What looks like a nondescript strip of bricks on the streets of Boston, Massachusetts, is actually the path of the Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile-long path goes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States and showcases what it can mean to utilize numerous elements to create a single attraction. Doing so has enabled distinct experiences for both residents and visitors.
From the 17th to 19th Centuries
Preserved and dedicated by the citizens of Boston in 1951, 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. The history that is contained along the Freedom Trail is tied to the founding of the United States and runs through 16 locations that have an incredible amount of historic significance.
By using a map or literally just following the path, participants can go along Boston’s precious 17th, 18th and 19th-century sites to experience them all. Beginning at Boston Common and going through the Bunker Hill Monument, the sites along the trail include King’s Chapel, Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground.
All of these sites contain incredible elements of American history. The Massachusetts States House was the setting of Massachusetts’ government for over two centuries. The Boston Massacre took place in front of the Old South Meeting House, while the home of the legendary patriot Paul Revere is the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston.
This spectacular history is why by 1953, only two years after being established, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually. Today, millions of people walk the trail every year. All of them have been able to experience this history along with the modern Boston community in a myriad of ways.
Experiencing the Birth of the United States
Special markers implanted in the sidewalk denote the stops along the Freedom Trail. Walking along the trail exposes visitors to the history of the United States along with other modern works that are on display along and amidst the Freedom Trail.
While there is a set path on the trail, participants can experience this history in whatever order and fashion is most relevant to them. They can also visit and stay at each site as long as they wish, although some buildings are only open during certain times and days. Trips along the Freedom Trail can range from one hour to four days. The self-guided tour eliminates the need to follow any scheduled tour timings.
For anyone that wants a set tour across the Freedom Trail, established tours like the Walk Into History Tour and the Revolutionary Women Tour are available for bookings. Walk Into History Tours highlights the revolutionary history that took place at 11 of the 16 Freedom Trail sites between Boston Common and Faneuil Hall. North End Tours highlights the revolutionary history that took place at 4 of the 16 Freedom Trail sites as well as other North End points of interest between Faneuil Hall and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. “For Crown or Colony?” is the first in the award-winning series of educational games designed to immerse middle school students in United States history. Freedom Trail historic sites offer educational programs along with hands-on activities at the sites which were designed for students. This type of engagement that appears
This engagement with so many different types of people has directly fueled countless economic opportunities for and along the Freedom Trail. It has also cultivated a notable impact on the culture of Boston.
Engagement and Opportunity
The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston’s Freedom Trail Commission. Tours that are offered daily provide the Commission with an important means of revenue, which is further bolstered by the shops and stores that are located across the Freedom Trail. Books about Boston and United States history are readily available for purchase.
Donations to the Freedom Trail Foundation and official Freedom Trail historic sites are easy to make. These donations can be made to specific sites to help keep them maintained or to ensure education programs and activities remain in operation. Specific sites also sell products and charge admission that can be purchased separately from group tours, providing another important means of revenue.
Numerous activities and programs take place along the Freedom Trail throughout the year which includes arts & crafts, concerts & music, lectures and performing arts. “Steps off the Trail” includes historic sites and their history to further enrich the Freedom Trail experience, highlighting how many other businesses can benefit from initiatives like the Freedom Trail. Additionally, unique Freedom Trail getaway experiences with official Freedom Trail hotel partners are readily available, highlighting another important economic impact for the city.
With new exhibits, programs and activities being installed on a regular basis, visitors and surrounding businesses are always seeing activity on and throughout the Freedom Trail. These experiences are what have made it a monument to the legacy of the past and future of Boston and all of America.
American Legacy
Featuring the history of a city and nation in direct and indirect ways, the Freedom Trail attracts over 4 million people annually. This popularity has been enabled thanks to an effort to connect Boston’s historic past with residents and visitors that were having trouble finding the landmarks and history of the region. In doing so, the Freedom Trail highlights what it means to provide an easy-to-understand experience that has personified a legacy for the United States that is also tied to the present and future of Boston.
