John Eliot Square District facts for kids
|
John Eliot Square District
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
First Church of Roxbury
|
|
 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Architect | Multiple |
| Architectural style | Mid 19th Century Revival, Late Victorian, Federal |
| Part of | Roxbury Highlands Historic District (ID89000147) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000854 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | April 23, 1973 |
| Designated CP | February 22, 1989 |
The John Eliot Square District is a special historic area in the northern part of Roxbury, a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts. It's where several streets meet: Dudley, Bartlett, Centre, Roxbury, and Highland Streets. This square is named after John Eliot, a missionary who worked with Native Americans long ago.
This area was once the very center of the town of Roxbury when it was founded in 1630. Later, in 1868, Roxbury became part of Boston. Because of its important history, John Eliot Square was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Today, it's the main part of Roxbury Heritage State Park, which is a park all about history!
Contents
Important Places to See
John Eliot Square is home to some really old and interesting buildings. They tell stories about what life was like many years ago.
First Church of Roxbury
The most important building in John Eliot Square is the First Church of Roxbury. This church is the oldest wooden meeting house in Boston that is still standing. It was built during the Federal Period of American architecture, which was a time when the United States was just starting as a new country.
Dillaway-Thomas House: A Glimpse into the Past
The Roxbury Heritage State Park features the Dillaway–Thomas House. This large colonial house was built in 1750. Many people believe it is the oldest house still standing in Roxbury. The house is surrounded by a beautiful 1-acre (0.40 ha) park. From here, you can see amazing views of the Boston skyline. This park is also part of the larger Metropolitan Park System of Greater Boston.
The Dillaway-Thomas House was built in the Georgian style, which was a popular way to design buildings back then. It was first built as a parsonage (a home for a pastor) for Reverend Oliver Peabody, who was the pastor of the First Church of Roxbury in 1750.
Later, the house was owned by Martha Dillaway. After her, it belonged to John Thomas, who was an important general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
The Knox Expedition Connection
In 1776, while General Thomas owned the house, a very important event happened. Cannons from Fort Ticonderoga in New York were brought all the way to Cambridge, Massachusetts by Henry Knox. These cannons then traveled through Roxbury on their way to Fortification of Dorchester Heights. The cannons were used there to make the British army leave Boston on March 17.
In 2009, a special marker was placed at the park. It celebrates the neighborhood as a stop on the Henry Knox Trail. It also honors General Thomas's role in ending the Siege of Boston. This marker was the 57th one placed to remember the Knox Expedition. It was the first new marker added since the trail's monuments were first set up in 1927.
Restoring History
The Dillaway-Thomas House was first fixed up in the 1930s by someone who wanted to preserve old buildings. However, some parts added then were not completely accurate to the house's original history.
After two fires in the 1970s, a state representative who used to live in Roxbury asked the government for money. In 1984, funding was approved to restore the house and turn it into a heritage park. During this restoration, some parts of the house were left exposed. This shows all the different layers of work done to the house over time. It creates a physical timeline of its architectural history.
The finished house opened to the public in 1992. Inside, you can find exhibits that show the history of Roxbury from the past all the way to the present day.
