The Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail takes visitors to Boston through a tour of sixteen sites in the city which were of importance before and during the American Revolution against British rule in the 18th century.

The Freedom Trail history

Boston is known as “the birthplace of the American Revolution”, mainly because it was the location of numerous historic events that ignited the War of Independence.

Boston was also the capital of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, the home of the colonial government, and the center of trade and commerce of the colony. Once the Revolutionary War started in April of 1775, it became a vital military and strategical objective for both British forces and the colonists.

The harbour was the main port for importing and exporting goods and supplies in the region and was a vital maritime transportation center. Having control of Boston and its harbour would be a invaluable strategical advantage for either side.

The Freedom Trail contains all the sites which tell the story of the port city’s importance in the birth of the United States of America.

The Freedom Trail today

The Freedom Trail usually starts in Boston Common, where British troops camped during the 1775 Boston Occupation and goes to sites including the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, Faneuil Hall where many pre-war protests took place, to the place where the Boston Tea party was started, Old South Meeting House and to the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770.

Also included are Granary Burial Ground, a cemetery housing many famous Americans, Paul Revere House, the home of the famous silversmith who alerted his countrymen that the British were coming and the 19th century USS Constitution ship, the iron fastenings of which were made by Paul Revere.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile trip which visitors can either follow independently using the red pavement markings around the city or join one of the selections of guided tours, which last around an hour and a half. You can even download an MP3 audio tour from the Freedom Trail site to walk the tour without a guide, which costs $15. Many of these sites also form part of the Boston National Historical Park.

Getting to The Freedom Trail

There are several access points to The Freedom Trail as per its official website.

Vistors from the Boston Common should travel up Tremont Street (towards Park Street MBTA Station), turn left onto Park Street and continue up Beacon Street where the State House is located.

The Massachusetts State House also has accessible entry. Visitors will find the Ashburton Park entrance on Bowdoin Street. From Park Street, turn right on Beacon Street and then take a left onto Bowdoin Street.

To find the Granary Burying Ground entry from Massachusetts State House – Ashburton Park entrance, turn right onto Bowdoin Street, turn left on Beacon street, take first right into the alley (across from Somerset Street) and the accessible entrance to the Granary is located at the end of the alley.

There are several parking sites along the The Freedom Trail including the Boston Common Parking Garage, One Beacon Garage and Parcel 7 Garage near Faneuil Hall.