Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill

Visit Acorn Street, Boston's iconic cobblestone lane with gas lamps that date back to the 19th century

Listen along as an expert local historian transports you back to Civil War Boston

African Meeting House (1806), center of Boston abolitionism and the oldest black church building in America

Stroll through the heart of Beacon Hill, lined with 19th-century homes of elite "Boston Brahmins"

Learn contentious debates over racial integration that took place at Charles Street Meeting House (1807)

Duration2h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Group sizeUp to 16 travelers

Overview

Boston's role in the fight to end legalized slavery is linked by the Black Heritage Trail in historic Beacon Hill. This pedestrian path is best experienced on foot, in a small group, with a knowledgeable local guide! Your 2.5-hour loop tour travels from Boston Common to visit Underground Railroad sites, elite homes of "Boston Brahmins," and abolitionist landmarks such as the African Meeting House.

Our small-group walking tour delves deeply into the years 1833 to 1863, the tumultuous years leading toward Civil War. We walk in the footsteps of 19th-century Bostonians, all of whom grappled with the "peculiar institution" of racial enslavement in the U.S.

With a captivating storytelling approach, Hub Town Tours provides the perfect introduction to Boston's role in America's "Second Revolution." As we travel past landmarks from Civil War Boston, your guide shares the gripping story of local Bostonians finding their voices and demanding an end to injustice across their young nation.

What's included

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

What to expect

10m

Meet your guide at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the center of Boston Common, steps from the Boston Common Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street (02108). Look for a white granite column topped by a female figure holding a flag; four bronze statues surround the base of the central column.
Boston Common
Pass by

Oldest public land in the Americas and Boston's communal grazing pasture (1634)
Acorn Street
10m

Narrow cobblestone alleyways wind throughout historic Beacon Hill
Louisburg Square
Pass by

Elegant neighborhood square from elite world of 19th-century "Boston Brahmins"
10m

Built as a whites-only school in 1824, but among the first schools to integrate in Boston by 1855
10m

Home of leading abolitionist, state legislator, and former barber
Charles Street
Pass by

Primary thoroughfare of Beacon Hill, lined with local shops and restaurants
15m

Historic meeting house (1807) and site of contentious debate over racial integration
Pass by

Home of African-American community activist and abolitionist
15m

Underground Railroad safe house owned by the Haydens, staunch abolitionists who were formerly enslaved
Otis House
10m

1796 residence of Harrison Gray Otis, Boston mayor and nephew of revolutionary James Otis, Jr.
Old West Church
Pass by

Historic 1806 church designed by noted architect Asher Benjamin
Pass by

Home of outspoken abolitionist and U.S. Senator beaten unconscious in the Capitol over the issue of slavery in 1856.
Pass by

Homes of several African-American abolitionists, including historian William Cooper Nell
Pass by

Founded in 1835 as segregated school for Boston's African-American children
25m · Admission ticket not included

Cultural center of Boston's African-American community and oldest extant black church building in the U.S. (1806)
10m

Oldest extant house in Beacon Hill (1787) was home to African-American Revolutionary War veteran
Massachusetts State House
Pass by

Massachusetts state capitol and "Hub of the Solar System" (1798)
Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial
15m

Our tour concludes beside the Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial opposite 24 Beacon Street.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in the center of Boston Common, steps from the Boston Common Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street (02108). Look for a white granite column topped by a female figure holding a flag; four bronze statues surround the base of the central column.

End point

Your 2.5-hour tour concludes in front of the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial, across the street from the Massachusetts State House. This special loop tour of Beacon Hill ends within 0.2 miles of its starting location at the Prescott House.

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travelers who have difficulty standing for extended periods

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (202)

From

$35.00 per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by Hub Town Tours · Booked through Viator

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