• Distance : 4.32
• Attraction : Park

Are you ready to get started? Great! This journey begins in City Square Park. Head on in there and I'll tell you about it. So, according to the directors of Friends of City Square Park, this patch of beauty was once an urban wasteland. It's hard to believe when you stroll through the park now, but it's true. Back in the 1970's and 1980's there was a rather ugly old highway here that would no longer be needed once the city completed their huge tunnel project. The tunnels were finished in 1992 and this lovely park was opened to the public in 1995. Sure beats a nasty old highway, don’t you think? Keep walking until you get to the fountain.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Fountain

This beautiful fountain has been the backdrop for many events since 1995. Weddings, annual wreath hangings, concerts and even yoga. Go take a look! Then come back to this spot and head north.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Historic House Foundation

See all those stones in the grass over there on your right? Well, they aren't here by any sort of accident. These are actually the foundation stones of what's known as The Great House, which was built as part of the Charlestown settlement way back in 1629. It was Governor John Winthrop's house, then a community center, and then a tavern. Three Cranes Tavern, to be exact. It was a place for traveling merchants to meet up and exchange their goods. Too bad that in 1775 the whole thing burned to the ground during the battle of Bunker Hill. Luck for us though, archeologists discovered the ruins that were buried under multiple layers of ash. And by studying the ruins, they learned that these people were wealthy colonists. Imported pottery, fine wine glasses, leather goods, clay smoking pipes, French champagne bottled and even a German chamber pot were among the artifacts. I mean, nothing says “Wealthy colonists” like a German chamber pot. Am I right? Go ahead and have a look around. There are also some neat memorials in the park. When you are done, meet me at the northeast exit of the park. We are gonna hop on the Freedom Trail.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Cool! You found your way out. See those red bricks with the grey brick outline that cross the street at the crosswalk? That's the Freedom Trail and we are going to follow it for a while. Please cross the street and turn left.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Memorial Park

Please turn right as we keep following the Freedom Trail. On your right you will see a small Charlestown Veterans Memorial Park. Keep walking until you get to Henley Street.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Hi! It's me again. Please cross over Henley Street. and stay on the trail. Are you enjoying this nice little walk? How's the weather?

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Keep following the trail to the right. I promise we will reach a Point of Interest soon. And by the way, we are heading to the very famous Bunker Hill Monument but we have some fun stuff to see along the way.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Church

So that's a pretty good looking building just ahead on your left, isn't it? That is Saint Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Their parish combined with the St. Catherine of Sienna parish back in 2006 and now both occupy this historic building. It was built way back in the 1890's by Irish-American architect Patrick Charles Keely. He was a busy man and designed nearly 600 Roman Catholic buildings in his lifetime. Geez, take a break for goodness sake! Inside you can find some beautiful German stained glass and hammer-beam oak ceilings. It’s so pretty. Alright, our next stop is a fire department. Keep moving!

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Fire Department

Not sure I'd want to live in that home right next to the firehouse on your left. How about you? I'm guessing it probably gets pretty loud. Although, if your house caught on fire, help would be right next door! Anyway, this is Engine 50 Firehouse and is the oldest Fire station in Boston. The first Firehouse at this location was built in 1853. They probably wish they had this back in 1775. Remember I mentioned the Battle of Bunker Hill that burned the Great House to the ground? Engine 50 for sure could have been of help there, right? Anyway, this particular fire station responds to about 1,500 incidents per year. Keep following the Freedom Trail. I’m taking you to a park. The entrance is on the corner of Winthrop and Common Street.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Training Ground

This park is also known as The Training Field. Head on in there and turn left at the T junction. This place was originally farmland. Then it became a training ground for the colonial militia. After the battle of Bunker Hill, the park was rebuilt and had a firehouse, a school and a munitions depot. Those aren't here anymore since the depot was destroyed and the other buildings moved to different locations.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Monument

How about a Civil War Memorial? Well ok then. I have one for ya. It's ahead on your right, sculpted in granite, and was dedicated in 1872. This piece was the work of an Irish immigrant by the name of Martin Milmore. Sculpting must be hard work because Martin died at age 38. Time to leave the park and keep heading toward Bunker Hill. Follow the trail to the corner of Adams and Winthrop Street and then cross Winthrop to your left.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Head north, following the Freedom Trail. Remember it's the red brick with the grey brick outline. You'll probably start to see the Bunker Hill Monument jutting up into the sky as you walk. Don't get too excited though! We aren't there yet.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Museum

