“One if by land, and two if by sea.” Whether you’re a visitor or resident, Boston’s Freedom Trail is a “must do” on any list. It all began in 1951, when local journalist, William Schofield, conceived of the notion to promote significant, local landmarks through a pedestrian walking trail. Fortunately, that time’s Boston mayor, John Hynes, shared Schofield’s vision and made it a reality, such that by 1953, 40,000 people made their way through the Trail. Today, countless visitors from around the world continue to marvel at Boston’s world-famous history – one step at a time.
Freedrom Trail Marker through a Red Brick Sidewalk
This 2.5-mile, red-brick walking trail takes you back in time through Boston’s rich history where the actions and sacrifices of America’s brave patriots from the American Revolution come to life. As you make your way through 16 historic, indoor/outdoor sites, you will discover how they worked together, risked their lives, and dared to overthrow English rule of the colonies, forming the foundation of the U.S. government and making America the leading republic it is today. On the trail you’ll visit:
- The Boston Common
- The State House
- Park Street Church
- Granary Burying Ground
- King’s Chapel
- King’s Chapel Burying Ground
- Benjamin Franklin Statue/Boston Latin School
- Old Corner Book Store
- Old South Meeting House
- Old State House
- Site of the Boston Massacre
- Faneuil Hall
- Paul Revere House
- The Old North Church
- Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
- Bunker Hill Monument
- USS Constitution
You can easily take the trail on your own, any time, starting from the Boston Common Visitor Information Center or the Bostix Booth at Faneuil Hall. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour with an 18th century, costumed Freedom Trail Player. Be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. Most locations are free, while others ask for a small entrance fee or suggest a donation.
The Freedom Trail is part of the Boston National Historic Park and is overseen by The Freedom Trail Foundation, a non-profit organization.
The Freedom Trail Walk Into History Tour is included in the Go Boston Card.
The Freedom Trail Foundation
99 Chauncy Street, Suite 401
Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 357-8300
Photo credits: The picture of the Freedom Trail is from the Wikimedia Commons. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
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