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The Heart of the Freedom Trail in Boston – 60 minute Walking Tour
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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn More
1 Hours
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English, French, Spanish
Overview
This tour is the perfect introduction to Boston’s Revolutionary history! Visit some of the key sites along the world-famous Freedom Trail in this engaging, one-hour guided walking tour.
Journey into the past as you hear stories about events that took place in the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, King’s Chapel and the Old South Meeting House. Learn about the diverse people, places and events that started a revolution.
The people of colonial Boston were ordinary people. Shaped by the times that they lived in, they rose to the cause, and achieved extraordinary things!
What's Included
Meeting And Pickup
Meeting point
Select a meeting point
Your tour will end in the general area of 1 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
End Point
Your tour will end in the general area of 1 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108
What To Expect
Old State House
The Old State House, constructed in 1713, is the oldest public building in Boston. Towering over all of the buildings around it, it was meant to impress. This location was the site of government business starting in 1658 and reflects the history of political change in Boston. The very same balcony from which Royal Governors would proclaim the king’s decrees, would be the place from which the Declaration of Independence was read on July 18, 1776. Both the promise and the disappointment of liberty would play out here. The quest for independence in the 18th century would not include everyone. African Americans and women would remain without a voice. Some in the African American community would join the militia to fight for what they hoped would be their freedom. Women would successfully manage businesses and farms during the long war for Independence but would not be recognized. Abolitionists like Prince Hall and feminists like Abigail Adams would begin the fight.
15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Faneuil Hall Marketplace
In 1742, Boston was a bustling town of about 14,000 people with a safe harbor for ships, a busy dock and a large trade industry, exporting goods to Europe and the West Indies. The merchant class in Boston had become quite wealthy. Then, in 1742, Peter Faneuil, himself a wealthy merchant, whose wealth came from the transatlantic slave trade, offered the town a central marketplace similar to those found in the large cities of Europe. The town refused his gift of the marketplace at first, being suspicious of the impact that it might have on their own businesses. The town finally accepted his offer by a slim margin, and Faneuil at the last minute, decided to add a second floor, which provided a much-wanted space for town meeting. Given his connections to slavery and the Anglican church, it was ironic that Faneuil gave a town meeting space that would become a vehicle to radicalize Boston and become a symbol of freedom.
15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
King's Chapel
In 1686, Kings Chapel became the first Church of England congregation in Boston. It was established to provide a place for the newly appointed royal Governor to worship. Its presence next to the town’s oldest burying ground soon became a symbol of all that the colonists hated about England. By the beginning of the revolution, it would be the place where Boston’s most charismatic patriot leader, Dr. Joseph Warren, would be eulogized. By the time Dr. Warren reached the age of 34, he had become an accomplished physician who had cared for not only patients who were Patriots, but for Loyalists as well. He was an inspirational politician, an influential organizer, military hero, and president of the provisional government in Boston in 1774 - 1775. In 1774, Warren was chosen as Chairman of the Suffolk Convention that was convened to address the Coercive Acts. Presenting his resolutions to the convention, he referred to Britain’s attempt “to enslave America.”
15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Old South Meeting House
The Old South Meeting House, built in 1729, was the largest meeting space in Boston. Built to accommodate how the Puritans worshiped and lived, it was ideal for public meetings, including many public protest meetings held there. One of the most famous of those meetings took place on December 16, 1773. The East India Company, one of the largest companies in the world, was supplying the English tea to the colonies. Due to the poor economy in Europe, the company was failing. Failure of such a large company would further hurt the economy in Britain, so Parliament stepped in and bailed them out with the Tea Act of 1773. This act gave East India exclusive access to supply tea to the colonies and bypass the duties it otherwise would have paid. However, when the tea was unloaded, the colonists would still have to pay tax imposed by the Townshend Acts of 1767. This act further antagonized the colonies that had found Britain’s’ disregard for their lack of representation in taxation unbearable.
15 Minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operated by Boston By Foot
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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