The Freedom Trail: A Guide to Boston's Most Historic Sites
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km) path through downtown Boston, Massachusetts that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Marked largely with brick, it winds between Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and a historic naval frigate.
The Freedom Trail was originally created in 1951 by Boston historian Dr. Arthur Schlesinger Jr., who took inspiration from London's famous "Green Belt," which follows similar principles of linking historic sites together in one contiguous area to create public access to cultural attractions around major urban centers. The trail was first proposed as a way to highlight key locations associated with America's fight for independence during the Revolutionary War (1775-82) while also providing visitors with an understanding of how American democracy worked at that time.
The Freedom trail contains 16 stops from south to north which include:
1. Boston Common
2. Massachusetts State House
3. Park Street Church
4. Granary Burying Ground
5. King's Chapel and King's Chapel Burying Ground
6. Boston Latin School Site/Statue of Benjamin Franklin
7. Old Corner Bookstore
8. Old South Meeting House
9. Old State House
10. Boston Massacre Site
11. Faneuil Hall
12. Paul Revere House
13. Old North Church
14. Copp's Hill Burying Ground
15. USS Constitution
16. Bunker Hill Monument
Next time you visit Boston, prepare to experience it like a true patriot, taking in all the sights pertaining to American Revolutionary history! The Freedom Trail is your indispensable companion for an easy-going and informative tour of the most popular tourist attractions in town. Imagine what it feels like to walk miles upon miles alongside historical landmarks as they tell their story and inspire us with tales full of triumph over adversity. Whether you're looking for gorgeous monuments or captivating stories from America's origins that are sure to excite any history buff, hop on board this All-American trail today!