In a downtown area of Boston, Massachusetts, a few fearless and passionate people sowed the seeds of a social and political movement that changed America – the movement to end slavery.
Beacon Hill Scholars founder Horace Seldon dubbed the area in and around City Hall Plaza “Abolition Acre.”
We’ve created Abolition Acre! A Black Freedom Trail to highlight some of the key leaders and events of the movement’s early history. Visit the Old Courthouse where abolitionists made courageous efforts to stop escapees from slavery being sent back to bondage. Learn about the New England Anti-Slavery Society and the Boston Female Anti-Slavery Society – groups that helped fuel the growth of the national movement. Discover unsung heroes like Black abolitionists David Walker, Maria Stewart, and Emiliano Mundrucu. And much more.
READ!
Walking the trail at a leisurely pace will take you between 35 and 40 minutes. Click here for a written description and background information.
EXPLORE!
Our online trail map includes a brief description and an audio segment for each of the 10 stops on the trail.
LISTEN!
Use our audio narration to guide you along the trail or to experience it virtually. Click here for transcript.
We hope that our audio commentary will help bring alive the people, places, and momentous events you learn about along the trail. Enjoy and be inspired!