Isabella Carter
The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, is a 2.5-mile-long path that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. The trail usually takes around 2 hours to complete, but this depends on how much time you spend at each site. The USS Constitution is located at the end of the trail in Charlestown and is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. The ship is open to visitors from April 1 to September 30, Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is free to visit. The nearby USS Constitution Museum is also open 7 days a week during the summer months. Visitors need a photo ID to enter the ship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of the Freedom Trail | 2.5 miles |
| Number of historical sites | 16 |
| Type of trail | Walking trail |
| Sites covered | Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel and Burying Ground, Boston Latin School/Benjamin Franklin Statue, Old Corner Bookstore, Old South Meeting House, Old State House, Boston Massacre site, Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North, Charlestown Navy Yard, USS Constitution, Bunker Hill Monument |
| Timings | 10:00 am – 6:00 pm |
| Days | Tuesday-Sunday |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Tour options | Self-guided, 90-minute historical tours with costumed guides, audio tours |
| Time required | 2 hours minimum |
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What You'll Learn
The USS Constitution Museum is free to visit
The USS Constitution Museum, located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, is free to visit. This non-profit organisation relies on donations to keep its doors open to the public. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm and is closed on Mondays. All visitors to the USS Constitution Museum are required to pass through a security screening and show federal or state photo identification. Visitors under the age of 18 do not need photo identification but must go through the screening process. Similar to airport security, visitors will be asked to remove bulky clothing, jewellery, watches, belts, and bags for examination. Service animals are welcome in the museum, provided they are under the control of their owners.
The museum offers an immersive and captivating journey into American maritime history, showcasing the legacy of "Old Ironsides", the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. Launched in Boston in 1797, the USS Constitution earned its nickname during the War of 1812 when it fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. Through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and artefacts, visitors can explore the ship's history, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on board.
The museum's two floors of exhibits are physically accessible to all, accommodating walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, and strollers. A Communication Book and Social Narrative are available for download to assist visitors in communicating their needs during their visit.
Although admission to the USS Constitution Museum is free, visitors are encouraged to make donations to support the museum's operations and maintenance. This support ensures that the museum can continue to provide educational and immersive experiences for future visitors, preserving the legacy of the USS Constitution for generations to come.
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The Freedom Trail is 2.5 miles long
The Freedom Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, is 2.5 miles long. It is a walking trail that passes through downtown Boston and ends in Charlestown, where the USS Constitution is located. The trail covers 16 historic landmarks, including Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, the Boston Latin School, the Old North Church, and the Paul Revere House. It also passes by several notable churches, buildings, graveyards, and a historic naval frigate.
The Freedom Trail is not a chronological arrangement of historical sites but a geographically logical walking path. The trail is marked by a brick-red line on the sidewalk, making it easy to follow. It is recommended to start at Boston Common, where you can pick up a map or an audio tour guide. The trail ends at the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown.
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was launched in Boston in 1797 and played a pivotal role in the War of 1812. The ship is open to the public throughout the year, free of charge, except on Mondays. The associated USS Constitution Museum is also open to visitors and offers an immersive experience showcasing the ship's history and the lives of its sailors.
Completing the entire 2.5-mile Freedom Trail on foot can take around two hours or longer, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each site. There are various tour options available, including basic 90-minute historical tours with costumed guides, as well as themed tours focusing on specific topics like African American Patriots and Revolutionary Women. You can also opt for a self-guided tour, taking your time to explore the sites that interest you most.
The Freedom Trail is an excellent way to discover Boston's rich history and explore its most famous landmarks and attractions. With its accessible length and variety of touring options, visitors can tailor their experience to their interests and time constraints.
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The trail covers 16 historic sites
The Freedom Trail is a journey through American history, with 16 historic sites to explore. The trail takes visitors through downtown Boston, with sites that showcase the city's rich past, from the oldest remaining structure in the downtown area to burying grounds and churches. The trail also includes the USS Constitution, a fascinating insight into maritime history.
