Boston’s Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile journey through the heart of American history. From iconic landmarks like the Old North Church to the Boston Massacre Site, the trail is packed with must-see destinations. But what if you’re ready to go beyond the obvious?
Whether you’ve walked the trail before or just want a deeper, more unique experience, here are 5 hidden gems along the Freedom Trail that most visitors overlook—each with its own fascinating story.
1. The Forgotten Names at Granary Burying Ground
Sure, everyone flocks to the graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock—but keep walking.
Tucked away in this colonial cemetery are Phillis Wheatley, the first African American female poet, and Mary Goose, who some believe inspired the “Mother Goose” nursery rhymes. Most visitors never spot their plaques or gravestones, yet these women played vital roles in American culture and history.
📍 Tip: Look for the small plaque for Phillis Wheatley near the rear of the cemetery wall.
2. King’s Chapel Crypts – History Beneath Your Feet
King’s Chapel is a stunning example of Georgian architecture and Boston’s first Anglican church—but did you know there’s a crypt below?
Beneath the pews lie the remains of colonial Bostonians, many of whom shaped the city’s early years. Few tourists explore this underground site, but guided tours are available and well worth the detour.
📍 Tip: Ask inside the chapel if crypt tours are available—they’re quiet, fascinating, and often overlooked.
3. Boston Latin School Site & the Ben Franklin Statue
It’s easy to pass this statue without realizing its significance. This tiny square marks the oldest public school in America, founded in 1635. Its most famous student? Ben Franklin—though he dropped out.
Also educated here were four other signers of the Declaration of Independence. The school building is gone, but this quiet spot is a tribute to Boston’s revolutionary intellect.
📍 Tip: The statue stands across from King’s Chapel, right on School Street.
4. The Old Corner Bookstore – A Literary Powerhouse
Many visitors barely glance at this modest brick building, but it once housed Ticknor and Fields, the legendary publisher of American literary giants like Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Today, it’s repurposed for retail—but for literary lovers, it’s still sacred ground.
📍 Fun Fact: This is Boston’s oldest commercial building, dating back to 1718.
5. Copp’s Hill Burying Ground – Views & Unsung Stories
While most tourists rush from Paul Revere’s House to the Old North Church, they often skip Copp’s Hill. That’s a shame—this burial ground not only offers sweeping views of the harbor but is also the final resting place of Prince Hall, a pioneering Black activist and Revolutionary War veteran.
During the Battle of Bunker Hill, British forces even used the site to position cannons. It’s a quiet place to reflect and a hidden gem steeped in history.
📍 Pro Tip: Head here just before sunset for striking views of the waterfront.
Explore Boston’s Secrets at Your Own Pace
Ready to uncover more Freedom Trail stories like these? With our Boston Freedom Trail Self-Guided Walking Tour, you’ll explore iconic sites and hidden corners with GPS-based audio that plays automatically as you walk.
Perfect for independent travelers, history lovers, and anyone who wants to dig deeper.
