Boston is a vibrant city that has delightfully combined her venerable history with today’s contemporary  lifestyle. The Freedom Trail is a collection of 16 historic sites that tell of Boston’s role in the Revolutionary War. Bostonian preservationists have worked hard to save the collection of churches, burying grounds, meeting houses, homes, businesses, and even a ship. The 18^th century sites are nestled in between soaring modern-day buildings, but the juxtaposition only serves to highlight the historic value of the preservation efforts. The Freedom Trail Foundation provides preservation funding and educational material so that over three million people each year can learn about the ideals of freedom of speech, religion, and government that was the foundation of our great country.

The Freedom Trail is a three-mile walking route that runs right through the heart of the modern city. It begins at Boston Common, the oldest public park in America. A red brick line guides the way from site to site, so it is very easy to stroll along with a guidebook. For an escorted walking tour, costumed interpreters guide groups for $6 – 12 per person. Tickets and guidebooks are available at the information center at the beginning of the trail.

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The Freedom Trail continues past the Massachusetts State House. Built in 1798 on land that was originally John Hancock’s cow pasture, Bostonians refer to this building as the “new” State House. The Park Street Church has been a bastion of human rights and social justice for 200 years and next door is the Granary Burying Ground where many of Boston’s most famous residents lie. An older church, the King’s Chapel & Burying Ground is the final resting place of the first woman to step off of the Mayflower.

Next the Freedom Trail takes visitors to the original site of the Boston Latin School, America’s oldest public school. Expansion of the Kings Chapel necessitated a move to a different location, and it is still in operation. The original site is commemorated by a statue of its most notable dropout, Benjamin Franklin.

The Old Corner Bookstore, the Old South Meeting House, and the Old State House are important sites of Boston’s commercial, civic, and political history. The planning of the Boston Tea Party and the very first discussions of independence occurred under these roofs. The unrest grew and confrontations with the British resulted in the Boston Massacre, also commemorated along the trail.

Faneuil Hall, the location of political debate and town meetings still serves the same functions. The oldest building in downtown Boston, dating back to 1680 is the home of Paul Revere. It was from this house he left on his famous midnight ride. But first he arranged for the signal lanterns to be hung in the steeple of the Old North Church, which is still an active Episcopal church on the Freedom Trail.

The Freedom Trail crosses the Charles River for a stop at the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. The USS Constitution, known fondly as Old Ironsides, went into service in 1797. Tours are available at no charge and she still sails six to eight times a year into Boston Harbor. The final site is the Bunker Hill Monument, a granite obelisk built in honor of the first major battle of the Revolutionary War.

The Freedom Trail is a testament to the people and places that played a part in the struggle for independence. It was here that the Sons of Liberty laid the foundation for the democracy and freedom that we enjoy today. The Freedom Trail is a wonderful resource for adults and children, Americans and visitors to learn about the very beginnings of democracy in the US.