When you go to Boston, the number one place you have to visit is the Freedom Trail. The famous Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile red-brick trail through Boston’s historic neighborhoods that tells the story of the American Revolution War. There are total 16 historic sites along the trail. It starts from Boston Common, passing through  Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground, Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old State House, Boston Massacre Site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Copp‘s Hill Burying Ground, USS Constitution, and ends up at Bunker Hill Monument.

There are several guided tours offered in front of the Boston Common Visitor Information Center located at 139 Tremont Street. If you take the subway, it is right outside Green line at Park Street Station. If you like more freedom and choose to go by yourself, you can go to the visitor center, buy a self-guided map for $3, then start your own journey. That’s how we did it. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish the whole trail due to the hot weather–the temperature was over 90 °F that afternoon. But we did most part the trail. Let’s go through the trial with my camera.

Boston Common

Boston Common is a central public park in downtown Boston. It is the oldest city park in the United States, founded from 1634. The land was purchased for the everyday use of townspeople, it still severs this purpose and is one of the most popular Boston Attractions for relaxing and enjoying nature. We walked through the park which full of all kinds of people. Visitors were holding the self-guided map just like us. There were guided tour groups followed the tour guide who was in the old-time costume. There were marathon trainers who were running down the park. There were also local people just came to enjoy a quiet spot in the middle of the busy downtown area.

Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House is located outside of the Boston Common, has served as the seat of Massachusetts government since its opening in 1798. It is easy to recognize because it’s bright golden top and red bricks wall, with white poles in front of the house. It was not open when we got there on Friday afternoon. Otherwise, I could show you some pictures from inside the state house.

Park Street Church

Park Street Church was funded in 1809, and now is an Evangelical, Congregational and International church, which is located at the corner of Park and Tremont Street.

When I walked into the church, the cooling air took away my sweats and I was calming down right away. There was an exhibition of the church history in the meeting hall. I wasn’t really interested in the history, so I sat on the bench at the end of the meeting hall, enjoying the peacefulness in the hot Friday afternoon. I thought my daughter had the same feeling just like mine.

Granary Burying Ground

Granary Burying Ground was established in 1660, is the city of Boston’s third-oldest cemetery, some of America’s most notable citizens rest here. I didn’t walk into the gate, because the cemetery ground always brings me the negative feelings of the death. I know somebody likes to read the quotes on the cemetery stone, such as the pastor from my Church, but it is not the thing I could enjoy. I thought those people who buried there would like to rest in peace too.

King’s Chapel & King’s Chapel Burying Ground

King’s Chapel, also called “Stone Chapel”, was founded in 1686 as the first Anglican Church in Boston. When we walked in this stone structured chapel, except the enjoying the beauty of 1700’s architecture, we also sat in the open sitting cube, experiencing the British royal worship.

The King’s Chapel Burying Ground was Boston’s oldest English burying-ground, right next to the chapel.

The following sites we just walked by and took photos from outside. So I don’t have much common on these sites except a picture for each site.

Boston Latin School Site/Benjamin Franklin Statue

Boston Latin School, founded in 1635, is the oldest public school in America. It offered free education to boys – rich or poor – while girls attended private schools at home.

Old South Meeting House

This was a historic place where the Boston Tea Party began.

Old State House

The Old State House stands as the oldest surviving public building in Boston.

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall hosted America’s first Town Meeting, also called “The home of free speech” and the “Cradle of Liberty”.

We ended our trail here because everybody was hot and tired after over two hours walking. My son sat under the shadow and refused to get up. Even though we didn’t finish the whole Freedom Trial, we still enjoyed walking along downtown Boston and explored the American Revolution history. I hope you enjoy too!