Meet Old Ironsides, Stop by Paul Revere’s House, and More in This Boston Park Network

The Boston Historical Park

The Boston National Historical Park is a network of sites that preserve the city’s story, including its role in the American Revolution.

From the USS Constitution to the Bunker Hill Monument, this park packs more real American history per block than anywhere else.

Here’s the complete guide to Boston’s revolutionary heart.

Inside the Meeting Hall Where Liberty Began

Faneuil Hall serves as both a visitor welcome center and a living piece of history. Built back in 1742 by merchant Peter Faneuil, this building originally worked as both a marketplace and town meeting place.

Park rangers now staff the first-floor visitor center, where you can get maps and information about the Freedom Trail and nearby historic sites. Head upstairs to find the impressive Great Hall, a grand meeting space that has hosted debates and protests for more than 275 years.

Look for the large painting showing the famous 1830 Senate debate called “Webster’s Reply to Haynes” while rangers share stories about important meetings held here throughout American history.

Colonial Government Rooms Surrounded by Skyscrapers

Step inside Boston’s oldest public building and find yourself at a key spot in revolutionary history.

Built in 1713, the Old State House once housed colonial government before the Revolution and now stands surrounded by modern skyscrapers.

Its distinctive brick exterior topped with a lion and unicorn (British royal symbols) creates a striking contrast to the glass towers nearby. Inside, you can explore several carefully restored rooms where colonial officials once governed.

Look for the balcony facing State Street where officials first read the Declaration of Independence to Bostonians on July 18, 1776, and spot the circular cobblestone pattern below marking where British troops killed five civilians during the Boston Massacre.

Where Thousands Gathered Before the Tea Party

Walking into the Old South Meeting House reveals a massive interior space that once held crucial revolutionary gatherings.

Built in 1729, this building hosted numerous meetings leading up to the Revolution, including the famous gathering before the Boston Tea Party in December 1773.

After serving as a church until 1877, it now operates as a museum dedicated to free speech and assembly. Inside you’ll see tiered wooden seating that once held thousands of colonists, along with a raised pulpit and high ceilings.

When built, this Georgian-style brick building ranked as Boston’s largest structure, allowing it to host gatherings too big for Faneuil Hall.

Follow the Brick Line Through Boston’s Past

When you walk along the Freedom Trail, you’ll notice a distinctive red brick line or painted path set into Boston’s sidewalks. This 2.5-mile route has guided visitors since the 1950s and has become a beloved symbol of the city.

Starting at Boston Common, the path winds through historic neighborhoods all the way to Charlestown. Millions of people follow this trail each year to learn about Revolutionary history.

Here are all 16 stops of the Boston Freedom Trail.

Steeple That Launched Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride

Looking up at the Old North Church, you’ll spot one of America’s most famous steeples. Built in 1723, this Boston’s oldest standing church building still functions as an active Episcopal Church today.

On April 18, 1775, two lanterns hung from this steeple signaled British troop movements, launching Paul Revere’s midnight ride.

Walk inside to see colonial architecture featuring box pews that families once bought at auction (with better spots costing more).

In 2025, you can admire newly restored 18th-century artwork, including angels painted in the balcony arches by congregation member John Gibbs back in the 1720s and 1730s.

Walk Through Revolutionary War Hero’s Home

Stepping into Paul Revere’s House takes you directly into colonial daily life. Built in 1680, this ranks among Boston’s oldest surviving buildings and served as Revere’s home from 1770 to 1800.

Inside, period furnishings and Revere family heirlooms fill multiple rooms arranged to show how people lived in colonial Boston.

From this very house, Revere left on his famous midnight ride on April 18, 1775, to warn Patriots about approaching British troops.

Its Elizabethan Tudor-style architecture stands out noticeably from the surrounding North End neighborhood buildings, creating a visible time capsule in modern Boston.

Climb to Breathtaking Views Above Charlestown

Towering over Charlestown, the Bunker Hill Monument offers both historical importance and amazing city views.

This 221-foot granite obelisk marks the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, fought on June 17, 1775.

