The Freedom Trail

Author : Abhinav Bountra

One of the most famous and interesting things which my classmates from Boston advised me to do in my first week in Boston was "The Freedom Trail". I personally agree with what my friends said, that it is one of the first must do thing for anyone visiting Boston.

Basically The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mile (approx. 4 km) long stretch which covers most of Boston's historic attractions. It is a great way to see some of the most famous sites of this city. To all the history lovers visiting Boston, I strongly recommend experiencing this walk. The idea of The Freedom Trail was of a local journalist named William Schofield, who in 1951 gave the suggestion of building a trail for the pedestrians in order to link the important landmarks of the city of Boston.

The Freedom Trail starts from the Boston Commons (which is situated right at the Park Street Station- Red line MBTA) and ends at the U.S.S constitution and Bunker Hill Monument which are located in Charlestown. One of the best things about this is that you can take a self guided tour just requiring the map of the trail and also that you can complete this stretch in around 4-5 hours as well. If you have time constraints, than you can also chose to cover or walk a portion of the trail, as per your desired area to be covered. You can do this anytime, at your own pace as per your schedule😊

One can chose to start the freedom trail from the beginning, middle or from the end, as per one's convenience and comfort. Apart from the starting and ending points about which i have already mentioned in my previous paragraph, The Freedom Trail consists of sites like Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Old State House, the Paul Revere House, the place of the Boston Massacre, Old Corner Book Store, Benjamin Franklin Statue, Boston Latin School Kings Chapel, Faneuil Hall, Old South Meeting House and a few famous burying grounds. Each of these sites will give you a glimpse of the American History and Revolution. This trail can be done by people of all age group and they can get to know about the famous stories and events which took place in the colonial Boston as well as see the monuments. Information about some famous sites included in The Freedom Trail:

1) Paul Revere House
Built around 1680, this place was the colonial house of the famous patriot and silversmith, Paul Revere. It house was purchased by him in 1770 and Boston's oldest surviving clapboard framehouse and is a famous museum now.

2) Faneuil Hall
Also referred as Quincy Market or the "the Cradle of Liberty", this is one of the most happening spots of the city. It was built in 1972 by a merchant named Peter Faneuil, to used as a place for public meetings and public markets, this place even still continues to follow the same purpose.

3) Bunker Hill Monument
This monument marks the site where the first battle of American revolution was fought, dated 17th June 1775. Most of the battles were fought at the Breeds Hill. In modern day, one can still climb to the top of the monument and observe the surrounding area.

4) U.S.S Constitution 
Also known as the "Old Ironsides", the U.S.S Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship in the world. This ship was built in 1797 and is famous for the war of 1812. This ship is docked in Charlestown and sails once a year in Boston Harbor during the Independence Day celebrations. 

One can also book guided tours, buy souvenirs, take trolley tours or hop-on/hop-off tours which have been linked and associated along with The Freedom Trail. To get more information or for buying tickets and souvenirs you can visit any of the three Visitor Centers.