Boston is home to many historic spots that draw large crowds, such as Old North Church, Paul Revere House, Bunker Hill Monument and Faneuil Hall – sites which make up part of the Freedom Trail and can be found throughout Boston.
As the Cradle of Liberty, this area was often used by prominent figures like Sam Adams for commerce, meetings and political demonstrations. With its cobblestone streets dating back two centuries, walking around this neighborhood will transport you right back in time.
Boston Common
Boston Common is one of America’s oldest and most beloved parks, boasting an illuminating history that explores conservation efforts, landscape architecture techniques and military and political activity in Massachusetts.
Boston residents were the first to purchase what is now called Boston Common in 1634 for two shillings and sixpence per head to allow their cattle graze on its rolling hills and ponds, under watchful supervision by a town shepherd.
As time passed, the Common transformed from a utilitarian space for grazing and militia formations into a center for leisure and public assembly. People flocked here to hear Charles Lindbergh promote commercial aviation; protest the Vietnam War and civil rights issues; attend papal mass in North America for the first time; or just relax on its grassy hills. Today it continues this higher purpose as an arena for free speech and democracy.
Paul Revere House
Paul Revere House stands as Boston’s oldest residential building still standing and was home to silversmith Paul Revere himself; today it serves as an important stop on the Freedom Trail.
This two-story dwelling was meticulously renovated to look much as it did during its original use in late 17th century America. Prior to Revere settling here, this structure served as a merchant’s house; later it became a tavern, cigar factory, and rooming house for immigrants.
Revere used this house as the starting point for his midnight ride to warn Charlestown Patriots of British troops approaching, as well as serving as bell and cannon foundry on Boston’s waterfront, paper printing plant and first copper rolling mill in America.
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall was used during the War of 1812 as a spy-detection facility, most notably when Samuel Adams delivered his moving speech following the Boston Massacre.
Today, this building remains a crucial landmark on the Freedom Trail and frequently serves as a site of events hosted by Sons of Liberty to protest Townshend Acts and Redcoat occupation.
Peter Faneuil was responsible for funding this building; he amassed his fortune through the Triangle Trade – shipping enslaved people from Africa to West Indies as cargo and returning with molasses and sugar for American consumption. Faneuil played an influential role in Boston society and was involved in various social issues such as antislavery movements.
Boston Lighthouse
In the 1700s, Boston Harbor was Britain’s busiest North American port; but shifting tides exposed deadly rocks and shoals. To ensure mariners safely entered Boston Harbor, Massachusetts lawmakers approved construction of Little Brewster Island Lighthouse which guided mariners.
On a 2-acre rocky island located off of Cape Cod Bay in Massachusetts lies an 18th-century lighthouse built in 1716 that remains virtually untouched today, even though repairs and renovations have taken place throughout its existence. Designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Sally Snowman, the first civilian keeper and first woman ever appointed as lighthouse keeper in its storied history, can quickly list off all components of the station such as its boat house, oil house, keeper’s house, cistern building, fog signal etc. She can also enumerate past keepers who have signed their signatures onto its granite walls.
Old State House
Old State House was an integral part of the American Revolution and became the seat of Massachusetts government until 1798 when the new state government relocated to Beacon Hill. Subsequent to World War I, its use diversified with offices, stores, and even serving as Boston City Hall during certain parts of its lifespan (such as 1830s).
Plaques placed beneath the building’s balcony mark the spot where British soldiers fired into a crowd of colonists, killing five individuals in what is known as the Boston Massacre. One year later, this same location hosted another more joyous event: reading of the Declaration of Independence to Bostonians for the first time; later that same month, statues representing royal power such as lion and unicorn statues were removed and burned as part of protest against British control of Boston.
