Walking the birthplace of America on the Boston Freedom Trail

Follow the red line painted in downtown Boston to trace the history of the founding of America

From Boston Common, a park located in the center of Boston, to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown in the northeast of the city. The Freedom Trail, which stretches for about 4 km, is one of the essential pleasures of enjoying Boston's history. This trail, devised by local journalist William Scofield more than half a century ago, is dotted with 16 historical sites related to American independence. There are red lines drawn on the route, so even first-time visitors to Boston can visit the historical sites in about half a day without getting lost. Many travelers from all over the world, as well as from within the United States, visit this place to experience the history of the founding of the United States. The Freedom Trail is a beautiful trail that symbolizes Boston tourism. In this special feature, we will introduce the 16 historical sites dotted along the Freedom Trail in three parts.

Start your walk along the Freedom Trail at Boston Common, America's oldest park.

The starting point of the Freedom Trail is Boston Common, located in downtown Boston and known as the oldest urban park in the United States. Today, the park is loved as a place of relaxation for Bostonians, but it is also famous for being the camp site for British soldiers during the Battle of Lexington and Concord. The visitor's center within the park is the starting point of the trail. There are many famous places of interest dotted around Boston Common, so start by following the red line from the visitor's center.

Leaving Boston Common, the first historic site you will come across is the Massachusetts State House. Completed in 1798 and remodeled many times since then, the building is marked by its shining golden dome. There are also free guided tours that allow you to see inside, so if you have time, please join one. In addition, the area around Boston Common is dotted with attractions representative of the Freedom Trail, such as Park Street Church, known as the place where William Lloyd Garrison gave America's first anti-slavery speech on Independence Day in 1829, and Granary Burying Ground, where Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and other founding heroes rest. As you continue along the trail, you will come across King's Chapel, King's Chapel Burying Ground, and the bronze statue of Benjamin Franklin, who is revered as one of the founding fathers of the United States and whose portrait is on the current $100 bill.

Visit the Old Massachusetts State House, Boston's oldest public building, built in 1713

If you go along the Freedom Trail, you will arrive at the Old Corner Bookstore, where America's leading literary figures such as Emerson and Hawthorne gathered in the mid-19th century, and the Old South Meeting House, the largest building in colonial Boston. In addition, at the intersection of Washington Street and State Street, you will see the Old Massachusetts State House, the oldest public building in Boston. The balcony of this building, built in 1713, is also famous for being the place where the Declaration of Independence was read on July 18, 1776. This building can be said to be the ``place where America began,'' and is one of the highlights of the Freedom Trail, so be sure to take your time to look around. Also nearby are the site of the Boston Massacre, which triggered the Revolutionary War, and Faneuil Hall, where Samuel Adams and others gave speeches. Quincy Market, adjacent to Faneuil Hall, is a popular tourist destination that combines historical buildings and shopping facilities, so it is recommended to have lunch around here.

From the North End to Charlestown, heading for the end of the Freedom Trail

After touring the historical sites in the center of Boston starting from Boston Common, we head from downtown to the North End. Located on the north side of downtown, the North End is home to historical sites such as the Paul Revere House, which is associated with the hero of the founding of the United States, and the Old North Church, the oldest church in Boston. The Paul Revere House was built at the end of the 17th century and is the oldest surviving wooden building in the city. It is where Paul Revere, who played an active role as a messenger in the Battle of Lexington and Concord, lived and is now open to the public as an exhibition hall. The Old North Church, founded in 1723, is marked by its solid brick structure and white spire. You can also visit the interior outside of services, so be sure to check it out. The North End district is also known as "Little Italy," and is an area where traditional Italian culture is alive and well. There are many cafes nearby where you can enjoy delicious espresso, so it's recommended to take a break.

Crossing the Charles River from the North End and heading towards Charlestown, the historical walk of the Freedom Trail is finally coming to an end. The National Historical Park where the USS Constitution, the world's oldest wooden warship, which played an active role in the battle against Britain in 1812, is moored, and the USS Constitution Museum are also essential spots for experiencing Boston's history. And on top of a small hill overlooking Charlestown is the Bunker Hill Monument, the final destination of the Freedom Trail. This is the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill, a fierce battle that symbolizes the War of Independence. Currently, a 67m-tall obelisk (monument) has been erected, telling the story of America's path to independence. There are stairs inside the tower that allow you to climb up to the observation deck at the top.

We spent the day walking the Freedom Trail starting from Boston Common. The view of Boston's cityscape from the observation deck of the Bunker Hill Monument is sure to be filled with a deeper beauty.