Museums are great, but you can only handle so many. If you want something more exciting and want to experience American history up close and personal, explore the Boston Freedom Trail.
The Boston Freedom Trail is a collection of 16 pristine historical sites located in the heart of Boston and all strung together by a red brick line. Each stop is steeped in history. You will be quickly swept into another age as you step up to the Bunker Hill Monument, walk the streets that Paul Revere galloped through, and be in awe of Faneuil Hall. The Boston Freedom Trail is not to be missed.
Are you ready to be step back in time as you stroll along the Boston Freedom Trail? If you can’t make it to all 16 stops, you should at least check out these seven favorites!
Boston Common
The first stop on the Freedom Trail is the Boston Common. During the city’s occupation of 1775 to 1776, the British housed their troops in the Boston Common. After stepping out of the Boston Common’s and heading down the red brick line, you will see the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial which honors African American History.
Massachusetts State House
Charles Bullfinch built the Massachusetts State House as the ‘House of Governance’ after the American Revolution. The Massachusetts State House is now used by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as the governmental seat of power.
Park Street Church
Perhaps one of the most famous churches in America, Park Street Church played an important role in the political and social formation of America before and after the Revolution. See the pulpit where William Lloyd Garrison denounced slavery in 1829 – one of the first prominent citizens to do so publicly. This is one of the many sites of the Black Heritage Trail.
Paul Revere
Paul Revere has captured the imaginations of countless Americans. Come see the house where Revere plied his trade as a Silversmith and the house where he began his ‘midnight ride’ to Lexington to warn the minutemen the British were coming. Revere’s house was built in 1680 and is Boston’s oldest house.
USS Constitution
The USS Constitution, built in 1797, has a glorious history. The USS Constitution won at least 42 battles, was never defeated, and was never captured. This beautiful ship is docked and moored at Charlestown’s Navy Yard.
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall is sometimes called the ‘Cradle of Liberty’ because it is where John Adams and other American patriots held meetings to discuss what to do about the tyranny of their British occupiers. Adams stirred up his compatriots to fight against the British. A statue of Adams reminds visitors of his importance to the foundations of America.
Bunker Hill Monument
Bunker Hill Monument is the last stop on the Boston Freedom Trail. On June 17, 1775, the British forces moved on mass against George Washington’s troops and forced them out of the city. Washington would return nine months later and force the Redcoats out of the city. The Bunker Hill Monument, which was at one point the tallest monument in the US, was dedicated in 1843.
An Unforgettable Trail
These are just some of the remarkable and unforgettable stops on the Boston Freedom Trail. Start at the Boston Commons where you can pick up a map of the tour and find other visitor information. Altogether, the trail is four kilometers long and winds its way through downtown Boston. Some of the sites are free, while others charge admission.
The Boston Freedom Trail is America’s premier walking tour. You will quickly get immersed in the rich history that the city of Boston has to offer. Experience the American Revolution and watch history come alive right before your eyes in the beautiful city of Boston.
Sara Miller is a freelance writer for the injury lawyers at http://www.yorkshireInjurylawyers.com. The formation of this great nation has always fascinated her. Sara walked the Boston Freedom Trail last summer and absolutely loved the experience.
