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Walk in the Footsteps of American Revolutionaries on the Freedom Trail in Boston
Published by Megan Eaves, Writer
Country: United States 
The Experience
Boston is probably the best place in the U.S. to explore American revolutionary history, primarily because most of the events took place in and around Massachusetts. The first shots between British troops and American militia were fired at Lexington and Concord, two towns just outside the city, and many of the country's first subversive meetings of government occurred in sly buildings along Boston's cobbled streets.
Today, you can actively participate in this revolutionary history by walking the Freedom Trail, a brick line walking tour through Boston's most famous places, many of which were important sites during the American Revolutionary War. Starting at Boston Common (America's oldest public park) the Freedom Trail winds its way through downtown Boston, passing 16 official sites which make up an interactive, indoor/outdoor museum.
Included along the Boston Freedom Trail walk are some of America's oldest and most beloved Colonial buildings, including the Old South Meeting House where the Boston Tea Party reputedly had its beginnings; and Paul Revere's House, which was the starting point for his momentous ride. The USS Constitution frigate (more fondly known as Old Ironsides from the poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes), is now a museum.
The Freedom Trail crisscrosses through Boston, finally making its way out to Bunker Hill Monument in nearby Charlestown, which commemorates an outpost where American militia were overtaken by British troops.
Walking the Boston Freedom Trail is like perusing an interactive history museum. The feeling of stepping into the same buildings, cemeteries and houses where revolutionaries once fought, gives you a truly impressive sense of what the American Revolution was all about.
When to Go to Freedom Trail
Of course, you don't have to walk the entire course of the Freedom Trail. Most of the 16 Freedom Trail stops are located in and around downtown Boston, as well as the North End, and are walkable in just a few hours. Only the Bunker Hill Monument and the USS Constitution are across the river in Charlestown.
The best place to start walking the Freedom Trail is at the Visitor Information Center in Boston Common, which is where the red line begins. Simply follow the red line (which at times is painted and at other times is brick) as it winds through the city.
Odds n' Ends
The winding stone streets and inviting redbrick facades of Beantown beg to be explored on foot.
Want a Guide?
- Freedom Trail Foundation
- Walk Into History along the famous red line with an 18th Century Costumed Guide. Hear the tales of the brave Bostonians and Colonialists who dared to challenge Britain and helped establish the greatest republic in the world.
- Boston By Foot
- This walking tour of the Freedom Trail in downtown Boston begins with the establishment of Boston in 1630. The story of Boston is told while experiencing architecture spanning more than 3 centuries. The story begins with the Puritan settlement, continues through the American Revolution and the growth of commercial Boston, to present day.
- Histrionic Academy: Walk to Independence
- Join the Histrionic Academy for an amazing adventure through Colonial Boston.
Places to Eat
- Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market
- It's the seat of American history and the site of one of America's most famous shopping and dining experiences, Faneuil Hall Marketplace. For over 250 years, the marketplace has played an integral role in the life of Boston's residents. So if you are ready to see, taste, and touch a true Boston experience, come to the historic and exciting Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
- Legal Seafoods
- Originally started as a fish market, Legal Seafoods is a Boston institution.
- Boston Beer Works
- Restaurant and brewery serving American food and various micro-brews.
Recommended Places to Stay
- Copley Square Hotel
- A Distinctly Individual Boston Boutique Hotel.
- Commonwealth Court Guesthouse
- Commonwealth Court Guest House is a turn of the century European style brownstone where the grace and splendor of the yesteryear remains.
- Hostelling International Boston Downtown
- HI-Boston, in downtown Back Bay, is close to the best museums and night spots in the city. Enjoy FREE daily programs, tours, plays, films, concerts or museum admissions.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
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More Experiences Nearby
- Faneuil Hall's Vibrant Bostonian Charm
- If there is one word to describe Faneuil Hall, then “alive” would have to be it. The marketplace is renowned as an inviting, vibrant destination. If you make it to Boston, you just have to see Faneuil Hall. The atmosphere around the 1742 building is distinctly Bostonian: bright, friendly and fun. One reason for this could be the rich history that occurred at Faneuil Hall. Faneuil Hall was built by Peter Faneuil, a wealthy Bostonian merchant, and given as a gift to the city. Highlights of the Hall’s history include Samuel Adams’s rally against dependence on the commonwealth, George Washington’s ...0 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
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