Boston,+Massachusetts+2011

Boston, Massachusetts

Section 5 – Boston Leads the Fight for Freedom
The Old State House in Boston is one of the sights along the Freedom Trail. We are now visiting the Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts. The Boston Common is America’s first public park. And Boston is one of America’s oldest cities. It is also where the fight for America’s freedom from Great Britain began. In 1775, many people in the 13 colonies did not want to live under British rule anymore. Fighting broke out between colonists and British troops near Boston. This was the beginning of a long war called the **[|American Revolution]** **[** **American Revolution:** **the war in which the American colonies won independence** **from Great Britain]**. The fighting lasted for six years. Revolution led to the overthrow, or end, of British rule of the colonies.

Two historic trails begin at the Boston Common. The first is the Freedom Trail. This walking tour takes you to places where the fight for freedom began. The trail ends at Bunker Hill. One of the early battles of the American Revolution was fought near this hill. The second trail is the Black Heritage Trail. On this walking tour, you will learn about the long history of African Americans in Boston. The trail ends at the African Meeting House. This meeting house is the oldest African American church building in the United States.

Which trail should you take? I recommend both. Just be sure to wear good walking shoes.

FREEDOM TRAIL