The Black Heritage Trail winds through Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood, connecting sites that celebrate the history and legacy of free Black communities in the 19th century. Less famous than the Freedom Trail, yet equally vital, this 1.6-mile walking tour leads visitors past landmarks of abolition, civil rights, and Black culture.

At the heart of the trail is the African Meeting House (1806)—the oldest Black church still standing in the U.S.—where Frederick Douglass and other abolitionists rallied against slavery. The Abiel Smith School, the nation’s first school built exclusively for Black students, also stands along the route. Other stops include homes of prominent abolitionists, activists, and Underground Railroad sites.

Operated by the Museum of African American History, guided tours offer powerful insights into the resilience and contributions of Boston’s Black community. Visitors can also explore the trail self-guided, following bronze markers embedded in the sidewalks. A stroll down the Black Heritage Trail is a journey through the fight for freedom and equality that helped shape America.