The trail covers three centuries of history, with the oldest site being the Paul Revere House, built around 1680. This legendary site was owned by the patriot from 1770 to 1800 and is the only official Freedom Trail historic site that is a home. The Old Corner Bookstore, constructed in 1718, is another highlight, serving as downtown Boston's oldest commercial building. The building played a significant role in American literature, being the home of the 19th-century publishing giant Ticknor and Fields.
The trail also includes several notable churches, such as Boston's oldest church, known for its connection to the midnight ride of Paul Revere. The Park Street Church, with its 217-foot steeple, once served as a landmark for travellers approaching Boston. King's Chapel, founded in 1686 as Boston's first Anglican church, offers over 330 years of history.
Burying grounds along the trail include Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the final resting place of merchants, artisans, and craftspeople from Boston's North End. The Granary Burying Ground, established in 1660, is the resting place of some of America's most notable citizens.
The USS Constitution, launched in Boston in 1797, is a highlight of the trail. It is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat and earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides," during the War of 1812. The accompanying USS Constitution Museum provides an immersive experience, showcasing the ship's history, its role in the War of 1812, and the lives of the sailors who served on it.
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The trail is best experienced on foot
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking route through downtown Boston, clearly marked by a brick red line on the sidewalk. It passes by 16 of the city's most historic sites, ending at the USS Constitution in Charlestown. The trail is best experienced on foot, with the path winding between Boston Common and the USS Constitution, passing through the historic North End, home to the Old North Church and the Paul Revere House.
While it is possible to join the Freedom Trail at any point, it is recommended to follow it from end to end to get the most out of the tour. The trail is set up geographically, not chronologically, so visitors can choose where to begin their stroll. Along the way, visitors can explore several of Boston's best-known historical sites and attractions, including the Massachusetts State House, Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, Old South Meeting House, Faneuil Hall, and the Boston Massacre site.
The USS Constitution, also known as "Old Ironsides," is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat. It was launched in Boston in 1797 and earned its nickname during the War of 1812 when it fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere. The ship is open to the public free of charge throughout the year, except on Mondays. The nearby USS Constitution Museum also offers a captivating journey into American maritime history through immersive exhibits and artefacts.
The amount of time needed to complete the Freedom Trail depends on how much time one chooses to spend at each historical site. The trail can be completed in as little as two hours, but history buffs may wish to allow more time to explore and soak in the history. Visitors can also opt for an educational tour, with themes such as African American Patriots, Revolutionary Women, and lantern-lit nighttime tours, which provide a deeper dive into the history of the trail and its sites.
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The trail is marked by a brick red line
The Freedom Trail in Boston is a 2.5-mile-long trail that connects 16 nationally significant historic sites. It is marked by a red line on the sidewalk, also described as a red brick line. The trail is unique in that it combines museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that showcase the story of the American Revolution.
The USS Constitution Museum is one of the sites on the Freedom Trail. The museum is located in the historic Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston and is dedicated to the USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned naval vessel still afloat. The ship earned its nickname, "Old Ironsides," during the War of 1812 when it fought the British frigate HMS Guerriere.
The Freedom Trail offers a variety of tour options, including self-guided and guided tours. Guided tours are led by 18th-century costumed guides and can be customized for families, schools, and corporate groups. These tours are available daily at 10 am, 11 am, 12 noon, and 1 pm.
The trail passes by many historically significant buildings and sites, including Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere House, Old North Church, and Copp’s Hill Burying Ground. Visitors can also explore Boston's oldest neighbourhood and enjoy treats like Boston Cream Pie and Boston Scrod.
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Frequently asked questions
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile walking route through downtown Boston.
The USS Constitution is open to visitors from April 1 to September 30, Tuesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visiting the ship and the nearby museum may take 2-3 hours.
The Freedom Trail could take as little as 2 hours but is likely to take longer if you stop at each historical site. Therefore, the Freedom Trail and USS Constitution together may take around 4-5 hours.
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