National Register Listing

Beacon Hill Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Otis, (Second) Harrison Gray,House

Bounded by Beacon St., the Charles River Embankment, and Pinckney, Revere, and Hancock Sts., Boston, MA
Local significance of the district:
Literature; Architecture; Performing Arts

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

literature architecture performing arts
The Great Boston Fire of 1872 was one of the most destructive fires in American history. It destroyed 65 acres of downtown Boston, including 776 buildings and caused $73.5 million in damage (equivalent to over $1.5 billion today).
Massachusetts random facts
Suffolk County, located in eastern Massachusetts, has a long and rich history dating back to the early colonial period. The area was originally inhabited by the Massachusett Native American tribe, who lived along the shores of the Charles River and Boston Harbor. In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived in nearby Plymouth, marking the beginning of European settlement in the region.

In 1630, the settlement of Boston was founded by Puritan colonists led by John Winthrop. Over the next few decades, Boston became a major center of trade and commerce. Suffolk County was officially established in 1643, encompassing the towns of Boston, Roxbury, and Dorchester. The county was named after Suffolk in East Anglia, England, the birthplace of many of the settlers.

During the American Revolution, Suffolk County played a significant role. The Boston Tea Party, a protest against British taxation, occurred in Boston Harbor in 1773. Battles such as the Battle of Bunker Hill took place in the county, as the British sought to regain control of the city. After the war, Boston continued to thrive as an important port and center of industry.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, Suffolk County experienced significant growth and development. The Industrial Revolution led to the expansion of manufacturing, with industries such as textiles and shoes becoming prominent. The county also underwent a major urban renewal effort in the mid-20th century, resulting in the construction of modern buildings and infrastructure.

Today, Suffolk County remains a vibrant and diverse region, home to the city of Boston and many other thriving communities. It continues to be a hub of culture, education, and innovation, attracting residents and visitors from around the world.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Suffolk County, Massachusetts.

  • Suffolk County, MA was established in 1643.
  • In 1774, the county played a significant role in the American Revolution, with events such as the Boston Tea Party.
  • During the 19th century, Suffolk County became an important center for manufacturing and trade.
  • In the early 20th century, Suffolk County experienced an influx of immigrants, particularly from Europe.
  • In 2004, Suffolk County became the first county in Massachusetts to adopt the Community Preservation Act.