If you read last week’s post, you already have a good idea of what the Freedom Trail entails. A friend and I were whisked along by a tour guide from the Freedom Trail Foundation. We enjoyed his passionate storytelling so much, that we decided to purchase tickets for the second half of the tour.
Note: these tours are perfectly interesting as stand-alone activities! So if you’re not up for as much walking, or don’t have as much time, I would recommend the standard Walk Into History tour is a great option. (The North End Tour definitely covered less ground than the first, as the more distant Charlestown sites aren’t included.)
After a stop across from the Revere house, we walked to the Old North Church. From its steeple Robert Newman lit the two lanterns on the infamous night in April, 1775. Unfortunately, Redcoats saw those warning lanterns too. The outline of a bricked-in window is still visible where Newman supposedly escaped from on his way out of the church tower.
At the base of Old North Church is a small shop where you can witness the laborious process of 18th century chocolate making. Take a peek! The cacao seeds are ground against a semi-J-shaped stone board. Eventually they yield a soft chocolaty paste that would taste absolutely horrible without sugar. And if you want, you can buy a little bag of historical chocolate, yum!
Our last stop was the Copps Hill Burying Ground. There a gravestone with bullet marks reminds you that this wasn’t always a peaceful place. Up a hill (surprise!), the burying ground is quiet and once overlooked the water, but trees and houses now block the view.
Once Thomas/Crean wrapped up the tour, we were on our own. The Freedom Trail Foundation doesn’t provide tours for the Charlestown portion of the trail since there are only two stops there. However, we were in for the long haul.
On our way over, we stumbled across a small park. In its center was a stone outline of an old structure. A signboard nearby distinguished it as the Great House/Three Cranes Tavern.
Small inset metal signs label the various parts of the house: kitchen, front door, post hole. The archaeological dig that led to its discovery was interesting. Crazy how history is everywhere – this wasn’t on the Freedom Trail.
Our next stop was the Bunker Hill Monument. But before we braved the stairs, we explored its museum. Located just across the street, this (air-conditioned) space is run by the National Park Service. It’s a great stop to learn some fun facts about the monument–a contest was even held for the design, and there are drawings of the rejected ideas.
There are two floors of exhibits. My favorite part was a map of Boston. Lit from the back, you could see which parts of the city have been filled in by humans. Pretty incredible! Boston looked totally different 250 years ago. The Boston Neck, on the left of the map, is completely nonexistent now, but made it easy to control who came and went during the occupation of Boston.
Refreshed, we started across the street after refilling our water bottle. If you get easily claustrophobic or dizzy, I don’t recommend ascending the Bunker Hill Monument. Even though there are a lot of stairs, the view at the top is totally worth it. Plus, you get to brag that you made it to the top ;P
After our climb, we walked to our final stop: the USS Constitution and museum. The famous ship, nicknamed Old Ironsides, sits in the Boston Harbor and its museum is very interactive. There were tons of unique exhibits, like building a digital battleship that is both fast and strong. The museum is especially great for groups with kids – but no less interesting for adults.
Don’t forget to actually go on the ship itself! It’s hard to imagine spending long stints of time in the low-ceilinged quarters below decks, but the craftsmanship on board is wonderful. Exploring the ship gives you a real glimpse of what it must’ve been like to live and fight on board.
Note: if you’re heading home using the train system, there’s a T station within close walking distance of the USS Constitution.
I’m so glad I was able to walk the entire freedom trail! It’s a great way to see Boston and definitely can be an all day event.
Before you go, make sure you download the app! There are lots of resources to make the excursion as inexpensive as you like. The Freedom Trail should be on your bucket list whether you’re a resident or tourist: you really get to know the history of Boston through it.
Boston National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Boston National Historical Park Massachusetts Discover how one city could be the Cradle of Liberty, site of the first major battle of American Revolution, and home to many who espoused that freedom can be extended to all. Plan your visit to a city with over three centuries of revolution.
| The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. Freedom Trail Sites The Freedom Trail Foundation’s most popular tour highlights the revolutionary history that took place at 11 of the 16 official Freedom Trail historic sites.
Old City Hall
For more than 120 years, Boston’s leaders have met in this historic area of the city. It was home to Boston’s first public school attended by Ben Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams, and it served as City Hall for 38 mayors, including John Fitzgerald and James Curley.
The Old North Church
Founded in 1722, Christ Church in the City of Boston, known as the Old North Church, is Boston’s oldest surviving church and most visited historical site.
Home – USS Constitution Museum
The USS Constitution Museum has a suggested admission of: USS Constitution (the Ship) is free to visit and requires a photo I.D. for those 18 or older. Set sail for adventure and discover the history of “Old Ironsides” – the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world – with interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, and a vast collection of artifacts that is fun for all ages.
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