Boston boasts 400 years of history, which makes it a treasure trove for visitors interested in history and literature. You can visit where the American Revolution started or learn more about America’s early literary culture.
Faneuil Hall is one of the Freedom Trail’s premier historic sites, boasting both a meeting hall and marketplace dating back to 1742. Additionally, this building houses both a museum and gift shop.
The Old State House
The Old State House captures the essence of America’s revolutionary ideals through interactive exhibits that portray its founding events. Visitors can connect with our nation through these displays that illustrate its foundations.
On a snowy March night in 1770, this building witnessed the bloodshed that would come to be known as the Boston Massacre. Six years later on July 18, 1776, people gathered here for the first time to hear of Independence.
After the war, this building served as the seat of Massachusetts state government until 1798 when they relocated to Beacon Hill’s current State House. From 1830-1841 it also served as city hall of Boston before finally becoming a museum featuring replicas of original lion and unicorn statues that had been destroyed during 1776.
The USS Constitution
The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is one of the oldest commissioned warships ever constructed and has served in both World Wars – Revolution and 1812 before retiring from active service in 1844. A stop on Boston’s Freedom Trail.
This famous warship’s thick copper-coated hull, over two feet thick and protected against wood-boring crustaceans, gives her her distinctive name. Step aboard her and learn more about life on board during a visit to the museum!
The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum
An absolute must for history enthusiasts, this historic attraction boasts one of America’s premier collections of tea items and ceramics. Additionally, period pieces, fine silver pieces, original furnishings and architecture can also be appreciated at this museum.
Take a journey onboard a replica tea ship docked at Griffin’s Wharf for an enjoyable and educational experience! Guests will learn about the historic protest that marked the climax of the Revolutionary War; also watch holographic figures debating between American Patriot and British Loyalist views regarding whether or not the Tea Party should continue.
Trinity Church
Trinity Church in Boston is one of the city’s most iconic historical landmarks, having once served as a place of worship and tourism for President George Washington and other revolutionaries during the revolutionary war. Today, this beautiful building remains a major place of worship and tourism attraction.
At St. Agnes Church lies the final resting place of many notable people such as Alexander Hamilton and Robert Fulton. Visitors often place pennies on gravesites in hopes that it will bring good fortune.
The church was constructed on an area that eventually became Copley Square. This area is so significant to them that they dedicate an entire page on their website to it.
Paul Revere House
Paul Revere House is an essential stop on the Freedom Trail that offers an in-depth glimpse into life during 1770-1800 in America. Once used by Paul Revere as both workshop and residence for silversmithing work and living arrangements.
The home has been restored and opened as an educational and historical center. It showcases period pieces as well as silver that was created at its workshop.
Walking through this house gives visitors an understanding of Boston’s colonial past as the cobblestone streets transport them back in time. As one of the most visited stops along the Freedom Trail, this historic house brings out thousands of history lovers each year.
Bunker Hill Monument
Bunker Hill Monument marks a key battle in America’s Revolution. Situated on Charlestown Peninsula and dedicated to Revolutionary War heroes Dr. Joseph Warren and Colonel William Prescott.
The monument’s 294 spiraling steps offer breathtaking views of Charlestown and Boston, and also provide access to an interactive museum featuring exhibits that demonstrate its significance during the Battle of Bunker Hill.
This monument marked a first in American history: using an obelisk as its centerpiece. Obelisks had traditionally been used by Egyptians to mark graves; as democratic alternatives to monuments built to a single leader.
Old North Church
Old North Church stands as one of Boston’s most historic landmarks, as this was where Paul Revere flashed his lantern signal (one if by land, two if by sea) on April 18, 1775 to alert militias against British troop movements that kicked off the American Revolution.
Built in 1723 and serving an Anglican congregation similar to that found in England’s official Church of England, this church marked an abrupt change from early Massachusetts’ Puritan churches.
