Boston is one of the best places in the U.S. to discover American heritage and rejuvenate patriotism. It’s called the “Cradle of Liberty” because of the many revolutionary activities, that happened here from mid to late 1700’s. The Boston Freedom Trail sites review the heroic events from the founding forefathers that ignited American history.
Overall, this trail allows you to experience the history books up close and personal, immersing all your senses in the U.S.’s revolutionary origins.
The Boston Freedom Trail is 2.5 mile (4 km) red brick trail connects 16 historic sites, such as, monuments, homes, churches and burial grounds. From the Boston Common, this trail meanders through downtown and the North End. Then it continues across the Charles River to the neighborhood of Charlestown, ending at the Bunker Hill Monument. Overall, the trail features monumental events/locations at 16 sites from the American Revolution.
Read on to learn about my Boston Freedom Trail walking tour along the red brick trail.
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Sixteen Boston Freedom Trail Sites
1. Boston Common
The Boston Common is America’s first public park, established in 1634. A lot of history sprang from this 50 acres of green space. For example, the colonial militia mustered here for the Revolution. Even more, George Washington came here to celebrate our nation’s independence. Today, it is an open stage for free speech and public assembly.
2. Massachusetts State House
Perched on Beacon Hill, the Massachusetts State House or state Capitol is the seat of government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Near the Boston Common on Beacon Street, it is designed in Federal architecture. Copper from Paul Revere’s company covers the original wood dome. It’s one of the oldest state capitol buildings still utilized.
3. Park Street Church
The Park Street Church is a historic, international congregation founded in 1809. It served as a bastion upholding the Trinitarian (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) beliefs, against the rising Unitarian movement. The church’s steeple rises to 217 feet (66 m) high and is a visible landmark throughout many downtown neighborhoods. Today, the church is still known for its strong tradition of missions and applying Scripture to social issues.
4. Granary Burying Ground – Boston Freedom Trail Sites
The Granary Burying Ground, a cemetery founded in 1660, is the final resting place for famous forefathers. For example, those buried here include Paul Revere, 5 victims of the Boston Massacre, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Also, the conspicuous obelisk, saying “Franklin” in the center of the cemetery was erected to honor the family of Benjamin Franklin buried here.
5. King’s Chapel Burying Ground
The King’s Chapel is a Christian Unitarian church. It became a landmark mainly because it was one of the best examples of Colonial style architecture. Adjacent to the church, the Burying Ground is not affiliated with it. This is the oldest cemetery in Boston with a gravesite for the first woman to step off the Mayflower.
6. Boston Latin School and Benjamin Franklin Statue
The Boston Latin School is the first public school in the U.S. since 1635. Its famous students include Benjamin Franklin, Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Also, the building served as a City Hall for 38 mayors. In front of the building is the Benjamin Franklin statue. Also, outside stands the iconic, bronzed donkey statue symbolizing the Democratic party. In front of it lies the Republican footprints engraved with small elephants and “Stand in Opposition.”
7. Old Corner Bookstore
The Old Corner Bookstore is a historic brick building at 283 Washington Street. It’s restored and currently utilized as a Chipotle Mexican Grill. Originally built in 1718, it became an iconic bookstore in 1828. It housed a publisher that published famous literature, such as, The Scarlet Letter and Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
In addition, the bookstore became a meeting-place for literary giants, such as, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Charles Dickens, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Besides being on the Freedom Trail, it’s also on the Literary Trail and Women’s Heritage Trail.
8. Old South Meeting House
The Old South Meeting House was a congregational church located on the corner of Milk and Washington Streets in the Downtown Crossing area. Built in 1729, this Georgian style building’s steeple rises 56m (183ft) high. It’s famously known as the meeting place for organizing the Boston Tea Party. To put in perspective, it was the largest building in Boston at the time, gathering 5000 protesters. Today, the building is a museum.
9. Old State House
The Old State House stands at the corner of Washington and State streets and was built in 1713. It was the seat for the Massachusetts General court till 1798. As one of the oldest buildings in the U.S., it’s currently used as a history museum. On July 18, 1776, Bostonians gathered under the balcony of Old State to hear the Declaration of Independence for the first time.
10. Site of the Boston Massacre
This horrific event occurred outside the Old State House on March 5, 1770. The British regulators killed 5 colonists, known as the Boston Massacre. Moreover, this event catapulted the American colonies into a Revolutionary War with the British. Today, a cobblestone ring marks this massacre on the intersection of Devonshire and State Streets.
11. Faneuil Hall
The Faneuil Hall is one of the most popular stops on the Freedom Trail, as the historic building is now a tourist center and marketplace. Opened in 1743, it was the site of several speeches by luminaries, such as Samuel Adams and James Otis. Also, it’s referred to as “the Cradle of Liberty.”
12. Paul Revere House and Statue
In the North Square is the house and museum of the famous Patriot, Paul Revere, during the American Revolution. He is best known for his midnight ride to alert the colonial militia or minutemen in April 1775 that the British forces were coming. This was before the battles of Lexington and Concord. Also, in 1861 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized this event in the poem, Paul Revere’s Ride. The museum is near the iconic statue of Paul Revere on his horse.
13. Old North Church
In the North End, the Old North Church ignited the famous “One if by land, two if by sea” signal. Paul Revere informed patriots to hang 2 lanterns in the steeple, sending a warning to Charlestown patriots that the British are coming by sea. Built in 1723, this Georgian style building is the oldest standing church in Boston and a National Historic Landmark.
During my visit on Independence Day, I took a seat in a boxed pew to hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence.
14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
The Copp’s Hill Burying Ground in the North End was the city’s second cemetery and named after a shoemaker. The notable burials here are not as well known as the Granary Burying Ground. Most of the gravestones in Copp’s Hill were placed before 1825. The art on the stones eerily portrays themes, such as, winged skulls, winged faces or cherubs, urn-and-willow and heraldic designs.
15. USS Constitution or “Old Ironsides”
USS Constitution, aka “Old Ironsides” is a wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate of the U.S. Navy. She is the world’s oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. The USS Constitution is best known for her actions during the War of 1812, when she defeated 5 British warships. Tours are available aboard the ship and affiliated museum nearby.
16. Bunker Hill Monument
In Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. A statue of Revolutionary War hero, William Prescott, stands in front of the monument.
On June 17, 1775 this was one of the first battles between the British and Patriots during the Siege of Boston, initiating the American Revolutionary War. The British won, but at a huge loss of over 1000 casualties. The famous quote from the colonist commander came from Bunker Hill: “Don’t fire till you see the whites of their eyes.”
The granite obelisk stands at 221-foot (67 m) high, built between 1825-1843. There are 294 steps to the top. Often, long lines require a wait because only 25 people are allowed at a time in the monument. Additionally, the Bunker Hill Museum lies across the street from the monument.
North End “Little Italy” for Dinner and Cannoli
After walking the trail, I backtracked to the North End’s “Little Italy.” Here on Hanover Street, I celebrated my day at an Italian Restaurant, Carmelina’s and nearby the famous Mike’s Pastry for delicious varieties of cannoli.
Enjoy Boston Freedom Trail!
This fantastic walking tour is well-mapped and easy to do in one day. I organized this blog in a way that I would have found helpful. The maps from the tourist centers are a bit vague, so it’s best to do a little research before going so you don’t leave anything important out. Walking the Freedom Trail boosts the American patriotic sentiments and reminds how much its forefathers fought and sacrificed for our freedom.
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