| Freedom Trail | |
|---|---|
 Special markers implanted in the sidewalk denote the stops along the Freedom Trail | |
| Length | 2.5 mi (4.0 km) |
| Location | Boston,Massachusetts |
| Established | 1951 |
| Designation | National Millennium Trail |
| Trailheads | Boston Common toBunker Hill Monument inCharlestown |
| Use | Walking, History |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Sights | 16 historical sites |
| Surface | Brick |
| Website | www |
TheFreedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long (4.0 km) path[1] throughBoston that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. It winds fromBoston Common in downtown Boston, to theOld North Church in theNorth End and theBunker Hill Monument inCharlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and ahistoric naval frigate. Most of the sites are free or suggest donations, although theOld South Meeting House, theOld State House, and thePaul Revere House charge admission. The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston's Freedom Trail Commission[2] and is supported in part by grants from various non-profit organizations and foundations, private philanthropy, andBoston National Historical Park.
The Freedom Trail was conceived by journalist William Schofield in 1951, who suggested building a pedestrian trail to link important landmarks. Boston mayorJohn Hynes decided to put Schofield's idea into action. By 1953, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually.[3]
The National Park Service operates a visitor center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where they offer tours, provide free maps of the Freedom Trail and other historic sites, and sell books about Boston and United States history.
Some observers have noted the tendency of the Freedom Trail's narrative frame to omit certain historical locations, such as the sites of theBoston Tea Party and theLiberty Tree.[4]
The official trail sites are (generally from south-to-north):[5]
Notes: TheBlack Heritage Trail crosses the Freedom Trail between the Massachusetts State House and Park Street Church. TheBoston Irish Famine Memorial is also located along the Freedom Trail, between the Old Corner Bookstore and the Old South Meeting House. TheNew England Holocaust Memorial is located a few steps off the Freedom Trail, just north of Faneuil Hall.
The Freedom Trail is a significant plot point in the 2015 video gameFallout 4, helping the player to find the Railroad faction's headquarters.
Freedom Trail.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
42°21′36″N71°3′24″W / 42.36000°N 71.05667°W /42.36000; -71.05667
