Boston’s Freedom Trail is a unique 2.5 mile long footpath that takes you through 16 locations that are significant to not only the City of Boston, but the United States. Its red brick line winds through the Downtown, North End, and Charlestown, showcasing museums, ships, landmarks, burial sites, and more historical anecdotes.
The Freedom Trail begins at the Boston Common Visitor Center, located at 139 Tremont Street, and concludes at the USS Constitution in Charlestown. However, you can start at any of the stops listed below and choose your own journey of landmarks! One of the perks of walking along the freedom trail, is that the walk takes you through neighborhoods such as the North End and Charlestown. The North End is widely known for its authentic Italian cuisine and a perfect halfway point to stop for lunch. Some of our favorite stops are Regina Pizzeria, Galleria Umberto, and Pauli’s for a slice or sandwich to go. Some other more formal restaurants include Antico Forno, Trattoria Il Panino, and Benevento’s.
Ending in Charlestown is also a plus because the views of the harbor are spectacular and it’s a great, quiet place to grab a drink or appetizer before heading back into the city!
Here begins your freedom trail journey with some history along every stop:
Boston Common
Established in 1634, the Boston Common is America’s oldest public park purchased by Purist settlers from Anglican Minister, William Blackstone. Purchased for 30 pounds, six shillings per homeowner, this space became the common grounds, it has lived through much history since then and will continue to be an iconic park at Boston’s core.
Massachusetts State House
Designed by Charles Bulfinch, this state house has served as the seat of the Massachusetts government since its original opening in 1789!
Park Street Church
The church was founded in 1809 atop Boston’s Granary and was the first landmark people saw when approaching Boston, it is also said to be the “… most interesting mass of bricks and mortar in America” according to British author Henry James.
Granary Burying Ground
This became the final resting place for some of America’s most notable citizens such as John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, Samuel Adams and more since its established date of 1660, holding more than 2,300 headstones today. This site is named after the grain storage building that once stood next door.
King’s Chapel and Burying Ground
Founded in 1686 as Boston’s first Anglican church, this site is home to over 330 years of history and interestingly, the church houses America’s oldest pulpit that is still in use! The Burying ground itself was Boston Proper’s first official cemetery and has numerous residents ranging from the first woman to step off the Mayflowers to Massachusetts first governor.
Boston Latin School and Benjamin Franklin’s Statue
Boston Latin School founded in 1635 is the oldest public school in the United States, a mosaic and statue of former student, Benjamin Franklin, marks the location of the original schoolhouse which was completed in 1645.
Old Corner Bookstore
Downtown Boston’s oldest commercial building, home to 19th century publishing giant Ticknor and Fields, responsible for the production of The Scarlet Letter and many other notable books from history.
Old South Meeting House
Experience where the Boston Tea Party began! This hall echoed with the voices of those dating the tea taxes, public meetings and Puritan sermons.
Old State House
The Old State House has remained standing through massacre, revolution, fire, and crisis making it the oldest surviving public building in Boston. Once inside the State House is filled with historic period rooms, artifacts, the Royal Governors chair, and other interactive experiences.
Boston Massacre site
Months of tension have passed due to the debacle over taxation and occupation, the Redcoats and Bostonians began to clash in the streets of the city resulting in five civilian casualties which triggered the rallying of Bostonians against the crown.
Faneuil Hall
The Halls hosted America’s first Town Meeting and is often referred to as “the home of free speech”, within you’ll find a vast collection of events that shaped the nations history.
Paul Revere House
This is the oldest remaining structure in Boston and no walk along the freedom trail would be complete without stopping in. Tour his home and hear about 18th century life along with the story of his famous midnight ride.
Old North Church
In this very site is where the American Revolution launched and best known for Paul Revere’s midnight ride alarming the people of the ever approaching Redcoats
Copps Hill Burying Ground
Named after shoemaker William Copp, this burial site is the final resting place for merchants, artisans, and craftspeople of all kinds in the North End.
USS Constitution
This Is the oldest commissioned warship that is still afloat today. Nicknamed “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 against the British.
Bunker Monument
The Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775 was the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, the granite moment marks this pivotal moment in history!
Whether you choose to walk the whole trail or select a few spots of particular interest, the Freedom Trail gives unique and touching insight to the American Revolution and a key part of our history.
