Explore The Freedom Trail In Boston

By Zeke Quezada

When you visit Boston, Massachusetts it is difficult to ignore the rich history of the country and the surrounding area. Take a stroll along the Freedom Trail and you’ll see the city and you’ll learn a bit about U.S. History. You’ll experience the taste of the North end with Italian desserts and endless pizza. You’ll see the harbor, Chinatown and enough open spaces to trigger a love affair with the city.  

If you love history, The Freedom Trail is an option for a stroll back in time.   What better place than the spot where Paul Revere started his journey that has been long dramatized as the start of the American Revolution. Boston, Massachusetts is a city that is not only rich in history but also easy to navigate while injecting some education into your vacation. The path makes its way through the city and you can stop and start as often as you want as you are your own guide.

The Freedom Trail.

This 2.5 mile route through the city is a haven for those who crave information and specifically the history of the American Revolution. While discovering the facets of the people and places that played huge roles in the formation of the nation’s creation. This tour will not only teach you a bit about the history of the United States but it will also have you exploring the surrounding neighborhoods and the current population.  This is more than a walk back through history; it is a side-by-side comparison of what happened then and what is happening now. This walk along the Freedom Trail allows you to see where the country has come from the days of its infancy up to present day.

The Freedom Trail connects 16 distinct and significant historical landmarks as they pertain to the American Revolution.  It also highlights the prominent players in the struggle to create a new country. This walking trail is outlined by a red brick line and is easily navigable on a free self guided tour. (Tours are available for a fee.)  This maybe the most profound historical tour in the country and it is easily accessible to any Boston visitor. While you are walking make sure to download the mobile phone App to help you navigate the trail.

The Freedom Trail: What You’ll See:

• Boston Common (Free)  – This 50 acre park is the oldest in the country and will also connect you with neighborhoods through the Boston Area. If you enjoy visiting neighborhoods, you’ll feel as if you are never far from a park. Those parks are connected through the Common.
• Massachusetts State House (Free)   – This active building of the State Government was built in 1798 and looks out on to the common from Beacon Hill.
• Park Street Church (Free)   – This church dates back to 1809 and is found on Brimstone Corner, you do understand the reference to fire and brimstone, right? So, you might be in for a sermon.
• Granary Burying Ground (Free)   – This is the final resting place of many of the icons of the American Revolution.
• King’s Chapel and Burying Ground (Free)  This chapel is over 250 years old and serves as the oldest American pulpit.
• First Public School Site and Ben Franklin Statue (Free) – Americas first Public School
• Former Site of the Old Corner Bookstore (Free)  – Boston’s Oldest Commercial building
• Old South Meeting House (Admission $6 ) – Where the Boston Tea Party got its start.
• Old State House (Admision $10) – The once center of the revolution, this spot now has exhibits, tours and entertainment.
• Boston Massacre Site (Free)  – Where the “redcoats” and Boston collided.
• Faneuil Hall (Free)  – The home of freedom of speech.
• Paul Revere House (Admission $3.50) – The oldest remaining structure in Downtown Boston.
• Old North Church (Free)  – One of the most visited historical sites in Boston as this church was where Paul Revere’s story was immortalized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
• Copp’s Hill Burying Ground (Free)  – Those that perished on the North End are laid to rest here.
• USS Constitution and Charlestown Navy Yard (Free)  -Visit this fully commissioned warship launched in 1797.
• Bunker Hill Monument (Free)  -Fully interactive museum with exhibits spanning over 200 years of history.