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What Sites Can Visitors See On Boston Freedom Trail Tours

By Marissa Velazquez


Boston Freedom Trail Tours have been a feature of life in New England since the 1950s, when moves were made to link the city's various historical sites with a two and a half mile pedestrian trail. There are 16 sites in total along the route, almost all of them relating in some way to the American Revolution. This article will provide a quick run-down of some of the sites which visitors can see along the route.

The route begins at Boston Common, sometimes mistakenly referred to as 'Commons'. This park was established in the mid-17th century, in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States of America. Contained within the park is the Central Burying Ground, the home of graves of several prominent Americans, including poet Charles Sprague. Sprague's father, Samuel Sprague, participated in the American Revolution, and was at the Boston Tea Party.

After the Common, many visitors will head on to see the Massachusetts State House, which functions as the centre of state government in Massachusetts. Its domed roof is a talking point, as it was worked on and coppered by the company which belonged to the legendary Paul Revere. Civil War US General Joseph Hooker is also commemorated in an equestrian statue outside the building.

Following on from the State House, visitors can make their way past sites such as the Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground to the statue of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is one of America's most famous intellectuals, a polymath who combined a career in science with a career as a politician and diplomat during the early days of the American Republic. Close to the statue is the site of America's first public school, the Boston Latin School.

The route also takes in the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, when British soldiers fired on a rioting crowd just before the American Revolution. While contemporary evidence suggests that the soldiers' behaviour was not egregious by the moral standards of the day, the incident was used as propaganda by the revolutionaries. The soldiers were placed in an invidious position, and the incident became a part of American legend.

Many visitors to the route are also drawn to Faneuil Hall, which has been a meeting place and market since the mid-18th century. Often referred to as the 'Cradle of Liberty', it was here that many American political figures, like Samuel Adams, for example, made speeches calling for an end to the link with Great Britain. It is now a site of historical curiosity, significant to the development of the USA as a nation.

The great ship, the USS Consitution, is usually the end point of the route for the majority of visitors. This fine ship is a heavy frigate, which saw commendable action against the Royal Navy in the War of 1812, fought against the British. She was first launched in 1797, and is fully crewed by the US Navy, with the crew conducting tours of the vessel.

These are just some of the sites which can be seen by visitors who enjoy Boston Freedom Trail tours. The walk is an illuminating journey through American history. Any visitor to this part of New England should make sure that they walk at least some of the route's length.




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