The Connecticut Freedom Trail, a group of homes, churches, businesses, cemeteries and other locations in the state relevant to the struggles of African Americans to gain citizenship, freedom and dignity, launched a new Web site andinteractive trail map on Thursday, Feb. 17.The Web site, which allows users to see the locations of Freedom Trail sites and learn more about each one through text and photos, shows the extent of the trail throughout the state. The trail project began in 1996 with 60 locations recognized in 30 towns. It has grown tremendously in the 14 years after it started, doubling in sites and towns recognized. It now boasts more than 130 sites across more than 50 towns.The majority of Freedom Trail locations are located on the coast and in the cities of Hartford, New Haven and Farmington, reflecting the travel and settlement patterns of those times. But there are significant Freedom Trail locations in this area as well, with multiple sites in Enfield, Manchester, Vernon and Windsor. While some locations are privately owned, others are open to the public and provide a chance to learn about the area and statewide connections to the fights for African-American citizenship, equality and civil rights that were seminal events in the US.
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