Sunday, January 19, 2014

What Sites Can Visitors See 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.

The next site on the route is the Massachusetts State House, the main seat of state government in this part of the US. This building is known for its distinctive domed roof, which was coppered by the company belonging to the famous Paul Revere. A statue of Civil War General Joseph Hooker can also be seen outside of the building.

The Granary Burying Ground and the Park Street Church are also located along the route, but perhaps of more interest to many people is the statue of Benjamin Franklin. Franklin is an American icon, an intellectual whose talents encompassed sicence and politics at the time of the birth of the nation. Close by his statue is the first public school in the United States, the Boston Latin School.

The route also takes in the site of the infamous Boston Massacre, when British soldiers fired on a rioting crowd just before the American Revolution. While contemporary evidence suggests that the soldiers' behaviour was not egregious by the moral standards of the day, the incident was used as propaganda by the revolutionaries. The soldiers were placed in an invidious position, and the incident became a part of American legend.

Many visitors to the route are also drawn to Faneuil Hall, which has been a meeting place and market since the mid-18th century. Often referred to as the 'Cradle of Liberty', it was here that many American political figures, like Samuel Adams, for example, made speeches calling for an end to the link with Great Britain. It is now a site of historical curiosity, significant to the development of the USA as a nation.

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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