Civil War on the Freedom Trail

book cover Excitement and interest in the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is sweeping the country, with re-enactments, events, and exhibits. Everyone knows that the American Revolution started in Boston, but not everyone realizes that Boston played a leading role in the run-up to the Civil war. While no battles were fought here, Boston was the hub of abolitionism, anti-slavery sentiment and activity, and devotion to the Union.

As the center of the abolitionist movement, black and white activists worked to advance the opinion nobly expressed by Abraham Lincoln that no nation can stand divided. Visit the places of fiery speeches, jailhouse breaks, anti-slavery riots, recruitment centers, POW camps, and segregated churches engagingly described and mapped in Walking Tours of Civil War Boston.

This NEW Freedom Trial Foundation publication is a full-color, 64 page, 8 ½ X 5 ½ “ book packed with photos and illustrations, maps and thrilling stories about Boston’s central role in the Civil War. The book is engagingly written to appeal to many audiences – visitors, residents, life long learners, historians, teachers and children interested in this rich history. Organized into approximately 90-minute self-guided walks, the walks include: Walk 1 - Civil War on the Freedom Trail follows much of the red line as it explores how the heroes of the American Revolution inspired Boston’s abolitionists; Walk 2 - Beacon Hill explores important roles played by the black and white communities living and working on Beacon Hill; Walk 3 - Back Bay Statues includes public art that commemorates the heroes of abolition and the Civil War; Walk 4 - Boston Harbor Tour is a walk /ride adventure that takes you to Boston Harbor, USS Constitution and the islands where Union soldiers were garrisoned and Confederates were imprisoned. The clearly defined routes are enhanced with beautiful color images, reproductions and illustrations which bring the stories to life.

“My goal is for people is to hear the compelling stories of Bostonians, black and white, men and women, who railed against slavery and fought for the Union at the places where these stirring and critical events occurred,” says Barbara Berenson. “Boston once again led the nation’s struggle for freedom.”

Barbara F. Berenson is a senior attorney at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. R. Marc Kantrowitz is a Justice on the Massachusetts Appeals Court.

Click here to purchase the book.

Click here to learn more about the book and authors

Click here to learn about Civil War events taking place in the Boston area.

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Sign-up to receive updates on upcoming Freedom Trail events and tours – view full calendar –	Home > Civil War on the Freedom Trail Civil War on the Freedom Trail Excitement and interest in the 150th anniversary of the Civil War is sweeping the country, with re-enactments, events, and exhibits. Everyone knows that the American Revolution started in Boston, but not everyone realizes that Boston played a leading role in the run-up to the Civil war. While no battles were fought here, Boston was the hub of abolitionism, anti-slavery sentiment and activity, and devotion to the Union. As the center of the abolitionist movement, black and white activists worked to advance the opinion nobly expressed by Abraham Lincoln that no nation can stand divided. Visit the places of fiery speeches, jailhouse breaks, anti-slavery riots, recruitment centers, POW camps, and segregated churches engagingly described and mapped in Walking Tours of Civil War Boston. This NEW Freedom Trial Foundation publication is a full-color, 64 page, 8 ½ X 5 ½ “ book packed with photos and illustrations, maps and thrilling stories about Boston’s central role in the Civil War. The book is engagingly written to appeal to many audiences – visitors, residents, life long learners, historians, teachers and children interested in this rich history. Organized into approximately 90-minute self-guided walks, the walks include: Walk 1 - Civil War on the Freedom Trail follows much of the red line as it explores how the heroes of the American Revolution inspired Boston’s abolitionists; Walk 2 - Beacon Hill explores important roles played by the black and white communities living and working on Beacon Hill; Walk 3 - Back Bay Statues includes public art that commemorates the heroes of abolition and the Civil War; Walk 4 - Boston Harbor Tour is a walk /ride adventure that takes you to Boston Harbor, USS Constitution and the islands where Union soldiers were garrisoned and Confederates were imprisoned. The clearly defined routes are enhanced with beautiful color images, reproductions and illustrations which bring the stories to life. “My goal is for people is to hear the compelling stories of Bostonians, black and white, men and women, who railed against slavery and fought for the Union at the places where these stirring and critical events occurred,” says Barbara Berenson. “Boston once again led the nation’s struggle for freedom.” Barbara F. Berenson is a senior attorney at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. R. Marc Kantrowitz is a Justice on the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Click here to purchase the book. Click here to learn more about the book and authors Click here to learn about Civil War events taking place in the Boston area.