Walking The Boston Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long red-brick trail that winds through downtown Boston, Massachusetts, highlighting significant historical sites related to the American Revolution. The trail passes by 16 historically significant locations, including museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, and other landmarks.
For someone who grew up in Massachusetts, I went this tour during middle school age and never fully appreciated it until I become an adult. So much history has happened in these steps and it is a must to activity if you are coming to Boston for the first time just to get grounded on how the city came to be.
Guided tours are available, but there are those who opt for a self-guided tour. If you are like that- see below for stops!
FIRST STOP- BOSTON COMMONS
ADDRESS: 139 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111
The Boston Commons is the equivalent of the Central Park of Boston. Much smaller in comparison, stretching 50 acres compared to Central Park stretching 843 acres. The Boston Commons is the oldest city park in the United States dating back to 1634. The commons have had various different purposes throughout 300+ years, from families using it for cow pastures to set up for camp during the Revolutionary War. Today, the Common serves as a public park for all to use for formal or informal gatherings.
SECOND STOP- MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE
ADDRESS: 24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133
Across the street from the Boston Commons is where the Massachusetts House of Representatives chamber inside. You are able to tour the inside of the State House during the weekdays free of charge.
THIRD STOP- PARK STREET CHURCH
ADDRESS: 1 Park St, Boston, MA 02108
Park Street Church is an active evangelical Conservative Congregational church founded in 1804. William Lloyd Garrison gave his first antislavery speech here in 1829.
FOURTH STOP- GRANARY BURYING GROUND
ADDRESS: Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
The Granary Burying Ground is the third oldest cemetery in the United States and is the final resting place of many Revolutionary War veterans such as Paul Revere, Sam Adams and John Hancock.
FIFTH STOP- KING’S CHAPEL BURYING GROUND
ADDRESS: 58 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108
King’s Chapel burying grounds is the oldest cemetery in the United States and around the corner from the Granary Burying Ground. Some famous people who are laid to rest here- Mary Chilton, the first women to step on the Mayflower and John Winthrop, the first Governor of Massachusetts.
SIXTH STOP- BENJAMIN FRANKLIN STATUE AND FORMER SITE OF BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL
ADDRESS: 45 School St. Boston, MA 02108
Commemorates the location of the first public school in the United States and honors Benjamin Franklin.
SEVENTH STOP- OLD CORNER BOOKSTORE
ADDRESS: 283 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108
A historic building that was once a publishing house and meeting place for writers. Now a Chipotle lol.
EIGHTH STOP- OLD SOUTH MEETING HOUSE
ADDRESS: 310 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108
A historic meeting house and one of the key locations in the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party.
NINTH STOP- OLD STATE HOUSE
ADDRESS: 206 Washington St, Boston, MA 02109
A well-preserved colonial-era building that served as the seat of the Massachusetts Bay Colony government.
TENTH STOP- SITE OF THE BOSTON MASSACRE
ADDRESS: Corner of State and, Congress St, Boston, MA 02109
Marks the location where the Boston Massacre occurred in 1770.
ELEVENTH STOP- FANEUIL HALL
ADDRESS: 1 Faneuil Hall Sq Quincy Market, Boston, MA 02109
Built in 1742 by merchant Peter Faneuil, Faneuil Hall became a symbol of resistance during the lead-up to the American Revolution. It hosted meetings that led to protests against the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act. It was also a venue for early speeches advocating for independence.
Today, it stands as both a tourist attraction with a variety of shops, restaurants, and food vendors.
TWELVE STOP- PAUL REVERE HOUSE
ADDRESS: 19 N Square, Boston, MA 02113
The home of American patriot Paul Revere, known for his midnight ride to warn of British troop movements.
THIRTEENTH STOP- OLD NORTH CHURCH
ADDRESS: 193 Salem St, Boston, MA 02113
The oldest standing church in Boston and famous for its role in the signal lanterns of Paul Revere's ride.
FOURTEENTH STOP- COPP’S HILL BURYING GROUND
ADDRESS: Hull St, Boston, MA 02113
Another historic cemetery with panoramic views of the North End and the Charlestown Navy Yard.
FIFTEENTH STOP- USS CONSTITUTION
ADDRESS: Building 22, Charlestown Navy Yard, Charlestown, MA 02129
The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world and an important symbol of American naval history. The museum teaches one on the ship's construction, its role in battles, and its significance in American naval tradition.
THE FINAL STOP- BUNKER HILL MONUMENT
ADDRESS: Building 5, Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02109
The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Despite being named Bunker Hill, the majority of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed's Hill. The battle was a pivotal moment, showcasing the determination of the American forces against the powerful British Army. It was designed by architect Solomon Willard and is made of granite. The monument's construction was funded through donations from private citizens. Solomon Willard was the 3rd great-grandson (6th generation descendant) of the Massachusetts colonist Simon WIllard. Simon Willard is my 10th great grandfather so this stop was extra special to me.
Enjoy your day in the beautiful city of Boston!!
xoxo
Jenna