![]() (near the Boston Common and State House stops) for a free map at the beginning of the trail.īy clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy Be sure to visit the National Park Service’s visitors center at the Faneuil Hall stop to get free guides, or at the Visitor Information Center at 139 Tremont St. More than four million people each year traverse the trail’s 16 stops, including iconic spots like Boston Common, the USS Constitution, and Paul Revere House. In 1974, the National Park Service established the Boston National Historical Park, which includes seven sites connected by the Freedom Trail. The path went through several routes before reaching its current 2.5-mile form in 1972. The idea reached city hall, and mayor John Hynes dedicated the Freedom Trail, which was originally a series of painted signs pointing out Boston’s most popular historic sights, in June of the same year. Bill Schofield, a writer for the paper that ultimately became the Boston Herald, collaborated with Bob Winn, a member of the Old North Church, and floated an idea for a “Puritan Path,” “Liberty Loop,” or “Freedom’s Way” in one of his “Have You Heard?” columns in March of 1951. Photo © James Kirkikis/Dreamstime.Īs Boston began a building spree in the mid-20th century, local preservationists grew concerned that the city’s historic sites were being lost to soaring skyscrapers. Meander along the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail to take in all 16 sites. Use this guide to the historic sites and timeline to plan a self-guided walking tour of the Freedom Trail. If you go up the stairs to the steeple’s bell ringing chamber, on the way you’ll find a pair of lanterns thought to be identical to those hung in 1775.Boston is such a walkable city that you can stroll through its revolutionary beginnings. Among other things, you’ll find the only sculpture of George Washington in his best likeliness. ![]() A group of patriots freed Revere from his British guards, allowing him to help the Hancock family escape.Īside from the glorious folklore, the church is a creaky wooden wonder inside. But his compatriot William Dawes escaped and rode on to alarm the militia in Concord. ![]() Revere was captured on the road outside Lexington. Other riders (40) joined them to spread the message. Narrowly evading capture, Revere rode from Charlestown to Lexington, warning people along the way that British troops were coming. The troops planned to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock, who were in Lexington.Īccording to legend, Revere contacted Newman and asked him to hang two lanterns in the Old North Church, indicating that the British would arrive by sea. On April 18, 1775, Revere and another patriot William Dawes were given the task of riding to Lexington to alert patriots and militia that Redcoats would be marching into northwest Boston. Gorgeously restored interior of Old North Church Or a Revolutionary War walking tour that takes you chronologically through the sites. You can also book a guided walking tour that combines the Freedom Trail and historic Beacon Hill. You can walk and follow the Freedom Trail on your own. Most sites are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Old State House, Old South Meeting House, the Paul Revere House, and Old North Church all require paid tickets. Most of the stops on the Freedom Tail are free, though some charge admission. Pick up a map and guide at Faneuil Hall or the Boston Common Visitor Center at the beginning of the trail at 139 Tremont Street. You may consider breaking the Freedom Trail into two days and doing the Charlestown sites separately. You can walk the Freedom Trail in either direction.Ĭharlestown is a bit of a hike across the Charles River, away from most of the Freedom Trail sites. ![]() The trail begins in the Boston Common, the nation’s oldest park, and ends at Bunker Hill in beautiful Charlestown. Freedom Trail sign at Bunker Hill in Charlestown
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