Dorchester Heights facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Dorchester Heights National Historic Site
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | South Boston, Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 5.4 acres (2.2 ha) |
| Built | 1776 |
| Architect | Peabody & Stearns |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival, Georgian Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000050 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
Dorchester Heights is a special place in South Boston. It's the highest spot in the area. From here, you can see all of Boston Harbor and the city center. This historic hill played a big role in the American Revolutionary War.
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History of Dorchester Heights and the American Revolution
Dorchester Heights is famous in American history. A key event called the Fortification of Dorchester Heights happened here. This took place during the American Revolutionary War.
The Siege of Boston Begins
After the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, many American colonists felt strongly about freedom. Thousands of citizen soldiers, called militiamen, gathered around Boston. They pushed the British soldiers back into the city. In June 1775, British soldiers attacked Bunker Hill. They won the Battle of Bunker Hill, but lost many soldiers.
After this battle, the Continental Congress in Philadelphia made George Washington the leader. He became the Commander-in-Chief of the American army. Washington was sent to take charge of the Siege of Boston. This was a time when the American army surrounded the British in Boston.
Knox's Amazing Journey to Boston
The fight in Boston was stuck for many months. Nothing big happened until Colonel Henry Knox arrived. He had just returned from Fort Ticonderoga in New York. Knox led a team of sleds loaded with heavy cannons. This amazing trip, called the Noble train of artillery, happened in winter. He moved the cannons hundreds of miles to Boston.
These new cannons gave Washington the power he needed. He could now make a big move against the British.
Fortifying Dorchester Heights
On the night of March 4, 1776, something important happened. About 800 American soldiers guarded the Dorchester shores. At the same time, 1,200 American soldiers moved onto Dorchester Heights. They worked all night long. Their goal was to build strong defenses against the British Army.
They moved many heavy cannons up the hill using oxen. The British did not notice this happening. Dorchester Heights was a very important spot. It was high up and had a clear view of all of Boston and Boston Harbor.
British Retreat from Boston
The British commander, General William Howe, planned to fight back. He wanted to take the fortified positions on the Heights. But bad weather stopped his plans.
The British Navy then helped the British Army leave Boston. Many Loyalists, who supported the British, left with them. This happened on March 17, 1776. This day is now a holiday in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. It is called Evacuation Day.
Fourth of July Fireworks Views
Dorchester Heights is a hilltop. It offers amazing views of many towns south and west of Boston. This view is especially popular on July 4th. After sunset, you can watch official fireworks shows. These displays come from over a dozen different communities. You can also see countless smaller fireworks shows. They all light up the horizon throughout the evening.
Important Places at Dorchester Heights
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Dorchester Heights Historic District
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| Location | Roughly a one block area surrounding Telegraph Hill, South Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 40 acres (16 ha) |
| Built | 1776 |
| Architectural style | Federal, Greek Revival, et al. |
| NRHP reference No. | 01001198 |
| Added to NRHP | November 01, 2001 |
Dorchester Heights Historic District
A 40-acre area of Dorchester Heights is a special historic district. It is centered around Thomas Park and the monument. This area was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. It includes homes built in the late 1800s. The Dorchester Heights monument area was listed separately in 1966.
The Dorchester Heights Monument
In 1849, a reservoir was built near the top of Telegraph Hill. This reservoir provided water to South Boston. The water came from Lake Cochituate. Later, this reservoir was filled in. South Boston High School was built on that spot in 1901.
The rest of the hill's top became Thomas Park in the 1850s. It is a round park with pretty plants and paths. In the 1990s, archaeologists found something amazing. They found proof of the Revolutionary War forts. People thought these forts had been destroyed when the park was built.
The Dorchester Heights Monument stands in the middle of Thomas Park. It was finished in 1902. It was designed by architects Peabody and Stearns from Boston. The monument is 115 feet (35 meters) tall. It is made of white marble and has a top like a church steeple. The monument is now managed by the National Park Service. It is part of Boston National Historical Park.
See also
In Spanish: Dorchester Heights para niños
