Boston Massacre Site
A pivotal site where colonial unrest ignited the American Revolution, marked by a historic cobblestone ring.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Boston Massacre Site
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pivotal site where colonial unrest ignited the American Revolution, marked by a historic cobblestone ring.
"A poignant reminder of the events that lit the fire for the revolution."
🚶 Follow the Red Bricks
The Freedom Trail's red bricks guide you to this site and others. Easy to navigate!
📸 Photo Op Alert
The marker is a popular spot for photos, but expect company. Go early for fewer people.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Massacre Site Marker
Intersection in front of the Old State House
A cobblestone ring marking the spot where five civilians were killed, igniting revolutionary fervor.

Old State House
Adjacent to the Massacre Site
The historic seat of government, offering a deeper dive into colonial Boston and the events leading to the Revolution.

Freedom Trail Connection
Part of the Freedom Trail
Follow the red brick path to connect this pivotal site with other key Revolutionary War landmarks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Respect the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶 Follow the Red Bricks
The Freedom Trail's red bricks guide you to this site and others. Easy to navigate!
📸 Photo Op Alert
The marker is a popular spot for photos, but expect company. Go early for fewer people.
🗣️ Guided Tours Enhance
Consider a tour guide for rich historical context and engaging stories.
📍 Location Nuance
The marker is in the intersection, moved for convenience. Look for the stones!
What are the "Must-See" Revolutionary War Sites in Boston? And is it much better than NYC?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶 Follow the Red Bricks
The Freedom Trail's red bricks guide you to this site and others. Easy to navigate!
📸 Photo Op Alert
The marker is a popular spot for photos, but expect company. Go early for fewer people.
🗣️ Guided Tours Enhance
Consider a tour guide for rich historical context and engaging stories.
📍 Location Nuance
The marker is in the intersection, moved for convenience. Look for the stones!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Boston Massacre Site a poignant and historically significant stop, especially when experienced as part of the Freedom Trail. While the site itself is a quick view, its location next to the Old State House and its role in American history make it a must-see. Crowds can be a factor, particularly during peak times, impacting the photo opportunities.
"Following the freedom trail to the Boston massacre site is something I enjoy doing when visiting Boston. I've only entered into the building there one time many years ago I don't remember paying at the time but you do need to pay now I believe. The seal on the ground commemorating the massacre is it good photo opportunity and reminder. This is a quick walk from faneuil Hall and the North end."
Marilynn Kaye
"We visited on a Wednesday morning in mid-June 2025. We were doing this as part of the Freedom Trail.
The site is right outside the Old State House. It's marked by a number of special paved stones in the ground. It was pretty busy even for 10:30AM on a Wednesday morning in mid-June on a overcast day. We were able to get a couple photos with minimal people in it but impossible to get one without them.
There were people with business suits walking through and people part of large tour groups. It was just a hodge podge of people. Still really cool to stand there and kind of take it all in."
David L.
"Pretty amazing historical site. Super busy during the 4th of July."
Ty Hall
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Boston Massacre Site is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Boston, directly in front of the Old State House. It's easily accessible via public transportation. The closest MBTA stations are State Street (Orange and Blue Lines) and Government Center (Green and Blue Lines). Many visitors also reach it by walking the Freedom Trail, which is marked by a red brick line on the sidewalk.
Absolutely! The site is a short walk from Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and it's also a gateway to the North End. If you're exploring Boston on foot, it's a central point on the Freedom Trail.
The most straightforward way is to follow the red bricks of the Freedom Trail. If using GPS, search for the 'Old State House' as the site is directly in front of it.
Parking in downtown Boston can be challenging and expensive. While there are garages nearby (like the Boston Common Garage or garages near Faneuil Hall), it's generally recommended to use public transport or walk if possible.
While Boston is generally a safe city, like any urban environment, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone or at night. Some TikTok videos highlight safety concerns, particularly near the harbor, so staying vigilant is always a good idea.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Boston Massacre Site itself, marked by the cobblestone ring in the street, is a public space and does not require a ticket to view. However, the adjacent Old State House museum does have an admission fee.
As an outdoor public space, the site is accessible at all times. The Old State House museum has specific operating hours, which can vary by season, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.
Viewing the outdoor marker is free. If you wish to enter the Old State House for exhibits and further historical context, there will be an admission fee. Check the Old State House website for current pricing.
Yes, it is generally recommended to book tickets for the Old State House online in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure entry and potentially save time.
Yes, the site is a key stop on the Freedom Trail and is often included in guided historical tours of Boston. Many tour guides offer in-depth narratives about the event.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary feature is the circular marker on the ground, made of special paving stones, that denotes where the 1770 incident occurred. It's a poignant reminder of the event. The Old State House, with its historical exhibits, is right next to it.
Viewing the marker itself takes only a few minutes. However, if you plan to visit the Old State House museum or take a guided tour, you could spend an hour or more absorbing the history.
The outdoor marker is in a public street area, which is generally accessible. The Old State House museum has accessibility information available on its website, and it's advisable to check with them directly for specific needs.
Reading historical markers, taking a guided tour, or visiting the Old State House museum are excellent ways to understand the significance of the Boston Massacre and its role in the American Revolution.
Restrooms are not directly at the outdoor marker. Public restrooms can typically be found in nearby Faneuil Hall Marketplace or within the Old State House museum (if you have purchased admission).
📸 📸 Photography
The circular marker on the ground is the main subject. You can also get great shots of the Old State House from the site. Try to capture the contrast between the historic site and the modern city around it.
Early weekday mornings are ideal for capturing photos with fewer people. Mid-day and weekends, especially during peak season, can be very crowded, making it difficult to get unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is generally restricted in busy urban areas and historical districts like this. It's best to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before attempting to fly a drone.
Shooting from a slightly elevated position or directly overhead can help capture the full circle of the marker. Including the Old State House in the background adds historical context.
Be mindful of pedestrians and traffic, as the marker is in a busy intersection. Also, remember the historical significance and maintain a respectful demeanor.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Pack snacks and water, as exploring the Freedom Trail can involve a lot of walking. Make it a game to spot all the historical markers! Remember to explain the significance of the site in age-appropriate terms, focusing on the fight for freedom and fairness.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Save money by utilizing Boston's excellent public transportation (the 'T') instead of taxis or ride-shares. Pack your own lunch and snacks to enjoy at one of Boston's many public parks, like the Boston Common, which is also on the Freedom Trail.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of the Boston Massacre
The media's role in shaping the narrative was crucial even back then. In the colonies, it was widely portrayed as a brutal 'massacre,' while in Britain, it was often downplayed as a mere 'disturbance.' This difference in perception highlights the growing divide and the power of information (and misinformation) in shaping public opinion during that era.
Today, the site is marked by a cobblestone ring in front of the Old State House, serving as a somber memorial. It's a key stop on the Freedom Trail, allowing visitors to connect with this critical moment in American history and understand its impact on the nation's founding.
Navigating the Freedom Trail
Many of the sites along the trail, including the Old State House adjacent to the Massacre Site, offer museums and exhibits that provide deeper historical context. You'll encounter landmarks like Faneuil Hall, Paul Revere's House, and the USS Constitution, each telling a part of Boston's revolutionary story.
Tip from a tour guide: 'I represent a specific individual who lived in Boston during the American Revolution, and I work for a company that does tours for school groups, tourists, and anybody interested in the Freedom Trail!' This highlights the value of guided tours for a richer, more personalized experience of the trail and its many historical gems.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit