Boston is one of the best places in the U.S. to relive history and rejuvenate patriotism. 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 day walking the Freedom Trail and what I learned with photos following the red brick trail…
Sixteen Boston Freedom Trail Sites
1. Boston Common
This is America’s first public park, established in 1634. A lot of history sprang from this green space. For example, the colonial militia mustered 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 this state Capitol is the seat of government of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Near the Boston Common on Beacon Street, this building looms on 6.7 acres.
3. Park Street Church
This historic, congregational church became founded in 1809. It served as a bastion upholding the Trinitarian (Father, Son & Holy Spirit) beliefs against the rising Unitarian movement.
4. Granary Burying Ground – Boston Freedom Trail Sites
This cemetery founded in 1660 is the final resting place for famous forefathers, such as, Paul Revere, 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 and Burying Ground
This Christian Unitarian church became a landmark mainly because it was one of the best examples of Colonial style architecture. However, the King’s Chapel Burying Ground is not affiliated with this church.
6. Benjamin Franklin Statue and Boston Latin School
This marks the first portrait statue in the U.S. Furthermore, the Benjamin Franklin statue stand next to America’s first public school, where he attended.
7. Old Corner Bookstore
This historic brick building at 283 Washington Street is still utilized and restored. However, it’s used as an Ultra Diamonds Store, which was disappointing for me to see. Originally built in 1718, it became an iconic bookstore in 1828.
8. Old South Meeting House
This historic Congregational Church is located on the corner of Milk and Washington Streets in the Downtown Crossing area. It is famously known as the meeting place for organizing the Boston Tea Party. To put in perspective even more, it was the largest building in Boston at the time, gathering 5000 protesters.
9. Old State House
This historic building at the corner of Washington and State streets 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.
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, giving name to 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
This 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 & Statue
In the North Square is the home of this famous Patriot in the American Revolution, best known for his midnight ride to alert the colonial militia or minutemen in April 1775 that the British forces were coming, before the battles of Lexington and Concord. Also, in 1861 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow immortalized this event in the poem, Paul Revere’s Ride.
13. Old North Church
In the North End, this 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.
14. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
This historic cemetery in the North End was the city’s second cemetery. On Copp hill, it’s named after a shoemaker. The notable burials here are not as well known.
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 to come aboard this ship and affiliated museum.
16. Bunker Hill Monument
In Charlestown, this commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. 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 granite Obelisk stands at 221-foot (67 m) high, erected between 1825-1843. There are 294 steps to the top. Also, there is a Bunker Hill Museum 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 lastly, the famous Mike’s Pastry for delicious varieties of Cannoli.
Overall, Boston Freedom Trail Sites
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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