Discover the rich history of Boston’s role in the fight against slavery on a small-group walking tour of Beacon Hill. Explore Underground Railroad sites, elite homes, and abolitionist landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide.
Discover the rich history of Boston’s role in the fight against slavery on a small-group walking tour of Beacon Hill. Explore Underground Railroad sites, elite homes, and abolitionist landmarks with a knowledgeable local guide.
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Soldiers and Sailors Monument - Begin the tour at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument located in the heart of Boston Common, just a short walk from the Boston Common Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street (02108). Identify it by the white granite column crowned with a female figure holding a flag, surrounded by four bronze statues at the base.
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- Soldiers and Sailors Monument - Begin the tour at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument located in the heart of Boston Common, just a short walk from the Boston Common Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street (02108). Identify it by the white granite column crowned with a female figure holding a flag, surrounded by four bronze statues at the base.
- Boston Common - The oldest public park in the Americas, originally used as Boston’s communal grazing land since 1634.
- Acorn Street - Explore the narrow, cobblestone alleyways that meander through the historic Beacon Hill.
- Louisburg Square - Discover this refined neighborhood square, reminiscent of the elite 19th-century “Boston Brahmins.”
- Phillips School - Initially established as a whites-only school in 1824, it became one of Boston’s first integrated schools by 1855.
- John J Smith House - The residence of a prominent abolitionist, state legislator, and former barber.
- Charles Street - The main street of Beacon Hill, featuring a variety of local shops and dining options.
- Charles Street Meeting House - A historic meeting house from 1807, known for its heated debates on racial integration.
- John Coburn House - The home of an African-American community leader and abolitionist.
- Lewis and Harriet Hayden House - A safe haven on the Underground Railroad, owned by the Haydens, who were dedicated abolitionists and formerly enslaved.
- Otis House - The 1796 home of Harrison Gray Otis, a Boston mayor and nephew of revolutionary figure James Otis, Jr.
- Old West Church - A historic church from 1806, designed by the renowned architect Asher Benjamin.
- 20 Hancock St - The residence of a vocal abolitionist and U.S. Senator who was attacked in the Capitol over slavery issues in 1856.
- Smith Court Residences - Homes of several African-American abolitionists, including historian William Cooper Nell.
- Abiel Smith School - Established in 1835 as a segregated school for African-American children in Boston.
- African Meeting House - The cultural hub of Boston’s African-American community and the oldest surviving black church building in the U.S. (1806).
- 5 Pinckney St - The oldest surviving house in Beacon Hill (1787), once home to an African-American Revolutionary War veteran.
- Massachusetts State House - The state capitol of Massachusetts, often referred to as the “Hub of the Solar System” (1798).
- Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial - The tour concludes at the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial, located across from 24 Beacon Street.

- Small Groups (16 guests max)
- Black Heritage Trail (All 10 landmarks)
- Beacon Hill Neighborhood
- Small Groups (16 guests max)
- Black Heritage Trail (All 10 landmarks)
- Beacon Hill Neighborhood
- Gratuity for Guide (optional)
- Admission inside Museums
- Guides in Period Costume
- Gratuity for Guide (optional)
- Admission inside Museums
- Guides in Period Costume
The Black Heritage Trail in the historic region of Beacon Hill lends insight into Boston’s engagement in the agitation against institutionalized servitude. This walking route is ideally explored by foot, within a small group, guided by an informed resident! On a circular tour of 2.5 hours, you will start from Boston Common, venturing through the…
The Black Heritage Trail in the historic region of Beacon Hill lends insight into Boston’s engagement in the agitation against institutionalized servitude. This walking route is ideally explored by foot, within a small group, guided by an informed resident! On a circular tour of 2.5 hours, you will start from Boston Common, venturing through the Underground Railroad locations, prestigious residences of ‘Boston Brahmins,’ and significant abolitionist landmarks like the African Meeting House.
Our compact exploration group delves deep into the turbulent period from 1833 to 1863, the countdown to the Civil War. We tread the paths frequented by the Bostonians of the 19th century, all who grappled with the U.S.’s ‘peculiar institution’ of racial slavery.
Utilizing a riveting narrative method, Hub Town Tours offers an ideal primer to Boston’s part in America’s ‘Second Revolution.’ As we cross the significant areas from the Civil War era in Boston, your guide will recount the engaging tale of local Bostonians finding their voice and demanding an end to unfairness across their emerging nation.
- Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty standing for extended periods
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.