The Freedom Trail introduces visitors to some of the most significant landmarks in the history of American independence.
Over the course of its 4 kilometres, the Freedom Trail covers sixteen of Boston’s most important landmarks and points of interest in the Revolutionary War between America and Great Britain.The red-brick trail starts from the Visitor Information Centre at Boston Common. Among the first sights of note are the Massachusetts State House, the Granary Burying Grounds and the site of America’s first public school. The trail takes you past the atmospheric location of the Boston Massacre to Faneuil Hall, one of the city’s most historically significant buildings. This is where Samuel Adams and James Otis roused the people to bloody revolution against the colonizing English, although today’s visitors will find a warmer welcome among its many delightful shops and restaurants. Try a delicious bowl of local seafood chowder or a lobster roll in the nearby market place, before continuing on the trail.The Paul Revere House in the city’s historic North End is the oldest building in downtown Boston, dating back to 1680. It is now open to the public as a museum of domestic life. Close by is the oldest church in the city, Old North Church, which also boasts the tallest steeple in Boston. The prominent steeple was used as a signal point during the American Revolution. On the opposite side of the Charles River, the Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the first major battle of the war. From here it’s a short step to Charlestown Navy Yard, where you can explore the oldest commissioned warship in the world, the USS Constitution.If you don’t have the time or the energy to follow the trail from beginning to end, you can join it anywhere along the route, maybe returning another day to complete the parts you missed. The visitor centre has maps for a self-guided tour, and also offers guided tours with commentary lasting around 90 minutes. Summer is the most popular time to see the Freedom Trail at its best, but it can get busy. Some sites on the route charge admission, while others are free and open all year round. Check with the visitor centre for full details of admission charges and opening times.
