No trip to Boston would be complete without a walk along the Freedom Trail. There is something truly special about visiting a few of the places that began the American Revolution and helped establish and define our country.
The Old State House in the middle of downtown marks the site of the Boston Massacre. A small squad of British infantry was surrounded and antagonized by a large group of colonials, ultimately resulting in gun fire and five deaths. The British troops would later stand trail, defended by one of America's Founding Fathers, John Adams.
Faneuil Hall, often referred to as the Cradle of Liberty, was the site of many speeches by Revolutionaries and Patriots such as Samuel Adams.
After several written pleas and repeated attempts to be heard by the English Crown, shots were fired. The Colonials fought to protect their stores of weapons at the Battle of Concord. Paul Revere rode through the streets of the city to alert the colonial army that the British were coming. A light was hung in the Old North Church..."one if by land, two if by sea"
Bunker Hill was a watershed moment for the early revolution. The British were attempting to siege Boston and put down the revolt. It was bloody battle on the hills overlooking the city, but the colonials showed they could withstand the attacks of the British, known at the time to be the best army in the world. In the end, 115 colonials were killed, more than twice that wounded, and the British lost over 200 troops, including 19 officers. Bunker Hill became a rallying cry, along with "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."
The final stop along the trail was the USS Constitution, Old Ironsides. Launched in 1797, it is the oldest commissioned naval vessel. The 44 gun frigate has a 22" thick hull made from oak planking and framing. This made for a tough and formidable ship.
Boston is a great city to visit for many reasons, but the opportunity to explore the earliest days of our American Revolution and ultimate independence was certainly at the top of the list.