Boston Freedom Trail Tours have been a feature of life in New England since the 1950s, when moves were made to link the city's various historical sites with a two and a half mile pedestrian trail. There are 16 sites in total along the route, almost all of them relating in some way to the American Revolution. This article will provide a quick run-down of some of the sites which visitors can see along the route.
Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, is where the majority of visitors begin their walk along the route. Sometimes mistakenly called 'Commons', this park opened its gates for the first time in 1634, and now houses the Central Burying Ground. Here, visitors can see the graves of local luminaries such as poet Charles Sprague, as well as that of his father, Samuel.
After taking in the Common, the Massachusetts State House is the usual next port of call along the trail. This building is the main centre for state government in Massachusetts, and possesses a domed roof, which was fitted with copper by a company which was owned by the famous American Revolutionary, Paul Revere. Visitors can also see a statue of American Civil War General Joseph Hooker on his horse, outside the building.
The Granary Burying Ground and the Park Street Church are also located along the route, but perhaps of more interest to many people is the statue of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is an American icon, an intellectual whose talents encompassed sicence and politics at the time of the birth of the nation. Close by his statue is the first public school in the United States, the Boston Latin School.
The route also takes in the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, when British soldiers fired on a rioting crowd just before the American Revolution. While contemporary evidence suggests that the soldiers' behaviour was not egregious by the moral standards of the day, the incident was used as propaganda by the revolutionaries. The soldiers were placed in an invidious position, and the incident became a part of American legend.
Many visitors to the route are also drawn to Faneuil Hall, which has been a meeting place and market since the mid-18th century. Often referred to as the 'Cradle of Liberty', it was here that many American political figures, like Samuel Adams, for example, made speeches calling for an end to the link with Great Britain. It is now a site of historical curiosity, significant to the development of the USA as a nation.
The tour usually concludes at the USS Constitution, now the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Launched in 1797, this heavy frigate served with distinction in the War of 1812 against the British. The crew of the ship provide free tours to visitors, something which offers superb insight into the history of the US Navy.
This is a very brief outline of just some of the sites which can be seen on Boston Freedom Trail Tours. All of the sites can provide great insights into American Revolutionary history. Whether it is the Franklin statue, or the USS Constitution, there is plenty to be learned.
Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States, is where the majority of visitors begin their walk along the route. Sometimes mistakenly called 'Commons', this park opened its gates for the first time in 1634, and now houses the Central Burying Ground. Here, visitors can see the graves of local luminaries such as poet Charles Sprague, as well as that of his father, Samuel.
After taking in the Common, the Massachusetts State House is the usual next port of call along the trail. This building is the main centre for state government in Massachusetts, and possesses a domed roof, which was fitted with copper by a company which was owned by the famous American Revolutionary, Paul Revere. Visitors can also see a statue of American Civil War General Joseph Hooker on his horse, outside the building.
The Granary Burying Ground and the Park Street Church are also located along the route, but perhaps of more interest to many people is the statue of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is an American icon, an intellectual whose talents encompassed sicence and politics at the time of the birth of the nation. Close by his statue is the first public school in the United States, the Boston Latin School.
The route also takes in the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, when British soldiers fired on a rioting crowd just before the American Revolution. While contemporary evidence suggests that the soldiers' behaviour was not egregious by the moral standards of the day, the incident was used as propaganda by the revolutionaries. The soldiers were placed in an invidious position, and the incident became a part of American legend.
Many visitors to the route are also drawn to Faneuil Hall, which has been a meeting place and market since the mid-18th century. Often referred to as the 'Cradle of Liberty', it was here that many American political figures, like Samuel Adams, for example, made speeches calling for an end to the link with Great Britain. It is now a site of historical curiosity, significant to the development of the USA as a nation.
The tour usually concludes at the USS Constitution, now the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Launched in 1797, this heavy frigate served with distinction in the War of 1812 against the British. The crew of the ship provide free tours to visitors, something which offers superb insight into the history of the US Navy.
This is a very brief outline of just some of the sites which can be seen on Boston Freedom Trail Tours. All of the sites can provide great insights into American Revolutionary history. Whether it is the Franklin statue, or the USS Constitution, there is plenty to be learned.
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