Long Wharf (Boston) facts for kids
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Long Wharf and Customhouse Block
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Gardiner Building (left) and the Custom House Block (right)
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| Location | Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1710 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000768 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 13, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | November 13, 1966 |
Long Wharf is a famous old pier in Boston, Massachusetts. A pier is like a long dock that stretches out into the water. This one was built a long time ago, between 1710 and 1721. It used to reach almost half a mile into Boston Harbor.
Over time, the city grew, and more land was created by filling in parts of the harbor. This made the wharf much shorter. Today, Long Wharf is still a busy place. It's used as a dock for boats that carry passengers and for fun sightseeing tours.
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History of Long Wharf
Long Wharf has a rich history, playing a big part in Boston's growth. It saw many changes over the centuries, from a busy shipping hub to a modern recreational spot.
The Early Years (1700s)
Building the wharf started around 1710. When it was first finished, it stretched about one-third of a mile from the shoreline. This was much farther than other docks. Its length allowed bigger ships to easily tie up. They could unload their goods directly into new warehouses and shops.
Captain Oliver Noyes oversaw its construction. The wharf quickly became the main focus of Boston's busy harbor. Over the years, land was created around the inner part of the wharf. This new land is now home to places like Quincy Market and the Boston Custom House.
In the 1700s, a famous tavern called the Bunch-of-Grapes was at the wharf's start. The well-known painter John Singleton Copley grew up here. His mother ran a tobacco shop on the wharf. The Gardiner Building, built in the 1760s, is the oldest building still standing on the wharf. It was once where John Hancock had his business. Today, it is a restaurant.
Growing Boston (1800s)
In 1848, a large granite building called the Custom House Block was built on the wharf. It is still there today. The middle of the 1800s was a very important time for Boston's shipping industry. Long Wharf was at the center of all this business. This busy period lasted until the American Civil War.
By the late 1860s, Boston's port became less important for international shipping. A new road, Atlantic Avenue, was built through Long Wharf and other docks. This changed the look of the waterfront.
Modern Times (1900s & 2000s)
In the 1950s, an elevated highway called the Central Artery was built along Atlantic Avenue. This highway separated Long Wharf from Boston's main business area.
Long Wharf and the Custom House Block were recognized as a National Historic Landmark. This honor was given because of their important role in Boston's history. They showed how important Boston was as a shipping center in the 1800s.
Later, the Big Dig project moved the Central Artery underground. This helped connect Long Wharf more closely to downtown Boston again. Since about 1990, Long Wharf has changed a lot. It went from a commercial area to a fun place for recreation and culture.
Today, Long Wharf is right next to the New England Aquarium. You can get there easily by taking the MBTA's Blue Line subway to the Aquarium station.
What You Can Do There Today
Long Wharf is a lively spot with many things to do. It's a great place to catch a boat or just enjoy the views.
Here are some of the marine services that operate from Long Wharf:
- MBTA Boat services: These boats can take you to places like the Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown, Logan International Airport, Hull, and Quincy.
- Ferries to the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area: Explore the beautiful islands in Boston Harbor.
- Ferry to Salem, Massachusetts: Take a trip to the historic city of Salem.
- Ferry to Provincetown, Massachusetts: Visit the charming town of Provincetown at the tip of Cape Cod.
- Water taxi services: A quick way to get around the harbor.
- New England Aquarium harbor tours: See the harbor from the water (the Aquarium itself is on Central Wharf, right next door).
- Various harbor cruises: Enjoy different tours around the harbor.
- Docks for private vessels: You might see many private boats docked here.
The wharf also has a hotel, several restaurants, and shops. At the end of the wharf, there's a large open area. It offers amazing views of the harbor and the city. Even though it's shorter now, Long Wharf is still a main spot for cruise boats and ferries in Boston Harbor.
