The Historic Freedom Trail ~ My Experiences in Boston

The freedom trail is a route in downtown Boston where many tourists around the world come to tour. I recently went on the freedom trail, and today, I'm going to tell you some information on the freedom trail and some of the destinations and the historical values of some of the landmarks and buildings. Some of these include the sites of the Boston Massacre and the Granary Burying Ground of where Samuel Adams, John Hancock and the parents of Benjamin Franklin were buried.


The freedom trail has many historical values such as some of the meeting places and landmarks of where the revolutionary war began and how the United States gained its freedom. The freedom trail also contains some parks and other locations like cemeteries that date back to the 17th and 18th century. One of the first destinations on the freedom trail is Boston Common. The Boston Common is a 50-acre large park that dates back from 1634 being the first public park in the United States. It was made for the purpose of feeding, and growing cattle. Today, Boston Common has many food trucks and water fountains making it a large tourist destination. The park is lovely and walking along the paved paths with the dark green grass in the sunlight is nice and is a perfect place to relax. I had a small picnic with my family.

After that, following the Freedom Trail from Boston Common leads to the Old Statehouse on Beacon Street. The Declaration of Independence was first read to the citizens of Boston from the front balcony of the Old State House on July 18th, 1776. At the old state house, there was a play that was being performed. Just like many of the other buildings on the freedom trail, it is open for touring and has been historically preserved On Tremont Street across from Boston Common is the Granary Burying grounds. The burying grounds include figures from the late 16th century including Samuel Adams, John Hancock and the parents of Benjamin Franklin. There is a sign that challenges the viewer to identify 4 of the figures, and it was cool putting some of the facts I learned in school to the actual sites of some of these people. Along the freedom trail to the next major destination, there are some small spots like King's Chapel with the first Latin school, the Benjamin Franklin statues and the Old Corner Bookstore.

Next, across State Street and Congress Street is the site of the Boston Massacre, and there is a visual representation map showing the general areas of the five dead bodies and how State Street used to be known as Main Street. At the site of the Boston Massacre, I looked around and found that the development of just a few small brick buildings to an intersection of streets with many modern businesses was fantastic. The trail comes Faneuil Hall, a large complex hosting many marketplaces, statues and events. When I arrived at Faneuil Hall, there were multiple street shows with large crowds watching. Some of these were pretty cool to see the talents that just ordinary people living in the state had. The history of Faneuil Hall is vast figuratively and literally. In 1742 Peter Faneuil, Boston's wealthiest merchant built Faneuil Hall as a gift to the city. The Hall was a home to the merchant's fishers and sellers that lived in the city. Faneuil Hall was a place that established some of the country's most famous orators. It was also a place for the colonists who first protested the Sugar Acts in 1764 and established the rules of no taxation without representation. Faneuil Hall has served as a place where George Washington toasted to the United States' first birthday and has hosted many speakers. Later, the hall expanded to include Quincy Market. At the parts of Quincy market, there were lots of people who were buying food and other accessories. Seeing such a large building made out of red bricks was fascinating and different than the other modern buildings. Today, Faneuil Hall lives up to its nickname the cradle of liberty by being a major tourist destination, a business hub with three markets and serves as a meeting place for 18 million visitors annually.

Lastly, on the Freedom Trail, three primary destinations come up; The Paul Revere House and two destinations across the river in Charles Town- The U.S.S Constitution and the Bunker Hill memorial. The Paul Revere house was the colonial home for a patriot, Paul Revere during the American Revolution. It was built in 1860 and is the only house on the freedom trail. Across the river is the Bunker Hill Monument. The Bunker Hill monument commemorates the battle of Bunker Hill. The bunker hill monument was a nice place to take pictures because of having the 229 step tall monument behind. Inside the Bunker Hill museum, in addition to seeing the statues of the recognized figures from the revolutionary war, I also got a good explanation from one of the rangers there. The day I went, it was too hot so the monument wasn't open but I still had a good time. The battle of Bunker Hill was one of the first major battles between the British and Colonial Forces on June 17, 1775. The U.S.S Constitution is in the Charlestown Navy yard and was first made in Boston. I first heard about the U.S.S Constitution in school, but it was cool getting to see the ship in real life! There were people there who acted out the role of being a sailor and were dressed up in sailing uniforms. It is known for capturing the British ship, the Guerriere. Its nickname is Old Ironsides because of how the ship has thick, wooden sides which were impenetrable by the gun shots and ammunition of forces. Today, the ship is in the yard where tourists are allowed to go on. There is also a museum and shop for learning more about the U.S.S Constitution. The museum was cool with a short movie teaching about the ship. The museum also had some games and other activities.

Overall, the freedom trail is an excellent place to tour. My favorite locations were the Faneuil Hall and u.s.s constitution. I liked the liveliness of Faneuil hall with so many people and activities and enjoyed the U.S.S Constitution Museum and viewing the ship itself. It was fascinating to see in person the things I had only heard about. I hope to go there again, and I recommend tourists to go and see the Freedom Trail.