Despite its name, the monument actually stands on Breed’s Hill, where most of the fighting happened. Getting to the top means climbing 294 steps up a narrow, winding staircase that grows tighter as you go higher.

Recent restoration work completed for the 250th battle anniversary in 2025 has freshened up the monument’s top section and observation area, ensuring clear views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline through the viewing windows.

Aboard America’s Oldest Floating Warship

Climbing onto the USS Constitution lets you experience a vessel that has served in the U.S. Navy since America’s earliest days.

Known as “Old Ironsides,” this famous ship holds the title of oldest commissioned warship still floating anywhere in the world.

Built between 1794 and 1797 at the Edmund Hartt Shipyard in north Boston, the ship now welcomes visitors as part of the Charlestown Navy Yard section of the park.

Walking the wooden decks, you’ll see three tall masts and historic cannons while active Navy personnel conduct daily ceremonies including cannon firings and flag rituals, creating a living link between naval past and present.

Where the Navy Built Ships for 174 Years

Exploring the Charlestown Navy Yard reveals America’s shipbuilding heritage spread across a waterfront complex.

For nearly two centuries, workers here built, fixed, updated, and supplied ships that would sail around the world.

When the Navy handed the property to the National Park Service in 1975, it became a key part of Boston National Historical Park. Besides the USS Constitution, you can tour the USS Cassin Young, a World War II destroyer now serving as a museum ship.

Inside the visitor center, check out the “Serving the Naval Fleet” museum with actual equipment and artifacts from the yard’s operations, including displays about rope-making (the yard made Navy rope from 1837 to 1971) and inventions like specially designed anchor chains.

Strategic Hilltop That Forced British Retreat

Standing at Dorchester Heights rewards you with both historical significance and commanding views from this elevated position.

This South Boston site marks where General George Washington placed fortifications in March 1776, forcing the British to leave Boston and ending the 11-month Siege. Suffolk County still celebrates March 17 as Evacuation Day to remember this victory.

A 115-foot marble tower built in 1901 by architects Peabody & Stearns in Georgian Revival style marks the spot today.

From this high point, you can enjoy sweeping views of South Boston and downtown.

As of writing, it’s currently closed for a multi-million dollar restoration funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.

The site should reopen before national 250th birthday celebrations in 2026.

Connections That Offer a Fuller Picture

The Freedom Trail crosses the Black Heritage Trail between the Massachusetts State House and Park Street Church, letting you explore different aspects of Boston history.

Along your walk, you’ll also pass the Boston Irish Famine Memorial between the Old Corner Bookstore and Old South Meeting House.

These connected pathways let you customize your experience based on specific interests, whether focusing on revolutionary events, African American heritage, or immigrant stories.

For an extended adventure, catch a water taxi from Charlestown Navy Yard to visit the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.

Where to Start Your Historical Journey

Two main visitor centers offer perfect starting points for exploring Boston National Historical Park.

Located at Faneuil Hall downtown and at the Charlestown Navy Yard, both provide essential help including maps, brochures, and ranger assistance.

At Faneuil Hall, rangers and volunteers share insider tips alongside junior ranger books, exhibits, and videos about Freedom Trail sites. Charlestown Navy Yard’s center focuses more on maritime history with similar helpful resources.

For self-guided options, download the free National Parks of Boston audio tour available online or through the NPS App in English, Spanish, or French.

Planning Your Visit to Boston National Historical Park

If you want to experience Boston National Historical Park yourself, here’s what you need to know:

Accessibility: Freedom Trail follows city sidewalks with curb cuts along most of the route, though some sites have limited accessibility. Check the NPS website for specific accommodations at different locations.

Hours and Fees:

• Most park sites welcome visitors year-round with hours changing by season.
• Many sites cost nothing to enter, while others (Old State House and Paul Revere House) charge admission.
• Visit Bunker Hill Monument for free but pick up a timed ticket from the Bunker Hill Museum first.

Getting Around:

• Walk the Freedom Trail to see most sites.
• Public buses and trains connect all locations.
• Hop on water taxis between downtown and Charlestown Navy Yard.

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