Freedom Trail

The 2.5 mile "Freedom Trail" through Boston guides visitors past the historic sites of the city. More than 1.5 million people walk the trail every year, discovering the Revolutionary past imbedded in a major modern urban environment. The Boston National Historical Park coordinates the activities along the trail including costumed interpreters and guides. The information below each photo comes from a pamphlet available from the Historical park (and other sources).

Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts capitol is one of the signature works of the great Federal-era architect Charles Bulfinch. Samuel Adams and Paul Revere laid the cornerstone in 1795.
Granary Burying Ground
John Hancock, Paul Revere, James Otis, Samuel Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Benjamin Franklin's parents, and the victims of the Boston Massacre, as well as whole families of settlers ravaged by fire and plague, are interred in this old cemetery.

Established in 1660 yet not even close to being the oldest cemetery in Boston. It got its name from the granary that once stood on the site. In this era, life in the New World was daunting, and the skulls, bones, and scary animals that dominate its headstone decorations reflect that. It is interesting to note that many of the people died quite young by today's standards.

Old South Meeting House

Built in 1729 as a Puritan house of worship, the Old South Meeting House was the largest building in colonial Boston. in the days leading to the American Revoluation, citizens gathered here to challenge British rule, protesting the Boston Massacre and the tax on tea. It was here at an overflow meeting on December 16, 1773, that Samuel Adams launched the Boston Tea Party.

Old State House

Built in 1713, this historic landmark served as the seat of colonial and state governments as well as a merchants' exchange. The 1770 Boston Massacre occured near this bulding when British soldiers fired into a crowd of Bostonians.

Other sites along the trail include Faneuil Hall (old market building), Paul Revere's House, the Old North Church (of Paul Revere fame), Bunker Hill (Revolution's first major battle), and the USS Constitution houses in Charlestown Navy Yard.