Freedom Trail

The freedom trail is a 2.5 mile path that leads to 16 historical landmarks. Justin and I pass many of them when just running errands, but wanted to learn more about each one so we got a map and played tourists for the day! The trail begins in Boston Common (America's oldest public park) and ends in Charlestown at the Bunker Hill Monument. Below are some of the highlights:

This is the state house located very near to our apartment. We can actually see the done from our living room. The state house was completed in 1798 at a cost of $133,333. John Hancock owned the land. The dome was not originally done in gold, but in 1802 Paul Revere and Sons covered it with copper to prevent leaks, and then in 1874 the dome was gilded with 23-carat gold leaf.
Granary Burying Ground was our 4th stop on the Freedom Trail, a place where many prominent Bostonians lay. Buried here are also, John Hancock, Samuel Adams, eight governors, all five Boston Massacre victims, Paul Revere, and many others. This sight is very old and you can really see that when you are walking through it. Many of the gravestones are very hard to read.
A statue in honor of Paul Revere's midnight ride. This statue sits between the Paul Revere House, where he left for his ride, and the Old North Church, where two lanterns signaled the beginning of his ride. This took place on April 18, 1775.
This is the Old North Church and is Boston's oldest church building. It was from the steeple that Sexton Robert Newman hung the two lanterns on April 18th to signal the beginning of Paul Revere's momentous ride.
The USS Constitution , Old Ironsides, is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. Her nickname was earned during the War of 1812 when British cannonballs were bouncing off her impenetrable hull and the seamen cried out, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!" She is currently manned by an active duty U.S. Navy Crew and docked in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Our self-guided tour of the Freedom Trail was very interesting and a great way to learn some of the amazing history here in Boston. For me, someone who is not the greatest at remembering historical facts, it was helpful to see it and actually read about facts while at each site. Justin and I enjoyed each other's company and a piece of the history here in Boston!