Patriots' Day and the Boston Marathon call for a trek across the entire Freedom Trail from the Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill to the USS Constitution in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

photograph of the Old State House

The Old State House once served as the capital of Massachusetts under Governors John Hancock and Samuel Adams. Prior to becoming an independent state, this town house was the seat of English government for the Massachusetts colony.

An American flag waves in front of the Old State House. Photo by Tom Coppeto. 2007.

Our 2.62 mile course begins with a gentle downhill where you will see the Granary Burying Ground, King's Chapel, Old South Meeting House, the Old State House and Faneuil Hall.

photograph of the side of Faneuil Hall, including the Custom House and 75 State Street

The mix of 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st century buildings in downtown Boston creates an eclectic architectural mixture.

Side view of Faneuil Hall. Photo by Tom Coppeto.

The second leg of this marathon tour winds through the neighborhood streets of the North End and features the Paul Revere House and the Old North Church where the famous lanterns were hung on April 18, 1775.

photograph of Old Ironsides

Paul Revere forged the copper spikes and bolts that hold the resilient live oak planks in place. In 1803, Revere also forged the copper sheathing that protects her hull from marine fouling.

The USS Constitution in Boston Harbor. Photo by Tom Coppeto. 2007.

The final leg will cross the Charles River into historic Charlestown. Following a climb up our own heartbreak hill, you will see the Bunker Hill monument commemorating the famous battle.

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