Boston Underground Railroad & Civil War History Tour
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Discover Boston’s vital role in the fight to end slavery on the Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill. This walking tour takes you through historic streets, revealing stories of abolitionists, enslaved people, and the city’s connection to the Underground Railroad.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you'll visit key landmarks like the African Meeting House, former safe houses, and homes of prominent figures who fought for justice. The tour offers a vivid picture of Boston’s activism during the tumultuous years leading up to the Civil War.
Spanning 2.5 hours, this small-group experience immerses you in the history of racial equality and resistance, all set against the backdrop of Beacon Hill’s elegant architecture and vibrant past. It’s a compelling way to understand Boston’s part in America’s second revolution.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Boston: Underground Railroad History Tour of Beacon Hill?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.
What languages are available for this tour?
The tour is conducted in English.
What is the group size for this experience?
Groups are limited to up to 15 participants.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 0-5 can participate, but the tour is best suited for ages 6 and up. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
What’s included in the tour?
Small group size (max 15 guests), access to all 10 landmarks on the Black Heritage Trail, and exploration of the Beacon Hill neighborhood.
Are there any additional costs or exclusions?
Guide gratuities are optional, and admission to museums or guides in period costumes are not included.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Live tour guide
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Small groups (max 15 guests)
- Access to all 10 Black Heritage Trail landmarks
- Exploration of the Beacon Hill neighborhood
Not included
- Guide gratuity (optional)
- Museum admission fees
- Guides in period costume
Itinerary
A 2.5-hour walking journey through Boston’s Beacon Hill, exploring historic sites linked to the Underground Railroad and abolitionist movement.
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Stop 1
Meet your guide at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Boston Common, near the Visitors Center. Look for a white granite column topped by a female figure holding a flag, surrounded by four bronze statues.
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Stop 2
Oldest public land in the Americas, dating back to 1634, once used for communal grazing.
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Stop 3
Winding cobblestone alleyways that define historic Beacon Hill.
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Stop 4
Elegant neighborhood square that was home to Boston’s elite 'Brahmins' in the 19th century.
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Stop 5
Site of a school built as a whites-only institution in 1824, later among Boston’s first to integrate by 1855.
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Stop 6
Residence of a leading abolitionist, state legislator, and former barber.
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Stop 7
Beacon Hill’s main street, lined with local shops and restaurants.
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Stop 8
Historic meeting house (1807) where debates over racial integration took place.
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Stop 9
Home of an African-American community activist and abolitionist.
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Stop 10
Underground Railroad safe house owned by the Hayden family, staunch abolitionists and former enslaved people.
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Stop 11
Residence of Harrison Gray Otis, Boston mayor and nephew of revolutionary James Otis, Jr., built in 1796.
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Stop 12
Historic church designed by architect Asher Benjamin, built in 1806.
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Stop 13
Home of an outspoken abolitionist and U.S. Senator beaten in Congress over slavery in 1856.
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Stop 14
Homes of notable African-American abolitionists, including William Cooper Nell.
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Stop 15
Founded in 1835 as a segregated school for Boston’s Black children.
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Stop 16
Cultural hub of Boston’s African-American community and the oldest Black church building in the U.S. (1806).
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Stop 17
Oldest remaining house in Beacon Hill, built in 1787, once home to a Revolutionary War veteran.
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Stop 18
Massachusetts State Capitol, built in 1798, known as the 'Hub of the Solar System.'
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Stop 19
Tour ends at the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial, across from 24 Beacon Street.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet your guide at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Boston Common.
Meet at the central Boston Common, steps from the Visitors Center at 139 Tremont Street. Look for the white granite column topped by a female figure holding a flag, with four bronze statues at its base.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
- Full refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours
- Tour may be canceled due to bad weather or low enrollment
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $35.00 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
