Boston Freedom Trail – Walking Tours of Boston

There is probably no city more thoroughly draped in the history of revolutionary America than Boston, Massachusetts. Certainly none better preserved. For American history buffs and scholars, or even architecture or military enthusiasts, the centralized area of downtown Boston surrounding the Common is a veritable Mecca. Ben Franklin, Bunker Hill, Old Ironsides, Paul Revere, Boston Massacre – the very names trickle off the tongue with a sense of reverence.

Naturally, the rubberneckers show up in droves. But rather than leave them to their own devices, roaming gawkishly while risking no end of injury to self and others, the city of Boston has its American History Experience down pat. It’s called The Freedom Trail, and it is absolutely one of the best things to do in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile self-guided walking tour of Boston’s most historic sites, buildings and artifacts beginning at the center of it all in Boston Common. Front to back, the trail leads you to seventeen famous sites, almost all of them free to the public.

While the history and the buildings themselves are stunning to say the least, it is actually the way the tour is presented that makes it so unique and enjoyable, even 59 years after its founding. The path is literally built into the ground. Two and a half miles of red brick and paint assure that anyone can complete the Freedom Trail, no map and no signs required. It also means that you can easily pick up the trail at any point. If you see the red brick on the ground, just start following it and you’ll eventually arrive at the beginning or the end.

Of course, none of that means you shouldn’t pick up a map. In fact, you most certainly should. The official NPS Visitor Center on State Street (near Congress) gives free maps with descriptions of the various stops. You can find even more robust descriptions online at the official site, http://www.thefreedomtrail.org/index.html.

So, what’s for seeing? The “16 Official”, but really 17, stops on The Freedom Trail are:

1. Boston Common
2. The State House
3. Park Street Church
4. Granary Burying Ground
5. King’s Chapel
6. King’s Chapel Burying Ground
7. Ben Franklin Statue/Boston Latin School
8. Old Corner Book Store
9. Old South Meeting House
10. Old State House
11. Site of the Boston Massacre
12. Faneuil Hall
13. Paul Revere House
14. The Old North Church
15. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground
16. Bunker Hill Monument
17. USS Constitution

Different folks will respond individually to these particular strokes, but there are some that seem to make favorites of all comers. The Old South Meeting House has an almost cinematic timelessness to it. Inside and out, it captures what we think the spirit of revolutionary America should be. The Old State House, which is also the site of the Boston Massacre, is the oldest public building in Boston, founded in 1713, and can’t help but draw the eye. The Ben Franklin Statue at Boston Latin School is a camera favorite. And no walking tour of Boston is complete with a visit to the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides herself. Most famous for her service in the War of 1812, she is now the oldest commissioned warship on the water … in the world!

One of the strengths of The Freedom Trail is that it’s free, and with a little gumption and an Internet connection, it’s as informative as you want it to be. But if you’re not a do-it-yourselfer, paid tours are available. The Freedom Trail foundation hosts daily general interest tours as well as special program tours guided by costumed historical interpreters. Not saying it’s not fun, just saying it costs money. Learn about it here.

Depending on your walking speed and level of interest, The Freedom Trail will take you anywhere from 1.5-3 hours to complete. Cameras, comfy shoes and sunscreen recommended.

Have fun exploring The Freedom Trail in Boston!

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