Boston Freedom Walk
I was in Boston because I had not been for a while, and to meet some people about some drinks.The Start - #1 Boston Commons
Since I was staying super close, I just walked to the starting point which is a visitors center not related to any significant item on the trail except that you have to walk a long way to get going (maybe they think we need to lose weight?). #2, the Massachusetts State House, which was built in 1798, so after the events of the American Revolution, but at least you get a great mural of the Massachusetts 54th Regiment. #3, Park Street Church, 1809, again, now I am wondering why this is part of the early 18th century listings? I guess it was the tallest landmark for a while. #4, Granary Burial Grounds, where many many famous people and founders are buried. #5, Kings Chapel, which has more famous graves, well I think. Area #6, Boston Latin School. Oldest public school in the USA circa 1635 (thats even older than the vast majority of remaining buildings in London). Latin wasn't super useful, but rich people had to have something to do? Area #7, Old Corner Bookstore. Everyone in Boston came through here apparently daily. Area #8, South Meeting House. This is where sedition was born. Area #9, Old State House, where the Brits shot the hell out of a lot of Colonists. Area #10, Faneuil Hall, a market since 1742, so totally legit revolutionary times, but I wonder if you coulda bought a musket here? You can't even buy one today in current Boston... oh the lack of freedom. #11 Farmers Market, which isn't on the list but it's on mine! Trail runs right through it, so hard to miss. #12, Paul Revere's House, this is where things get very far inbetween, so stretch. #13, Old North Church, 1 if by land, 2 if by sea, 3 if someone can't count. This was the tallest building in the area at the time. #14, Cobb Hill Burial Grounds, which is important, but I didn't see anyone I recognized there. #15, USS Constitution, the oldest in service ship in the world. #16, Bunker Hill, where, while a loss, gave a great deal of damage to attacking Brits and fought a very disciplined battle.
You can get a map here if you want
Well, here we go, first step of hours of walking
This is how you find it all over, the bricks inside of bricks
If you see this tree, go home, comeback in 6 months
The mighty 54th and Colonel Shaw
Not sure what the current state house has to do with freedom
You're going to see a lot of these shots carrying you to the next place
The Church on Park Street
Entrance to the Granary Grounds
There was a guy outside who lets you borrow these, I donated to keep it going
Bens Parents, he's in Philly
Nobody signs larger that John Hancock
The man, the legend, silversmith, patriot, plagiarist, nobody's perfect
Mother Goose, yep, she was real
Yeah... all you Boston Lager drinkers, here he is
I guess Charle's Chapel
List of people I never heard of in here
Not the original school, but in the same place
There store is here someplace
Biggest building in town at the time, you can plan a tea party here too
Well, back then the state was run by the British
Seriously thought the first time I heard this name it was Nathaniel Hall
More shopping cause capitalism!
A farmers market that I think is a regular thing here, a calm actual one
You need to pay attention closely now, the path can be... tricky
I almost got lost here and had to wander to refind it
Seems to wind a long way in this neighborhood
Paul's square
Ahh, Paul's home
Paul's Mall. Nobody will understand my pun
Wait, how can you detour my freedom?!!
There be the steeples of the North Church
Literally no idea who is in this one at all
This one is a bit of a test of wills to continue
The bridge is long"
The bay is large
The bridge continues
The navy yard, finally
Old Ironsides, never defeated by enemy or age
Still on active duty, I was rung aboard"
Yes, still armed
Down there is the original 200+ year old keel
All the commanders from the beginning
We're almost there, the endpoint
Under the roads
Up the hill
Bunker Hill Memorial
Doesn't open til 1pm"
This was open but man, I had spent most of the day doing this and had to start the walk back