Since 1958, Boston tourists have taken a self-guided tour of one of America’s most historic cities by simply following a red line on the sidewalk. That red line connects sixteen sites on the Freedom Trail. By following this two-and-a-half-mile red brick trail, you travel back into America’s early history.

Boston Common

The tour begins at Boston Common, forty-four acres of open land and America’s oldest public park. Originally used as a common grazing area for livestock owned by the townspeople, the Common later became a training field for the militia and, during the occupation of Boston, a British Army camp. The Common has hosted hangings, duels, public celebrations, and political speeches but is now enjoying a quieter time as a fine place for a picnic.

The State House

The first building on the Freedom Trail is the State House. John Hancock’s cow pasture became the home of the State House in 1798. It was acclaimed as one of the more magnificent buildings in the country. Although the dome is now covered in 23 carat gold leaf, it began as a wooden dome and was later covered with copper to prevent leakage. The golden dome now tops the building which houses the seat of Massachusetts' state government. The State house is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Black Heritage Trail

An interesting and educational side trip is the Black Heritage Trail which intersects the Freedom Trail. On Beacon Hill, you will see the Robert Gould Shaw/54th Massachusetts Regiment Memorial which marks the intersection of the Freedom Trail and The Black Heritage Trail. The Black Heritage Trail recounts the early history of Boston's African-American community.

The Park Street Church

The second building along the Freedom Trail is the Park Street Church. This is the location where, in 1829, William Lloyd Garrison made his first public address of note against slavery. On July 4, 1831, the song "America," well known as “My Country 'Tis of Thee,” was first sung at this church. The Park Street Church still has regular weekly services. Summer worship services are held on Sundays at 10:45 am and 5:30 pm and winter worship services are held on Sundays 8:30 am, 11:00 am, 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm

The Granary Burying Ground

The next stop is the Granary Burying Ground which is the final resting place for many of America’s well-known patriots such as Samuel Adams, Peter Faneuil, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. The Granary Burying Ground is open daily 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

King’s Chapel

The next stop is King’s Chapel. The building of King's Chapel began in 1688 by the Royal Governor. He had to build it on the town burial ground because nobody would sell him land to build a non-Puritan church. The interior of King’s Chapel is considered the finest example of Georgian church architecture in North America. The chapel is open in summer on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In winter, it is only open on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Services are Wednesdays at 12:15 pm and Sundays at 11:00am. Concerts are held every Tuesday at 12:15 pm and Sunday at 5:00 pm.

King's Chapel Burying Ground

The King's Chapel Burying Ground was Boston's only burying place for nearly 30 years. Some of Massachusetts Bay Colony's finest citizens rest here. John Winthrop, the Colony's first governor; William Dawes, Jr., who rode with Paul Revere to Lexington and Concord; and Mary Chilton, the first woman to step off the Mayflower in Plymouth Colony, are just a few of the early settlers resting here. The burying ground is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The Old City Hall

The Old City Hall is the next stop on the trail. Outside the Old City Hall is a statue of Benjamin Franklin. While you’re there, take a moment to notice the plaque below it to mark the site of the country’s first Public School, Boston Latin.

The Old Corner Bookstore

The Old Corner Bookstore Building is the next stop. It was a thriving literary center in the mid-1800s. It is open in winter Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 9:30 am to 5:00pm.

The Old South Meeting House

The Old South Meeting House is a must see. Much history has been made within the walls of the Old South Meeting House. This building began as a Puritan house of worship. This is the building from which a group of outraged citizens, led by Samuel Adams, began the Boston Tea Party. Inside, you will find a permanent display entitled "Voices of Protest" which tells the story of the people and oratory that have made history here. The Old South Meeting House is open daily from November to March from 10:00 am to 4:00pm and April through October from 9:30 am to 5:00pm.

The Old State House

The next stop is the Old State House. This building began as the British governing headquarters in Boston. In 1770, the Boston Massacre took place just outside the doors of the Old State House. The actual site of the massacre is now marked by a ring of cobblestones acting as a traffic island. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to the people of Boston from the balcony of the Old State House. Today, this building holds a museum of Boston history. The Old State House Museum is only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. All other days, it is open from 9:00 am to 5:00pm.

Faneuil Hall

A perfect stop for lunch and a little shopping is the next building on the Freedom Trail. Faneuil Hall was built in 1742 by Peter Faneuil and given to the town. For over 250 years, Faneuil Hall has been a meeting and market place for the people of Boston. The first floor served as the marketplace for local merchants to sell their goods. It is still used for that purpose today. Faneuil Hall is an excellent stop on the Freedom Trail for lunch. The second floor served as the town meeting hall where the people of Boston declared "No taxation without representation." This is also the location where Wendell Philips, William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglas spoke to the people of Boston about abolition. Faneuil Hall is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and historical talks begin every thirty minutes from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.

Paul Revere’s House

Late one night in 1775, a silversmith left his warm hearth to ride as far and as fast as he could to spread the word that the British were coming. That night began at the next stop on our tour of Boston. Explore Paul Revere’s house to gain an interesting glimpse into what everyday life was like for the Reveres during America’s Revolutionary era. Paul Revere’s House is open from April 15 to October 31 (from 9:30 am to 5:15 pm) and November. 1 to April 14 (from 9:30 am to 4:15 pm). It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Mondays from January to March.

The Old North Church

“One if by land and two if by sea.” The Old North Church is the place where Robert Newman displayed two lanterns to warn of British troop movements. This was the signal that started the ride of Paul Revere and others to warn colonists that the British were coming. This is the oldest church in Boston and continues to serve its Episcopal congregation. The Old North Church is open in winter from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and in summer from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Copp's Hill Burying Ground

Copp's Hill Burying Ground is not only the final resting place of many merchants, artisans, craftsmen and free African-Americans, but it is also the strategic point from which the British trained their cannons on Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The U.S.S. Constitution

The next stop on the Freedom Trail is literally on the water. The U.S.S. Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. The U.S.S. Constitution was nicknamed "Old Ironsides" when, during the war of 1812, cannonballs fired at her from the H.M.S. Guerriere literally bounced off her sides. Be sure to take the tour of Old Ironsides on Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday in winter from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm or daily during the summer from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Guided tours begin every half-hour from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

The Bunker Hill Monument

The last place you’ll visit is Bunker Hill. The Bunker Hill Monument is a 221-foot granite obelisk that sits on the site of the first major battle of the American Revolution. The Battle of Bunker Hill was the first time a Colonial army held its own against the British army and the first major battle of the American Revolution. The monument is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm and the exhibit lodge is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is quite a walk, but this is the last stop of your day and the view from the top is well worth having to take all of those stairs!

Boston is a modern metropolitan city with a past as colorful as it’s future promises to be. The historical treasures that this city contains are significant links to America's vibrant history. Walking the Freedom Trail is a trip into our past that every American should have the opportunity to enjoy. Take a stroll through America’s living history by walking the Freedom Trail the next time you visit Boston.