Liberty Tree District, historic district in Boston
The Liberty Tree District is a historic area in downtown Boston comprising several buildings from the 1800s that reflect different architectural styles such as Greek Revival and Italianate design. The district sits at the corner of Washington and Essex Streets and includes the Lafayette Hotel built in 1824 along with the Liberty Tree Block, which features a carved relief depicting the historic tree.
The original Liberty Tree was a large elm that stood around 1646 on Orange Street and became a symbol of resistance against British rule, where colonists gathered to protest taxes and laws. The tree was cut down in 1775 by British soldiers after decades of serving as the center of colonial protest and unity.
The site served as a gathering place where colonists came together to express their beliefs and organize for change during the fight for independence. Visitors today can stand where people once raised their voices and built community around shared ideals of freedom.
The district is easily walkable and situated near other historic sites and busy shopping streets in downtown Boston. Visitors should take time to observe the details of the historic buildings and markers that tell the story of the place, as the area is small and rewards careful attention.
A piece of the original tree's root is preserved by the Massachusetts Historical Society, showing that some remnants of the tree survived through the centuries. This makes the location a carefully preserved piece of physical history that connects visitors directly to the past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
