John Winthrop, the founder of the original colony of Boston, dubbed the settlement the “City on a Hill”. He intended for every aspect of Boston society to epitomize the ideal civilization, and to serve as a display of exemplary behavior for all other communities to follow. William Tudor, a literary enthusiast who resided in Boston, referred to the city as “the Athens of America” because of its high cultural ideals and intellectual accomplishments. On a less serious, but equally infamous note, the title “Beantown” was bestowed upon Boston for its signature meal of baked beans and bread. In every instance, the city lives up to its many titles.

With so many monuments and museums throughout Boston, the city needed a way to tie all of its treasures together. The Freedom Trail is a red brick line that tracks the city’s many historical sites, from one end to the other. The Trail is highly convenient, as you can pick it up almost anywhere that is worthy of sightseeing.

As you travel along the Freedom Trail, you will realize that if imitation is the best form of flattery, Boston should be tickled pink, as it is home to many of America’s “firsts”. The first public school, first college, first public library, and first underground transit system call all be attributed to the great minds of Boston. The ambitious colonists who organized the city were the first to inspire a country to defend its right to independence and freedom, which, in the twenty first century, are symbolic of American past and present. No other city deserves the name “Cradle of Liberty” quite like Boston.

Boston Travel Guides
 Frommer's Boston
 Lonely Planet Boston
 Let's Go Boston
 Fodors Boston