Oh look! We found a Museum! Run inside and check it out in preparation for our stop at the Bunker Hill Monument! It's open daily from 9 to 5. Inside you can find some neat artifacts from this historic Revolutionary War battle along with an original diorama from that famous battle. Also, and this is important, if you want to climb the Battle of Bunker Hill Monument, you need to get your FREE ticket. here. Don't forget. One more thing. There aren't any restrooms at the monument but there ARE restrooms here, so take advantage. Ok, after you are done exploring the museum, it's time to follow the Freedom Hill Trail across the street and toward Bunker Hill Monument.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Statue

A statue! Let's talk about it. Have you ever heard that quote that says "Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes?" Well that's what this guy said. His name was William Prescott and he was the commander of the Patriot forces in the Battle of Bunker Hill. He said these famous words so that his soldiers would wait on firing and be more accurate with their shots. The militia had limited ammunition so they needed to hit with every gunfire. Not to rain on your parade, historians say that Colonel William Prescott never said that, and maybe it was never said by anyone at all. Regardless, let’s go get a close look at the massive monument up on the hill.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Monument

Here it is! The Bunker Hill Monument. First, let's talk a little about the structure itself. 294 steps is all it takes to get to the top of this granite obelisk. There's an exhibit lodge around the back side of it, but we will talk about that later. That lodge is how you get to those 294 steps. This monument is 221 feet tall and is actually one of the very first monuments to be built in the United States. So what even was the battle of Bunker Hill, who started it, who ended it and what happened in between? Well, in June 1775 the British forces were hoping to get a tactical advantage by controlling two hills - Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill. American forces heard about those plans and wanted to defend those hills. Interestingly enough, most of the battle took place on Breed's Hill, but the army thought they were on Bunker Hill, so that’s what the battle ended up being called. Oh well. Anyway, when the Americans found out that the British were planning on taking these hills, they secretly moved and prepared for battle. In the morning the British troops charged up a hill three times. The Americans were able to fight them off during the first two charges, but had to retreat on the final charge because they were running out of ammunition. So I guess technically the British won that battle. However, they lost so many troops that it really wasn’t much of a win after all. The number of British soldiers either killed or wounded was around a thousand and that included several officers. The Americans lost very few troops because of their position on the hill and the forts they had built. So this gave the American patriots the motivation and courage to keep fighting, and many many more colonists joined the army after this famous battle. So that’s your condensed version of the battle of Bunker Hill. If you want more information, there’s an unimaginable amount of it on the Internet and you could spend hours looking into it if you wanted to. I don’t have that kind of time though, so let’s go see something else. Please turn right and head east.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Lodge

The building up on your left with the pillars is the Bunker Hill Lodge. Rangers that work there are more than happy to put on 20 minute lectures at the top of every hour from 10 am to 4 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays from June through September you can watch a live musket firing demonstration! Also, the lodge is where you will enter to climb the monument, if you already got your free ticket from the museum that we stopped at earlier. Inside the lodge you will find some random displays and plaques. I think the coolest thing though, is the Dr. Joseph Warren statue. He was an American physician, but that was not his claim to fame. He played a huge role in the early days of the American Revolution. Dr. Warren was the one who told Paul Revere to spread the warning that the British were coming. He also fought in the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were the first official battles of the American Revolutionary War. Dr. Joseph Warren was killed here in the battle of Bunker Hill, and speaking of death, his father was a well-known local farmer who died when he fell off of his ladder while picking fruit. That’s just a little bit of trivia there for ya. Now get in there. Check out the lodge and climb those 294 steps to the top of the Bunker Hill monument, like a good little tourist. Then head east out of the park toward Chestnut Street. Find yourself a crosswalk, go across Monument Square, and head to Chestnut Street, which is almost directly east from the monument. When you get there, just start walking. We need to get back on the Freedom Trail. OK, I’ll catch up to you soon.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Seriously, you are one of the best followers of directions that I have ever met. Please turn right at the "V". We want to stay on Chestnut Street. Enjoy this casual stroll through the neighborhood of both older and newly renovated homes.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Don't feel lost. Look at the corner of Adams and Chestnut Street. See the familiar red brick with gray brick lining? Yeah! We found the Freedom Trail again! Hop back on it and keep heading south on Chestnut.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Yup, you are headed the correct way. Go through the tunnel. You know, when I was a kid and used to go on road trips with my family, we would always have competitions to see who could hold their breath the entire way through a tunnel. I bet you can manage this one. Follow the crosswalk after you come out of the tunnel and turn left after you cross Chelsea Street. We are staying on the Freedom Trail.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Were you able to hold your breath through the tunnel? Yeah, that was an easy one. Turn left please and cross over Constitution Rd.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Stop! We need to take a little detour off of the Freedom Trail for a bit. Who's with me? You are? Awesome! Please turn left and follow the sidewalk along 2nd Avenue. We are headed toward the Charlestown Navy Yard.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Historic House

