Boston Things to Do: Freedom Trail Historic Boston - 3

While some of these places are easy to also add into a half-day tour of the Freedom Trail, they’re usually better saved for when you have a full day or more to check out Boston’s numerous colonial and Revolutionary War attractions.

Massachusetts State House

Located across from Boston Common, the gold-domed “new” State House was designed by Charles Bulfinch and built in 1798. It’s the oldest building on Beacon Hill and houses the state government. Visitors on the 45-minute tour can see the Hall of Flags and the Senate and House Chambers. (The “old” State House was built in 1713.) Look for the Sacred Cod hanging in the House Gallery, representing the importance of the fishing industry to the city. It’s probably enough for most visitors to just snap a photo outside the State House rather than going in, unless you’re a huge architecture fan. Beacon Street at Park Street, tel. 617-727-3676. Admission: free. Mon. to Fri., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed weekends. www.sec.state.ma.us/trs

Park Street Church

The Park Street Church, founded in 1809, is still vibrant and well attended even after 200 years. Its 217-foot steeple was long the first landmark seen by travelers to the city. Many anti-slavery speeches took place here in the 1800s. 1 Park St., tel. 617-523-3383. www.parkstreet.org

 

• It’s hard to miss the Massachusetts State House, with its massive gold dome and pink paint job.

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Old Corner Bookstore

This one-time home and apothecary shop, built in 1712, gave way to a publishing house in 1832. The Scarlet Letter, Walden and the magazine Atlantic Monthly were all published here. Charles Dickens and Ralph Waldo Emerson were frequent visitors. You can’t go into the property, which is home to retail space and offices, but it’s neat to see the restored building, which was rescued by the community when it was in danger of being demolished. 3 School St., tel. 617-227-4679. www.freedomtrail.org

Old State House

The 1713 building was at first home to the British government; later it was the first place the Declaration of Independence was heard in Massachusetts. Every July Fourth, the Declaration is read from the same balcony. The Old State House is Boston’s oldest public building. Now a museum run by the Boston Historical Society, exhibits inside details the state house’s long history. Corner of State and Washington streets, tel. 617-720-1713. Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for students over 18, $1 for kids 6 to 18, free for children under 6. www.bostonhistory.org

 

• Altough the building is now a discount diamond dealer, the Old Corner Bookstore remains an important part of the Freedom Trail.

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Boston Massacre Site

In front of the Old State House, look for a ring of cobblestones marking the spot where five colonists were killed by British soldiers during a fight that got out of hand on March 5, 1770. This incident was the first time blood was shed in the years leading up to the American Revolution. Corner of Devonshire and State streets.

Old North Church

Two lanterns swinging from the belfry in the Old North Church set in motion Paul Revere’s famous ride that prompted the Revolutionary War. The sexton of the church, Robert Newman (who is buried in Copp’s Hill), hung the lanterns on April 18, 1775, to warn that the British were coming up the Charles River, en route to Lexington. The Old North Church is still open for services and welcomes visitors. It was built in 1723 and is quite beautiful. In addition to its Paul Revere fame, the church is home to the oldest church bells in North America. 193 Salem St., tel. 617-523-6676. www.oldnorth.com

 

• Built in 1713, the Old State House is the oldest public building in Boston.

Courtesy of the Greater Boston CVB

Copp’s Hill Burial Ground

The second-oldest burial ground in Boston is Copp’s Hill, founded in 1659 and formerly called Windmill Hill. William Copp was a shoemaker who owned the land at one point. Many of the North End’s artisans and merchants were buried here, along with free black people who lived in what was called the “New Guinea Community.” Robert Newman, the Old North Church sexton who warned Paul Revere that the British were coming, is also buried here. The British took aim from here at Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill. 21 Hull St., tel. 617-357-8300. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.cityofboston.gov

Bunker Hill Monument

The 221-foot-tall Bunker Hill Monument honors the first major battle of the American Revolution, which happened on nearby Breed’s Hill. Climb up to the top for spectacular views. Across the street is the Bunker Hill Museum, where you can learn all about this famous battle. 55 Constitution Road, tel. 617-242-5642. Admission: free. Open daily, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. www.nps.gov/bost/historyculture/bhm.htm