Trips

Boston Freedom Trail

Boston is one of the oldest cities in America, and it is oozing with history. Around every corner, you’ll find incredible sites to see. Fortunately, visitors can effortlessly explore these places by walking the Boston Freedom Trail.

Outside view of Faneuil Hall in Boston
Faneuil Hall

What is the Boston Freedom Trail?

The Boston Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile route that connects 16 historical sites via a red brick line.

Red brick line marking Boston's Freedom Trail

Bill Schofield, a newspaper writer, conceived of the idea as a way to help tourists navigate the city’s historical sites. The mayor liked the concept and dedicated the trail in June of 1951.

Boston common pond with trees alongside
Boston Common

The Boston Freedom Trail was an immediate success and, over the years, evolved into what visitors experience today. The red line was added in 1958. In 1972, the trail was extended to include 16 sites. Then, the National Park Service established the Boston National Historical Site in 1974, which includes 7 sites connected by the path.

Row house in Boston
Beacon Hill

Touring the Trail

Visitors have several options for touring the trail. You can explore on your own or sign up for a guided tour. The Freedom Trail Foundation, the National Park Service, and many private companies offer tours.

Omni Parker Hotel in Boston
Longest Operating Hotel in the US. Opened in 1855.

We chose to tour with a private company, Boston City Walks.

An outside view of the front of New State House on Boston's Freedom Trail
New State House

Our tour lasted about 2 hours and included stops at most sites.

Paul Revere's Grave
Granary Burying Ground

The tour began at the Old State House on Washington and State Street, the site of the Boston Massacre.

Old State House in Boston
Old State House

Our stops included Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Old Granary Burial Ground, and the Corner Bookstore.

The Old Corner Bookstore
Corner Bookstore – Constructed in 1718

Our tour ended at Copley Square at Trinity Church and the Boston Public Central Library.

Front of Trinity Church in Copley Square in Boston
Trinity Church in Copley Square

Boston Freedom Trail is a must-see! It’s extraordinary that so many revolutionary-era structures survived centuries of progress. And walking Bean Town’s famous red brick path is the perfect way to explore the birthplace of the American Revolution.

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