Boston is steeped in history, as evidenced by its many historic sites spread throughout downtown. They form part of the Freedom Trail which was established through legislative action in 1974.
Visit Bunker Hill Monument and Museum to gain more insight into one of the earliest battles during the Revolutionary War. Additionally, nearby USS Constitution offers breathtaking views, offering visitors a climbing pass for amazing vistas from its 221-foot landmark.
Faneuil Hall
Faneuil Hall has long been one of the hallmarks of Boston’s historic Freedom Trail, serving as both a marketplace and meeting hall since 1742. A popular meeting place among colonial activists fighting British taxes and war, Samuel Adams made multiple visits here to advocate independence from Britain.
In the 19th century, this site became an arena for discussions regarding slavery and women’s rights. Abolitionists were particularly vocal here and put pressure on local authorities not to enforce national fugitive slave laws.
At this site is also the Old North Church, best known for Paul Revere’s midnight ride to alert British soldiers of their impending arrival. Visitors are welcome to explore its self-guided tours as well as explore its crypt.
Bunker Hill Monument and Museum
The monument to the misnamed Battle of Bunker Hill can be found along Boston’s Freedom Trail and is an essential site in American Revolution history. Here was where Paul Revere sent out his midnight ride to signal British troops arriving and where their 221-foot granite obelisk is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; additionally there is also an adjacent two-story museum which contains dioramas, murals and actual weapons used during battle as part of this complex.
An area cemetery contains the final resting places of several notable colonial figures, while Charlestown Navy Yard houses USS Constitution for tours. Paul Revere’s House (built around 1680), part of Boston National Historical Park and part of Freedom Trail is also nearby.
Old South Meeting House
Old South Meeting House can be found along the red line of Boston’s Freedom Trail and serves as an active church, National Historic Landmark and museum dedicated to upholding ideals of free speech. It was the site where massive protest meetings in 1773 that led to the Boston Tea Party were held and where Paul Revere hung lanterns to signal his “One if by land, two if by sea” ride to inform others about British troop movements before Lexington and Concord battles began.
Old South was a gathering spot for larger public meetings that couldn’t fit inside Faneuil Hall, such as more inclusive public forums that took place here. Old South became the scene of heated debates over British policies that turned violent protests, such as when Samuel Adams gave the signal for throwing 342 crates of tea into Boston Harbor. Additionally, Phillis Wheatley (the first published black poet) stands here today while John Hancock used its portable writing desk during the Revolution.
Old State House
The Old State House in downtown Boston is one of the city’s most notable historical landmarks, constructed in 1713 on the site of an earlier Town House that had been destroyed by fire in 1711. Over time, it became a center for civic and political life within Colonial America.
At Boston Common, many key events that led to the American Revolution took place. March 5, 1770 marked an inflection point towards independence from Britain; then, on July 18, 1776, when reading of the Declaration of Independence took place from its balcony and torn-down and burned by patriots symbolising royal authority were displayed upon it – this landmark structure has played an instrumental role.
Visits to the Old State House can provide visitors with an engaging glimpse of our nation’s rich history, which is why this landmark is included on the Freedom Trail tour that highlights 16 sites relevant to America’s fight for freedom against Britain.
