The Freedom Trail

Look up — the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House gleams at the top of Beacon Hill. Charles Bulfinch designed it in 1798.

Head down Park Street. The white steeple ahead has been a Boston landmark since 1809 — William Lloyd Garrison gave his first anti-slavery speech here.

Right next door. The Granary is the final resting place of Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and the victims of the Boston Massacre.

Continue down Tremont. King's Chapel was the first Anglican church in Boston — the burying ground beside it is the oldest cemetery in the city.

Turn onto School Street. The statue of Benjamin Franklin marks the site of Boston Latin School — the first public school in America, founded 1635.

A few steps to the corner of Washington and School. The Old Corner Bookstore published Hawthorne, Thoreau, and Harriet Beecher Stowe.

Just across the street. Old South Meeting House is where colonists gathered before marching to the harbor for the Boston Tea Party in 1773.

Up Washington Street. The Old State House is Boston's oldest surviving public building — the Declaration of Independence was read from its balcony.

Look down at the cobblestone circle just below the balcony. This marks the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770 — easy to miss if you're not looking.

Follow Congress Street toward the waterfront. Faneuil Hall — the 'Cradle of Liberty' — has hosted public meetings and debates since 1743.

Cross under the Greenway into the North End. Hanover Street is wall-to-wall cafés and pastry shops. The Paul Revere House on North Square is the oldest building in downtown Boston.

Up through the North End on Salem Street. The Old North Church spire is visible from blocks away — this is where the lantern signal sent Paul Revere on his midnight ride.

A short walk up Hull Street. Copp's Hill Burying Ground is the highest point in the North End — great views of the harbor and Charlestown beyond.

Down through the Charlestown Locks, across the Charlestown Bridge into the Navy Yard. USS Constitution — 'Old Ironsides' — is the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat.

Through the Navy Yard and up the hill into Monument Square. Climb the 294 steps inside for a view of the whole city — the end of the Freedom Trail.