The Freedom Trail is a path through Boston, Massachusetts, that passes by 16 locations significant to the history of the United States. Marked largely with brick, it winds from Boston Common in downtown Boston through the North End to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. Stops along the trail include simple explanatory ground markers, graveyards, notable churches and buildings, and a historic naval frigate. While most of the sites are free or suggest donations, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House charge admission. The Freedom Trail is overseen by the City of Boston's Freedom Trail Commission and is supported in part by grants from various nonprofits and foundations, private philanthropy, and Boston National Historical Park. The Freedom Trail was conceived by local journalist William Schofield, who in 1951 suggested building a pedestrian trail to link important local landmarks. Boston mayor John Hynes decided to put Schofield's idea into action. By 1953, 40,000 people were walking the trail annually. The National Park Service operates a visitor's center on the first floor of Faneuil Hall, where they offer tours, provide free maps of the Freedom Trail and other historic sites, and sell books about Boston and United States history. Some observers have noted the tendency of the Freedom Trail's narrative frame to omit certain historical locations, such as the sites of the Boston Tea Party and the Liberty Tree. Official trail sites The official trail sites are (generally from south-to-north): Boston Common Massachusetts State House Park Street Church Granary Burying Ground King's Chapel and King's Chapel Burying Ground Boston Latin School Site/Statue of Benjamin Franklin Old Corner Bookstore Old South Meeting House Old State House Boston Massacre Site Faneuil Hall Paul Revere House Old North Church Copp's Hill Burying Ground Bunker Hill Monument The Black Heritage Trail crosses the Freedom Trail between the Massachusetts State House and Park Street Church. The Boston Irish Famine Memorial is also located along the Freedom Trail. In popular culture The Freedom Trail is a part of many fictional pieces of media, such as Fallout 4, which requires players to walk along the Freedom Trail to find the faction The Railroad, whose headquartered are at the Old North Church. References Further reading External links Freedom Trail Foundation The Black Heritage Trail Boston National Historic Park The Boston Harbor Walk The Freedom Trail – Boy Scouts of America pamphlet 1798 Map