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Boston's Freedom Trail Will Take You Back Through History

Boston Insider Guides
by Ashley Smith Oct 25, 2016

Seeing the entirety of Boston’s Freedom Trail could take you hours upon hours. Since we don’t all have that kind of time to spare in the name of historical education, I’ve chosen the eight best spots to see if you don’t have the time to take all day. These will give you a good gist, but will still leave you with ample time for cannolis, and beer.

All of these spots can be found on Matador Network’s travelstoke app and can be added to your own trip planning list.

The Beginning of the Freedom Trail

 Freedom TrailBoston, United StatesBoston’s Freedom Trail connects 16 historically significant sites with this brick path starting at Boston Common. Start at the beginning (duh) and pick up information (or a tour guide) at the official Freedom Trail booth.

Granary Burying Ground

 Granary Burying GroundBoston, United StatesAmong the many graves at Granary Burying Ground you can find those of Paul Revere, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin’s parents, and some guy named Robert Treat Paine who was disappointingly NOT a doctor.

Old North Church

 Old North ChurchBoston, United StatesIt was from this church steeple that the signal lanterns were lit letting Paul Revere know that the British were coming. “One if by land, two if by sea.” They lit two and Revere took off on his famous midnight ride.

Old State House

 Old State HouseBoston, United StatesBuilt in 1713, Boston’s Old State House was basically the headquarters for all things American Revolution. Outside the entrance is the location of the Boston Massacre. My favorite thing about this spot is that it was once the tallest building in the city.

Quincy Market

 Quincy marketBoston, United StatesThe nearby Freedom Trail stop Faneuil Hall hosted America’s first town meeting. More importantly, Quincy Market, with 31 all delicious places to eat, provides the perfect break spot during your historical excursion.

Massachusetts State House

 Massachusetts State HouseBoston, United StatesThe (new) Massachusetts State House is the state capitol and seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The building was completed in 1798 and that dome you see is gilded in 23k gold.

Boston Common

 Boston CommonBoston, United StatesBoston Common was established in 1634 and originally used by families as a cow pasture. Today, it’s America’s oldest public park.

Bunker Hill Monument

 Bunker Hill MonumentBoston, United StatesThe Bunker Hill monument is the final stop on the Freedom Trail but was one of the first official battles of the American Revolution. It is here that the phrase “Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes” was coined.

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