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The Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide to Boston's 16 Historic Sites

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile red brick and painted line that links 16 sites at the heart of the American Revolution, winding from Boston Common through Downtown and the North End across the Charles River to Charlestown. Walked end to end it takes most visitors about three hours, longer if you stop to go inside the churches, meeting houses and ships along the way.

The route was proposed by Boston Herald Traveler journalist William Schofield in 1951 and painted on the footpath by the city in 1958. Today it is maintained by the Freedom Trail Foundation together with the National Park Service, whose Boston National Historical Park rangers run free ranger led tours from Faneuil Hall in the warmer months.

Planning your walk

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  1. 1

    Boston Common

    Downtown

    Established in 1634, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the United States. It has served as a militia training ground, a British Army camp during the Revolution, and a stage for public speeches by figures from Martin Luther King Jr to Pope John Paul II. The Visitor Information Center on Tremont Street is the traditional starting point of the trail.

    Tip: Pick up a printed map at the Visitor Center before you set off.

  2. 2

    Massachusetts State House

    Beacon Hill

    Completed in 1798 on land once owned by John Hancock, the State House sits above the Common with its gilded dome, originally sheathed in copper by Paul Revere. It remains the seat of the Massachusetts government.

  3. 3

    Park Street Church

    Downtown

    Built in 1809, this soaring white steeple was long the first landmark travellers saw approaching Boston. William Lloyd Garrison delivered his first public anti slavery address here in 1829, and 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee' was first sung on its steps in 1831.

  4. 4

    Granary Burying Ground

    Downtown

    Founded in 1660 and named for a colonial grain storehouse that once stood nearby, the Granary is the resting place of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, the victims of the Boston Massacre, and the parents of Benjamin Franklin.

  5. 5

    King's Chapel and Burying Ground

    Downtown

    The first Anglican church in the colonies, built in 1686, sits beside Boston's oldest burying ground (1630). The chapel's bell was cast by Paul Revere and still rings today.

  6. 6

    Boston Latin School Site and Benjamin Franklin Statue

    Downtown

    A mosaic in the pavement outside Old City Hall marks the site of the first public school in America, founded in 1635. Franklin, one of its most famous students, is honoured with a bronze statue on the lawn.

  7. 7

    Old Corner Bookstore

    Downtown Crossing

    Built in 1718, this modest brick building was the publishing heart of 19th century America. Hawthorne, Emerson, Longfellow, Stowe and Thoreau all passed through its rooms under the Ticknor and Fields imprint.

  8. 8

    Old South Meeting House

    Downtown

    On 16 December 1773, more than 5,000 colonists packed this meeting house to debate the tea tax. When negotiation failed, Samuel Adams gave the signal that launched the Boston Tea Party a few blocks away at Griffin's Wharf.

    Tip: Admission is charged; check hours before you visit.

  9. 9

    Old State House

    Downtown

    The oldest surviving public building in Boston, dating from 1713. The Declaration of Independence was first read to Bostonians from its east balcony on 18 July 1776. The Boston Massacre took place directly below in 1770.

  10. 10

    Boston Massacre Site

    Downtown

    A ring of cobblestones in the traffic island in front of the Old State House marks the spot where British soldiers fired on a crowd on 5 March 1770, killing five colonists including Crispus Attucks.

  11. 11

    Faneuil Hall

    Government Center

    Given to the city by merchant Peter Faneuil in 1742, this brick market and meeting hall hosted the debates that produced the Revolution and, later, meetings of the abolitionist and suffragist movements. It is still known as the Cradle of Liberty.

  12. 12

    Paul Revere House

    North End

    Built around 1680, this small wooden house on North Square is the oldest surviving home in downtown Boston. Paul Revere owned it from 1770 to 1800 and lived here on the night of his famous ride in April 1775.

  13. 13

    Old North Church

    North End

    On the night of 18 April 1775, sexton Robert Newman climbed the steeple of Christ Church, now known as the Old North Church, and hung two lanterns to signal that British troops were crossing the Charles by water. It remains an active Episcopal parish.

    Tip: Stop for a cannoli at Mike's or Modern Pastry while you're in the North End.

  14. 14

    Copp's Hill Burying Ground

    North End

    Boston's second oldest cemetery, opened in 1659, and a British artillery position during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Thousands of Boston's early Black residents from the New Guinea Community are buried here in unmarked graves.

  15. 15

    USS Constitution

    Charlestown Navy Yard

    Launched in 1797 and nicknamed Old Ironsides during the War of 1812, the Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. Free tours are run by active duty US Navy sailors.

    Tip: Bring a photo ID; adults are screened before boarding.

  16. 16

    Bunker Hill Monument

    Charlestown

    A 221 foot granite obelisk marking the June 1775 battle where colonial militia inflicted heavy casualties on British regulars before withdrawing. The 294 steps to the top reward you with the widest view of Boston harbour on the trail.

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