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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We chose to tour with a private company, Boston City Walks.
Our tour lasted about 2 hours and included stops at most sites.
The tour began at the Old State House on Washington and State Street, the site of the Boston Massacre.
Our stops included Beacon Hill, Boston Common, Old Granary Burial Ground, and the Corner Bookstore.
Our tour ended at Copley Square at Trinity Church and the Boston Public Central Library.
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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