A park ranger pints out something on a historic 18th century gravestone

History at Sunset Walking Tour: Cotton Mather and the Pirate Trial of 1717

Boston National Historical Park

  • Jul 23, 2026 at 5:30 PM
  • Free

Join a National Park Service Ranger as they share Boston’s diverse history through unique guided tours.

Pirates and Puritans: Cotton Mather and the Pirate Trial of 1717

July 23 & October 22

In 1717, six captured pirates faced trial for piracy in Boston. Cotton Mather, a Puritan minister, condemned piracy but also offered salvation to these six pirates. This tour will explore the moment during which the opposing worlds of Puritan Boston and piracy collided. Walk in the footsteps of the condemned pirates through Boston’s North End where they met their fate.

Meeting Point: Find Your Park Space in the lower level of Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109

Final Stop: Copp's Hill Terrace

Route Info: The tour will cover approximately 1.1 miles over uneven surfaces, moderate hills, and cross multiple intersections in a highly populated urban area.

More information

Fees

This event is free to attend.

Location

Find Your Park Space in the lower level of Faneuil Hall, 1 Faneuil Hall Square, Boston, MA 02109

Latitude and Longitude 42.360050, -71.056266

Schedule

Date:

Jul 23, 2026

Time:

5:30 PM

Duration:

1 hour and 15 minutes

5:30 pm - 6:45 pm

Event Type

  • Guided Tour
Tags: boston, boston national historical park, boston african american national historic site