Sunday, January 19, 2014

A Selection Of The Sites Which Can Be Seen On Boston Freedom Trail Tours

By Marissa Velazquez


Many visitors to Massachusetts are tempted by the historical sites which can be seen on Boston Freedom Trail tours. The Freedom Trail has been a part of life in Boston since the 1950s, and is a now a paved, pedestrianised walking route, which stretches for around 2.5 miles, and has 16 sites along its length. Most of the sites are related to the period of the American War of Independence.

The route begins at Boston Common, sometimes mistakenly referred to as 'Commons'. This park was established in the mid-17th century, in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States of America. Contained within the park is the Central Burying Ground, the home of graves of several prominent Americans, including poet Charles Sprague. Sprague's father, Samuel Sprague, participated in the American Revolution, and was at the Boston Tea Party.

After the Common, many visitors will head on to see the Massachusetts State House, which functions as the centre of state government in Massachusetts. Its domed roof is a talking point, as it was worked on and coppered by the company which belonged to the legendary Paul Revere. Civil War US General Joseph Hooker is also commemorated in an equestrian statue outside the building.

Following on from the State House, visitors can make their way past sites such as the Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground to the statue of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is one of America's most famous intellectuals, a polymath who combined a career in science with a career as a politician and diplomat during the early days of the American Republic. Close to the statue is the site of America's first public school, the Boston Latin School.

The route also takes in the site of the so-called Boston Massacre, an event which helped to trigger the American Revolution. Although referred to as a 'massacre', only five people died, and contemporary evidence suggests that the British soldiers who perpetrated the killing were under intense pressure, and behaved very reasonably by the standards of the time. Nevertheless, the event played a significant role in propaganda at the time of the Revolution.

Faneuil Hall is another site on the trail which is strongly linked with the historical events leading up the Revolution. This site has been a meeting placer since the 1740s, as well as being the site of a regular market, and was where figures such as Samuel Adams made their speeches advocating breaking the link with Great Britain. The building is sometimes nicknamed 'the Cradle of Liberty' for this reason.

The great ship, the USS Consitution, is usually the end point of the route for the majority of visitors. This fine ship is a heavy frigate, which saw commendable action against the Royal Navy in the War of 1812, fought against the British. She was first launched in 1797, and is fully crewed by the US Navy, with the crew conducting tours of the vessel.

These are just some of the sites which can be seen by visitors who enjoy Boston Freedom Trail tours. The walk is an illuminating journey through American history. Any visitor to this part of New England should make sure that they walk at least some of the route's length.




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