Freedom Trail



The Freedom Trail is a 2.5 mi path through Boston that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. It winds from Boston Common in downtown Boston, to the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and a historic naval frigate. Most of the sites are free or suggest donations, although the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House charge admission. The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston's Freedom Trail Commission and is supported in part by grants from various non-profit organizations and foundations, private philanthropy, and Boston National Historical Park.

The Freedom Trail was conceived by journalist William Schofield in 1951, who suggested building a pedestrian trail to link important landmarks. Boston mayor John Hynes decided to put Schofield's idea into action. By 1953, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually.

The National Park Service operates a visitor's center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where they offer tours, provide free maps of the Freedom Trail and other historic sites, and sell books about Boston and United States history.

Some observers have noted the tendency of the Freedom Trail's narrative frame to omit certain historical locations, such as the sites of the Boston Tea Party and the Liberty Tree.

Official trail sites
The official trail sites are (generally from south-to-north): Notes: The Black Heritage Trail crosses the Freedom Trail between the Massachusetts State House and Park Street Church. The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is also located along the Freedom Trail, between the Old Corner Bookstore and the Old South Meeting House. The New England Holocaust Memorial is located a few steps off the Freedom Trail, just north of Faneuil Hall.
 * 1) Boston Common
 * 2) Massachusetts State House
 * 3) Park Street Church
 * 4) Granary Burying Ground
 * 5) King's Chapel and King's Chapel Burying Ground
 * 6) Boston Latin School Site/Statue of Benjamin Franklin
 * 7) Old Corner Bookstore
 * 8) Old South Meeting House
 * 9) Old State House
 * 10) Boston Massacre Site
 * 11) Faneuil Hall
 * 12) Paul Revere House
 * 13) Old North Church
 * 14) Copp's Hill Burying Ground
 * 15) USS Constitution
 * 16) Bunker Hill Monument