The Cradle of Liberty." On top of the Hall is a notable grasshopper weathervane which symbolizes Peter Fanueil's hopes of Boston becoming the financial center of the new world--an idea he got from a similar one in London on top of the London Royal Exchange. Adjacent is Quincy Market, named after Mayor Josiah Quincy who set aside land for public sale of fruit and produce.
Paul Revere House
This building, the only 17th century structure left in the city, was home to Paul Revere from 1770-1800.
Old North Church
This is the oldest standing church in Boston and was built in 1723. This is the famous for Paul Revere's ride and the cry "One if by land; Two if by sea."
Copp's Hill Burying Ground
On a hill overlooking Charlestown, this is one of the oldest burying grounds of the country (the oldest legible date is older than the city itself!) It was used during the Battle of Bunker Hill for setting cannons. Here, one can see musket scars on some of the markers where British used many of the tombstones for target practice.
Bunker Hill Monument
This monument is not actually ON Bunker Hill, but on Breed's Hill. There once stood a defense structure here, and it was during this time that the famous "Don't shoot til you see the whites of their eyes!" was heard. This spot saw the first major battles of what would become the Revolutionary War.
U.S.S. Constitution
Called "Old Ironsides," this is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. While she never lost a battle, it's interesting to note that the first two attempts to launch were unsuccessful, as her hull proved to bee too heavy.
