Road to the Vote: Women's Suffrage Tour in Boston
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to comfortably walk for 1.5 hours over mostly flat city streets with occasional stops.
Overview
Join a 1.5-hour walking tour that honors Boston’s suffragists and their fight for women’s voting rights. Experience history firsthand while exploring key sites in the heart of Boston.
Road to the Vote
BOSTONIANS FIGHT FOR CHANGE SERIES
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About This Adventure
Embark on a powerful 1.5-hour walking tour that commemorates the relentless struggle for women's suffrage in Boston. Discover the pivotal sites and stories of courageous suffragists who fought for the right to vote, celebrating the centennial of the 19th amendment. Experience history come alive through their inspiring legacy.
Duration, Distance, Terrain
1.5 hours 1 mile at a moderate pace, stopping at various sites along the tour
About
The Road to the Vote for national woman suffrage was a long and arduous one. Along the way, countless suffragists, in Boston, and across the nation, organized, wrote, fundraised, marched, picketed, boycotted, and went on hunger strikes to call attention to their cause. Generations of women fought in the struggle, all the while hoping to open minds and move hearts. By the early 20th century women in Boston were being arrested and jailed for their convictions. It was 72 years from Seneca Falls to the time when American women voted in municipal, state and federal elections exercising the right provided to them in the 19th amendment. This tour celebrates the centennial of the ratification of that amendment and highlights the places, people and protests that helped win the vote for women.
This tour was developed by the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail, a group that works to restore women to their rightful place in the history of Boston by uncovering, chronicling, and disseminating information about the women who have made lasting contributions to the City of Boston.
Meeting location:
Meet your guide in front of Faneuil Hall at the Samuel Adams statue, Boston.
Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”
Nearest MBTA Stations: Haymarket (Orange & Green Lines) and Government Center (Blue & Green Lines)
What to bring
Comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, water bottle
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking through city streets for about 1.5 hours, so sturdy and comfortable footwear is recommended.
Check Weather Conditions
Boston’s weather can change quickly; bring a light rain jacket or umbrella during wet seasons.
Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated during the walk, especially in warmer months when hydration is key.
Arrive Early
Give yourself extra time for check-in and to get acquainted with your guide before the tour starts.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrels
- American robins
History
Boston played a central role in the women’s suffrage movement, hosting key rallies and marches throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Conservation
Boston By Foot promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging walking tours that reduce vehicle emissions and support local communities.
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Adventure Hotspots in Boston
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Supportive shoes are important for a smooth 1.5-hour walking tour on paved city surfaces.
Weather-Appropriate Jacket
A light waterproof jacket will keep you dry during spring’s occasional rain showers.
spring specific
Water Bottle
Carrying water helps keep you hydrated in warm, humid summer weather.
summer specific
Warm Layers
Insulated clothing is crucial to stay warm during Boston’s colder winter temperatures.
winter specific