Walk the Freedom Trail with us: where ideas still matter

“Why is it Boston who always break the King’s peace?”

John Dickenson to John Adams, 1776

Journey back in time with a walk along the Freedom Trail

The Freedom Trail is your ticket to discover what the city of Boston contributed to in this nations quest for independence. As are we all conscious of, Boston MA played a paramount role in this fight. From Paul Revere to John Hancock; from the Old South Meeting House to the Old State House on through to the Old North Church, Boston is full of historical memories and artifacts.

We begin our walk through Boston's famous Freedom Trail on Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. The Freedom trail's visitor center will supply you with information on our 2 1/2-mile journey into the past which you are about to begin. The first landmark we come to is the Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground. As you travel through this cemetery, we come upon the graves and spirits of such men as Samuel Adams, John Hancock, James Otis, Paul Revere and others who helped fashioned the outcome of American Independence. Note: Granary Burying Ground is the perfect location to begin your journey back to the late 1700's. You, the visitor will encounter the spirits of the men and women while traveling through historic Boston and what better place to begin than the 3rd oldest cemetery in the United States?

After seeing the presumed resting places of these men, you begin to sense the revolutionary spirit of the city. Venture further into the heart of Boston and you become engulfed in the spirit of '76. As we pause at attractions like the Paul Revere house, the Old North Church and the Old State House-where the first shots were fired in what is now known as the Boston Massacre, you are actually transported in time and are there when the these events take place.

Which side will you be on?

The American struggle for independence was more than simply a war on the battlefield. It has been called a clash of ideals; an ever evolving story. The men, women and places at the center of revolutionary Boston are as consequential today as they were for distant generations. They come alive for us through images and our imagination. There are some who would declare history is dying so why study it. But for the truly imaginative, history is not just about the past. It teaches us to understand our present and rededicate ourselves to the future. As John F. Kennedy said, "There is nothing as important than knowing the history and tradition of one's country."

As you walk the Freedom Trail you will come across the spirits of a generation long gone. Are we going to remember the men and women of past ages and the sacrifice they made or are history simply about the past; something not relevant anymore? Which side do you choose?

Come journey in the past and discover our future...

The Freedom Trail is opened all year round. While it is true, of course the places and buildings along the route operate under normal business hours, the trail itself never ceases to close. Why? The simple answer is: you cannot shut down ideas, ideals or history. Next time you're in Boston, wander with us as we traverse those concepts while strolling the path of independence.

Again, remember what John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States is quoted as saying: “There is nothing more important then knowing the history and tradition of one's country."

So, come walk the Freedom Trail; it is where the revolutions start.