The Freedom Trail is a three-mile, red-painted or brick-marked path, connecting Boston's historic sights from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. Free maps, brochures, and information are available at the Boston Common Visitor Center.
America's oldest public park was set aside in 1634 as a military training ground and common pasture land. Part of Frederick Law Olmstead's Emerald Necklace, the Boston Common has always been a park where the people of Boston can convene for everything from rallies to recreation.
Bunker Hill Monument
This 221-foot obelisk commemorates the 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill, the first major battle in Boston. At the top of the 294 steps to the observatory you'll have a spectacular view of Boston and the Harbor Islands.
Copps Hill Burying Ground
This cemetery, established in the 1660's, was used by the British in 1775 to train cannons. Edward Hartt, builder of the U.S.S. Constitution, and Boston minister Cotton Mather are buried here.
A gift in 1742 from Peter Faneuil, the hall was built as a town meeting place and public market. It was here in 1772 that Sam Adams first suggested that the colonies unite against the British. Today, it still serves as a meeting place and public market, and also houses several shops.
Kings Chapel and Burying Ground
Boston's first Anglican church (now Unitarian) was founded in 1686. William Dawes (the "other" man on the midnight ride to Lexington) and Mary Chilton (the first pilgrim to set foot on Plymoth Rock) are buried here.
Old North Church, Christ Church
Built in 1723, "Old North" is Boston's oldest church building. On April 18, 1775, two lanterns displayed in the steeple signaled that the British troops were proceeding to Lexington "by sea".
Old South Meeting House
Built in 1729 as a Puritan meetinghouse, this was the site of the famous meeting on December 16, 1773, where Bostonians gathered to discuss the British tax on tea.
Old State House
Built in 1713, the Old State House once held early state governments and British Royal offices. Offering exhibits of the city from the Revolutionary War era up to the 20th century.
Park Street Church
William Lloyd Garrison gave his first anti-slavery address here in 1829. This is also where the hymn "America" was sung publicly in 1831, for the first time.
Paul Revere House
Built in 1680, this is the oldest house still standing in Boston. Silversmith Paul Revere bought it in 1770. Visit to find out what really happened on his famous midnight ride.
The "new" State House, designed by Charles Bullfinch and completed in 1798, features a 23-karat gold dome with an under-layer of copper installed by Paul Revere.
The world's oldest commissioned warship is a 52-gun frigate that never lost a battle. She's called "Old Ironsides" because cannonballs bounced off her thick oak sides.