Liberty Tree Site

Until August 1775, a beautiful old elm tree graced this spot. During the Revolutionary era, Bostonians met in the shelter of the tree, or as they called it: "Liberty Hall". Here they discussed new ways to flummox, humiliate, and resist the British at every opportunity. The tree—and the events that transpired here—became so popular in the minds of colonists that folks from Rhode Island to South Carolina soon christened liberty trees of their own. This particular tree was so hated by the British that it was quickly chopped down and used for firewood once the Redcoats captured Boston. Over the centuries the importance of this rebellious symbol has waned, and today it's been all but forgotten. The site's primary theme of overthrowing the government was deemed too incendiary for inclusion with the popular Freedom Trail. There is, however, a bronze plaque fixed in the ground nearby. You can also look above the Chinatown station entrance, as there's another marker for the Liberty Tree embedded within the brickwork. It's not much of a remembrance considering the site's import, but it's there and always worth a visit.

• free
• outdoors

Address

Essex & Washington

Getting there

T: Chinatown

Hours

24 hours daily

Price

Free