HISTORIC BOSTON
The Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a pleasant 2.5 mile walk (or ride) that covers 20 of Boston's most historic points of interest and many other important landmarks. It is easy to follow the well marked Path of red footprints or red bricks that have been permanently embedded into the pavement. The sites themselves are indicated by easy-to-find distinctive signs.Although you can begin anywhere. Boston Common on one end or the U.S.S. Constitution at the other end are logical starting points. We suggest parking free at the U.S.S. Constitution. Then, after visiting the ship and the multi-media background show at the Bunker Hill Pavilion, walk the Freedom Trail Backwards and take a cab back to your car from the other end of the Trail. We also suggest you defer your visit to Bunker Hill Monument until the end of the day... then drive up the Hill as this part of the Freedom Trail is the only part that is free from traffic congestion.
Refer to the map on the back cover for additional directions.
The stroll is a journey back into the history of the United States from the events that led to Paul Revere's ride and the American Revolution to the Abolitionist Movement prior to the Civil War.
While walking the Freedom Trail travellers become aware of the commercial and financial heartbeat of the city... the streets, the parks, the stores, the people.... In short the Freedom Trail is colorful old Boston and an alert visitor feels he has not only relived the history of Boston, but he knows and has seen how Boston lives and works today.
Boston Common
The oldest public park in America dates from 1634 when it was designated as a "Trayning field" for militia and the "feeding of cattell." Near the frog pond (wading is allowed) four witches, several Quakers, and many criminals and pirates were hung in Boston's early years. There's an historic burying ground on the Boylston Street side. Brewer Fountain, designed for the Paris Exhibition of 1855, is near the corner of Park and Tremont Streets. Among the most interesting of many monuments on the Common is the one dedicated to Robert Gould Shaw and the black 54th Regiment which he led in the Civil War. It is located directly across the street from the State House.
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The State House
The "New" State Capitol building with its dome covered with pure gold dates from 1795. It was designed by Charles Bulfinch, architect of the Na- tion's Capitol at Washington. In the House Chamber hangs the Sacred Cod (hand carved pine, 58 inches long) emblem of the state's early livelihood. In the Archives Museum are Indian Treaties, the Charter of the Massachusetts Bay Company of 1628 and the oldest written consti- tution still in effect, The Constitution of 1780. The Hall of Flags displays original battle flags carried by Massachusetts fighting men in 6 wars.