National Register Listing

Chestnut Hill Reservoir Historic District

Beacon St. and Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA
Local significance of the district:
Community Planning And Development; Engineering; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
  A brief timeline of the Czech immigration to America

The immigration of Czechs to America has a rich history that spans several centuries. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key moments in Czech immigration to America:

  • 1848: The Revolutions of 1848 across Europe, including the Austrian Empire (which included Bohemia and Moravia), sparked political and social unrest. As a result, some Czechs sought political refuge in the United States.

  • 1850s: The first significant wave of Czech immigration to the United States begins. Many Czechs, primarily from Bohemia and Moravia, settle in areas such as Texas, Wisconsin, and Illinois.

  • 1862: The Homestead Act, which offered free land to settlers, attracts Czech immigrants to the American Midwest, particularly to farming communities in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.

  • Late 19th to early 20th century: The peak period of Czech immigration to America. Economic opportunities and escape from political oppression and economic hardship in the Austro-Hungarian Empire drive large numbers of Czechs to emigrate. Many settle in urban areas like Chicago, New York City, and Cleveland, forming vibrant Czech-American communities.

  • 1918: The creation of Czechoslovakia as an independent nation following World War I leads to a decrease in Czech immigration to the United States, as some Czechs choose to return to their homeland.

  • 1930s to 1940s: The rise of Nazi Germany and subsequent occupation of Czechoslovakia during World War II prompt a new wave of Czech immigrants, including Jewish refugees fleeing persecution.

  • 1948: The Communist Party takes control of Czechoslovakia in a coup, leading to further waves of Czech emigration to the United States as people seek political freedom and economic opportunities.

  • 1968: The Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia, is met with Soviet military intervention. In its aftermath, many Czech intellectuals, artists, and professionals leave the country, seeking asylum in the United States and other Western countries.

  • 1989: The Velvet Revolution, a peaceful transition of power in Czechoslovakia, ushers in a new era of democracy and freedom. Czech immigration to the United States continues, although at a reduced rate compared to earlier waves.

Today, Czech Americans form a vibrant community in the United States, contributing to various fields such as arts, sciences, business, and politics. Their cultural heritage is celebrated through festivals, organizations, and Czech language schools throughout the country.

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.

community planning and development engineering politics government architecture Czech immigrants immigration manufacturing houses residential buildings design and construction Italianate
In 1837, Harvard University held a "prostitute parade" where students marched through Boston with prostitutes to protest a law that would have made it illegal to hire women for "immoral purposes."
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.