Boston Freedom Trail Tours have been part of the tourist experience in Massachusetts since the 1950s, when the trail was first established. The pedestrianised route now stretches for around two and a half miles, and passes some 16 sites of historical interest, most of them related in some way to the tumultuous days of the American Revolution. This article will run down a few of the sites which visitors can see on the route.
The route begins at Boston Common, sometimes mistakenly referred to as 'Commons'. This park was established in the mid-17th century, in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States of America. Contained within the park is the Central Burying Ground, the home of graves of several prominent Americans, including poet Charles Sprague. Sprague's father, Samuel Sprague, participated in the American Revolution, and was at the Boston Tea Party.
The next site on the route is the Massachusetts State House, the main seat of state government in this part of the US. This building is known for its distinctive domed roof, which was coppered by the company belonging to the famous Paul Revere. A statue of Civil War General Joseph Hooker can also be seen outside of the building.
Following on from the State House, visitors can make their way past sites such as the Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground to the statue of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is one of America's most famous intellectuals, a polymath who combined a career in science with a career as a politician and diplomat during the early days of the American Republic. Close to the statue is the site of America's first public school, 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.
Another place along the trail which is intimately connected with the American War of Independence is the Faneuil Hall, a site where people have gathered socially and for market since the 1740s. Samuel Adams made many speeches here, when he was a fiery advocate of the cause of independence. The hall is sometimes referred to as the 'Cradle of Liberty', due to this long political association.
Most visitors end their walk along the trail with a visit to the USS Constitution, a heavy frigate which dates back to the 1790s. She saw service against the British Royal Navy in the War of 1812, and is now the oldest naval vessel, which is still commissioned and afloat, in the whole world. Her crew conduct tours for visitors, providing insight into the history of the US Navy.
These are just some of the sites which can be seen by visitors who enjoy Boston Freedom Trail tours. The walk is an illuminating journey through American history. Any visitor to this part of New England should make sure that they walk at least some of the route's length.
The route begins at Boston Common, sometimes mistakenly referred to as 'Commons'. This park was established in the mid-17th century, in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States of America. Contained within the park is the Central Burying Ground, the home of graves of several prominent Americans, including poet Charles Sprague. Sprague's father, Samuel Sprague, participated in the American Revolution, and was at the Boston Tea Party.
The next site on the route is the Massachusetts State House, the main seat of state government in this part of the US. This building is known for its distinctive domed roof, which was coppered by the company belonging to the famous Paul Revere. A statue of Civil War General Joseph Hooker can also be seen outside of the building.
Following on from the State House, visitors can make their way past sites such as the Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground to the statue of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is one of America's most famous intellectuals, a polymath who combined a career in science with a career as a politician and diplomat during the early days of the American Republic. Close to the statue is the site of America's first public school, 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.
Another place along the trail which is intimately connected with the American War of Independence is the Faneuil Hall, a site where people have gathered socially and for market since the 1740s. Samuel Adams made many speeches here, when he was a fiery advocate of the cause of independence. The hall is sometimes referred to as the 'Cradle of Liberty', due to this long political association.
Most visitors end their walk along the trail with a visit to the USS Constitution, a heavy frigate which dates back to the 1790s. She saw service against the British Royal Navy in the War of 1812, and is now the oldest naval vessel, which is still commissioned and afloat, in the whole world. Her crew conduct tours for visitors, providing insight into the history of the US Navy.
These are just some of the sites which can be seen by visitors who enjoy Boston Freedom Trail tours. The walk is an illuminating journey through American history. Any visitor to this part of New England should make sure that they walk at least some of the route's length.
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