Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Experience History With Boston Freedom Trail Tours

By Katrina Wheeler


On Boston Freedom trail tours visitors are exposed to two and a half centuries of significant historical events in an hour or more. A red brick or painted line connects the sites and serves as a guide. This route was created by citizens who were concerned about preserving this history and soon it was attracting many visitors. They were able to see museums, churches, burial grounds and meeting houses along the route.

Various private and public sector groups were involved in helping the route to survive through the years. An information center was opened and free maps were given to interested visitors. Eventually a foundation was established to help preserve and market the route and it still exists today, offering walks led by guides costumed in 18th century garb.

Today there are a number of tour companies taking guests on this 2.5 kilometer walk with its sixteen historical sites. Every step tells a story and tour content usually contains a mix of history, architecture and culture. This is a great way to become more familiar with the events surrounding the American Revolution and see the town on foot at the same time.

The guides who lead these walks are usually very well informed, knowing facts that may not be found in most history books. They reveal insights, background facts and simply tell stories about the brave people who were involved in the creation of a nation. People who take a tour with a guide highly recommend it, saying that they learned so much more this way than if they had walked on their own.

An interesting site along the route is the Old South Meeting House. This was the place where many meetings were held prior to the American Revolution. This included the one held the evening prior to the act of civil disobedience when tons of taxable tea were jettisoned from the holds of ships overboard into the harbor. The old wooden Paul Revere House is another official site and it is the oldest building found downtown. It is from this house that Paul Revere began his famous ride to Lexington.

Boston Latin School was the first public school in the town and is the oldest public school in the country. Benjamin Franklin, as well as some others like John Hancock who signed the Declaration of Independence, attended this school. Benjamin became one of the most famous dropouts as he never actually graduated and his statue is located in front of the school.

There are many daily tours on offer. Some cover all sixteen sites while others cover only the downtown area, beginning or ending at Faneuil Hall. There is also a separate tour of the North End on offer. There are those designed for individuals and small groups whilst others cater for schools and even corporate groups. Some funds raised in this way go back to preserving the historic sites.

Companies offering Boston Freedom trail tours have websites for online bookings. This makes it easy to check availability, compare what is offered and book online. Nothing beats a tour of this trail for gaining more understanding of an intriguing era of history as well as offering an opportunity to see the town on foot.




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