Hi! I'm still here. Look at that beautiful house to your left. It's the Commandant's House and is one of the oldest structures in the Charlestown Navy Yard. It was built back in 1805 for the USS Constitution's first commander. His name was Samuel Nicholson and he and his lucky family probably really enjoyed taking in some amazing panoramic views from that house! Five other USS Constitution commanders and their families lived in this house throughout the years, but after the Navy Yard closed in 1974, the house became a part of the National Park Service. Go ahead and keep walking on 2nd Avenue.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Directions

Ok, if you'd like to turn left and go explore the Charlestown Naval Shipyard Park, go for it. There are some nice memorials and even a restaurant over there. If you decide to do that, please make sure you come right back here and keep following 1st Avenue. Or, turn right here and let's go explore the USS Constitution Museum! The entrance is around the corner.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Museum

I know you can't wait to climb aboard the USS Constitution, but you really ought to spend some time in the museum to understand what a special Naval ship she was. The museum has some suggested admission prices, which help keep the doors open for visitors. It is free to visit the ship itself, but you do need a form of ID in order to board. Ok, so what's in the museum? Amazing exhibits, super fun daily programs and a wide variety of events throughout the year. If you have any kids with you, there are many hands-on exhibits to keep them happy. I don't want to spoil anything, but here’s an example of one of the exhibits: Visitors are invited to scrub the decks, scramble a loft to furl a sail, eat a meal of salted meat and ship’s biscuit, crawl into your hammock and meet your fellow crew, both young and old, who lived aboard Old Ironsides during the War of 1812. Now don’t worry. Not every exhibit involves scrubbing decks and eating salted meat, but that one was my favorite. There are also over 10,000 archival records and 2000 artifacts that you can see while the kids are scrambling the loft to furl a sail. The museum itself opened to the public back in 1976. It is located in an old pump house building which I think really adds to the experience. Over 350,000 people visit here every year and I think you should be one of them. It’s worth your time, I promise. After you’ve seen it all, come back to 1st Street and meet me at the corner of 1st Avenue and 3rd Street.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Visitor Center

Did you enjoy the USS Constitution Museum? Did you swab any decks or eat salted meat? Well, you missed out if you didn't. This building here is the Charlestown Navy Yard and Visitor Center. It's free to enter and has some nice exhibits that tell the story of the Charlestown Navy Yard. Are you about ready to climb aboard the USS Constitution? You know, Old Ironsides? AWESOME! Me too! Follow the Freedom Trail bricks along 3rd Street toward the water.

• Distance : 0.00
• Attraction : Historic War Ship

Have you ever wanted to see the world's oldest commissioned, and seaworthy naval boat? How about a ship that has never been defeated in battle? What about a ship whose sides are so strong that cannon balls bounced off its wooden hull. A wooden boat so strong that it was nicknamed "Old Ironsides?" How about a War Ship whose copper bolts and fastenings were made by Paul Revere himself? You know Paul Revere. He’s famous for his midnight ride on horseback that alerted the American militia that the British were coming. Well, fantastic! The last stop on this tour is at the USS Constitution and she is all those things. You are gonna want to hop on board and explore all of the amazing and unique parts of this historic vessel. This beauty is 305 feet long and weighs just under 2000 tons. Her original 48 canvas sails could cover over an entire acre if you laid them out flat. Back in 1812 when she was sailing, she had a crew of 450 sailors and marines, and traveled at around 15 mph. She’s equipped to carry over 50 guns, and that included 30 cannons. Old Ironsides was built with the intent of protecting American merchant ships during war time. She earned her infamy during the War of 1812 as she captured quite a few United Kingdom merchant ships, and defeated five British warships. In the 1840’s she circled the world and then did her duty as a training ship for the US Naval Academy during the American Civil War. She was finally retired from war in 1881 but continued service as a receiving ship until 1907, and aren’t we lucky that she did. Now we can climb aboard and explore! I could just keep talking but you’ve probably heard enough from me at this point, and you’ll have fun getting up close and personal with Old Ironsides. As you do, I hope you think about all of the interesting historical tidbits that I’ve shared with you on this tour. If you haven’t already taken our Freedom Trail South tour, I highly recommend it. There are so many fantastic sites to see along this historic trail. What we are finishing up now doesn’t even cover half of the Freedom Trail. I hope you had as much fun on this tour as I did. Thanks so much for spending some of your time with me and I hope I see you again soon. Until then, so long and happy touring.