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.
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.
After the Common, many visitors will head on to see the Massachusetts State House, which functions as the centre of state government in Massachusetts. Its domed roof is a talking point, as it was worked on and coppered by the company which belonged to the legendary Paul Revere. Civil War US General Joseph Hooker is also commemorated in an equestrian statue outside the building.
While some visitors may then want to stop and see sites like the Granary Burying Ground or the Park Street Church, others will be more drawn to the Benjamin Franklin statue. Franklin was a polymathic intellectual, and one of the the most iconic figures of the nascent United States. Perhaps appropriately, his statue is also close to 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.
Faneuil Hall is another site on the trail which is strongly linked with the historical events leading up the Revolution. This site has been a meeting placer since the 1740s, as well as being the site of a regular market, and was where figures such as Samuel Adams made their speeches advocating breaking the link with Great Britain. The building is sometimes nicknamed 'the Cradle of Liberty' for this reason.
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.
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.
After the Common, many visitors will head on to see the Massachusetts State House, which functions as the centre of state government in Massachusetts. Its domed roof is a talking point, as it was worked on and coppered by the company which belonged to the legendary Paul Revere. Civil War US General Joseph Hooker is also commemorated in an equestrian statue outside the building.
While some visitors may then want to stop and see sites like the Granary Burying Ground or the Park Street Church, others will be more drawn to the Benjamin Franklin statue. Franklin was a polymathic intellectual, and one of the the most iconic figures of the nascent United States. Perhaps appropriately, his statue is also close to 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.
Faneuil Hall is another site on the trail which is strongly linked with the historical events leading up the Revolution. This site has been a meeting placer since the 1740s, as well as being the site of a regular market, and was where figures such as Samuel Adams made their speeches advocating breaking the link with Great Britain. The building is sometimes nicknamed 'the Cradle of Liberty' for this reason.
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.
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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