Boston is packed with much of the earliest and richest history of the United States. Here one can see a range of historic attractions including the Plymouth open-air museum and the Mayflower replica. Another great place to learn about the United State's earliest history is the "Historic Triangle" in Virginia.

The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long path running through Boston. It boasts 16 locations of significance to the history of the nation. The trail is marked with brick and starts in downtown Boston and ends in Bunkerhill in Charlestown. Bunkerhill is the site of the first major battle between the British and the Colonial forces at the start of the War of Independence.

The Historic Sites Of The Freedom Trail

Along the way, one will explore museums, burial grounds, the oldest frigate in the US Navy (staffed with real naval personnel), meetinghouses, and more. One will learn about the 250 years of history here while discovering the American War of Independence as it began in Boston.

Most of the sites along the way are either free or just have suggested donations. The attractions include:

  • Boston Common: America's Oldest Public Park Est. 1634
  • Massachusetts State House: Has Served as the Seat of the Massachusetts Government Since 1798 And Holds The Legislative and Executive Branches
  • Park Street Church: Founded In 1809, Was Once The First Landmark People Would See When Traveling to Boston
  • Granary Burying Ground: Est. 1660 A Historic Burial Ground With Some of America's Most Notable Citizens
  • King's Chapel & King's Chapel Burying Ground: Founded in 1686 As Boston's First Anglican Church. Boston's Oldest English Burying Ground
  • Boston Latin School: Found 1635, The Oldest Public School In The USA, A Statue of Benjamin Franklin Marks The Location of the Orginal Schoolhouse
  • Old South Meeting House: This Is Were The Boston Tea Party Began
  • Old State House: The Oldest Surviving Public Building In Boston Built in 1713
  • Boston Massacre Site: Where Boston Residents Clashed With British Soldiers In 1770
  • USS Constitution: The USS Constitution Is One of The Original Six Frigates of The United States Navy and Is The Oldest Commissioned Warship Still In The US Navy (Although HMS Victory is Older In The Royal Navy)
  • Other Sites: Old Corner Bookstore, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, Bunker Hill Monument, and Copp's Hill Burying Ground

The USS Constitution

The USS Constitution is a particular attraction along the route - including the adjacent museum and the other World War Two era museum ship nearby. The USS Constitution remains a commissioned warship of the United States Navy and her crew is members of the United States Navy.

  • Launched: 1797
  • Oldest: She Is the Oldest Commissioned Ship In The United State Navy

She was launched in Boston in 1797 and had a very successful career and earned herself the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when she defeated the British frigate HMS Guerriere.

Some of her sister frigates were not so fortunate in their careers. One was eventually scuttled by the Confederates, while two were taken as prices by the Royal Navy. One of which was the USS President which went on to become the HMS President.

Related: Boston Vs. New York City: Which One Is Better For A Weekend Getaway?

Walk Into History Tour

Along the route, one can participate in and enjoy many immersive programs and activities. These include public and private walking tours led by guides in 18th century costumed, self-guided tours, and the National Park Service's Park Rangers. This Walk into History tour departs on select days and lasts around 90 minutes. It is the Freedom Trail Foundation's most popular tour and delves into the history of what took place at 11 of the 16 official historic sites. On this tour, one will experience the stories of the War of Independence and the history of peoples that have been traditionally underrepresented. It covers a distance of 1 mile or 1.6 kilometers.
  • Depart: Boston Common Visitor Information Center
  • Times: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.
  • Duration: 90 Minutes
  • Price: Adult $16.00, Child $8.00 (Aged 6 to 12)
Related: St. Augustine: Visiting The First European Settlement In The U.S.