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National Register of Historic Places listings in northern Boston facts for kids

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Location of Boston in Massachusetts

Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts! This city is packed with amazing historical places. Many of these special spots are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history.

This article focuses on the historic places in the northern part of Boston, specifically those north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. If you're looking for places south of the Turnpike, you'll find them in the National Register of Historic Places listings in southern Boston article. Other historic places in Suffolk County are listed separately.

Suffolk County has 341 places and areas on the National Register. Out of these, 58 are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. In the northern part of Boston alone, there are 148 listed properties and districts, including 44 National Historic Landmarks!

Contents: Counties in Massachusetts
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Exploring Boston's Historic Treasures

Boston is like a giant history book, and these listed places are its most important pages. Let's explore some of these amazing sites!

Historic Buildings and Homes

Many of Boston's historic buildings tell stories of the past.

African Meeting House

African Meeting House
The historic African Meetinghouse on Beacon Hill.

The African Meetinghouse at 8 Smith Street in Beacon Hill is a very important place. It was built in 1806 and is the oldest church building in the United States built by and for Black people. It also hosts the Museum of African American History, where you can learn about Black history in New England. It became a National Historic Landmark on October 7, 1971.

Ames Building

Ames-Building-Boston-1893
The Ames Building, once Boston's tallest building.

Located at 1 Court Street in Downtown, the Ames Building was added to the National Register on April 26, 1974. When it was finished in 1893, it was considered Boston's very first skyscraper! Imagine how tall it must have seemed back then.

Nathan Appleton Residence

NathanAppletonHouse08
The Nathan Appleton Residence.

The Nathan Appleton Residence at 39-40 Beacon Street in Beacon Hill became a National Historic Landmark on December 22, 1977. Nathan Appleton was an important businessman and politician in Boston's history.

Arlington Street Church

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The beautiful Arlington Street Church.

Found at Arlington and Boylston Streets in Back Bay, the Arlington Street Church was listed on May 4, 1973. This church is known for its beautiful architecture and its role in the city's history.

Armory of the First Corps of Cadets

The Armory of the First Corps of Cadets is located at 97-105 Arlington Street and 130 Columbus Avenue in Bay Village. This building, listed on May 22, 1973, served as a military armory.

Francis B. Austin House

Francis B. Austin House Boston MA 01
The Francis B. Austin House in Charlestown.

In Charlestown, at 58 High Street, you'll find the Francis B. Austin House. It was added to the Register on October 21, 1988.

Frederick Ayer Mansion

Fredick Ayer Mansion
The Frederick Ayer Mansion.

The Frederick Ayer Mansion at 395 Commonwealth Avenue in Back Bay became a National Historic Landmark on April 5, 2005. This grand home is a great example of fancy architecture from its time.

Baker Congregational Church

Baker Congregational Church East Boston MA 02
The Baker Congregational Church in East Boston.

In East Boston, at 760 Saratoga Street, stands the Baker Congregational Church. It was listed on November 19, 1998.

Bedford Building

Bedford Building Boston
The Bedford Building.

The Bedford Building at 89-103 Bedford Street in Downtown was added to the Register on August 21, 1979.

Blake and Amory Building

BostonMA AmoryBlock
The Blake and Amory Building.

The Blake and Amory Building at 59 Temple Place in Downtown was listed on June 2, 2014.

Boston Athenæum

Boston Athenaeum, Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Athenæum, a historic library.

The Boston Athenæum at 10½ Beacon Street in Beacon Hill is a very old and important library. It became a National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966. It's one of the oldest independent libraries in the United States.

Boston Edison Electric Illuminating Company building

Boston Edison Electric Illuminating Company, Boston, Massachusetts
The Boston Edison Electric Illuminating Company building.

The Boston Edison Electric Illuminating Company building at 25-39 Boylston Street in Chinatown was listed on December 9, 1980. This building shows how electricity became important in Boston.

Boston Police Station Number One-Traffic Tunnel Administration Building

BostonMA TunnelAdmininstrationBuilding 1
Boston Police Station Number One-Traffic Tunnel Administration Building.

This building, located at 128, 150 North & 130-140 Richmond Street in the North End, was added to the Register on March 3, 2015. It played a role in managing traffic tunnels.

Boston Public Library, McKim Building

USA Boston Public Library 2 MA
The McKim Building of the Boston Public Library.

The McKim Building of the Boston Public Library in Copley Square, Back Bay, became a National Historic Landmark on May 6, 1973. It's a stunning example of architecture and a treasure trove of books and knowledge.

Boston Transit Commission Building

15BeaconStreet
The Boston Transit Commission Building.

The Boston Transit Commission Building at 15 Beacon Street in Beacon Hill was listed on August 31, 2007. This building was important for managing Boston's public transportation.

Boston Young Men's Christian Union

BYMCU
The Boston Young Men's Christian Union building.

The Boston Young Men's Christian Union building at 48 Boylston Street in Chinatown was listed on December 9, 1980.

Boylston Building

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The Boylston Building.

The Boylston Building at 2-22 Boylston Street in Chinatown was added to the Register on December 9, 1980.

Building at 138-142 Portland Street

138 Portland Street Boston
Building at 138-142 Portland Street.

This building at 138-142 Portland Street in Downtown was listed on September 5, 1985.

Bunker Hill School

Bunker Hill School Boston MA 01
The historic Bunker Hill School.

The Bunker Hill School at 68 Baldwin Street in Charlestown was added to the Register on October 15, 1987.

Central Congregational Church

Church of the covenant
The Central Congregational Church, now known as the Church of the Covenant.

The Central Congregational Church at 67 Newbury Street in Back Bay became a National Historic Landmark on October 16, 2012. This church is special because it has the largest complete interior designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany still in its original place in America. It's now called the Church of the Covenant.

Charles Playhouse

CharlesPlayhouse2
The Charles Playhouse.

The Charles Playhouse at 74-78 Warrenton Street in the Theatre District was listed on June 16, 1980. This theater has hosted many performances over the years.

Codman Building

10 Liberty Square
The Codman Building.

The Codman Building at 55 Kilby Street in Downtown was listed on October 19, 1983.

Compton Building

Compton Building Boston MA 01
The Compton Building.

The Compton Building at 159, 161–175 Devonshire Street, and 18–20 Arch Street in Downtown was added on December 31, 2008.

Congress Street Fire Station

Congress Street Fire Station South Boston MA
The Congress Street Fire Station.

The Congress Street Fire Station at 344 Congress Street in South Boston was listed on September 3, 1987.

Crowninshield House

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The Crowninshield House.

The Crowninshield House at 164 Marlborough Street in Back Bay was added on February 23, 1972.

Dill Building

DillBldg
The Dill Building.

The Dill Building at 11-25 Stuart Street in the Theatre District was listed on December 9, 1980.

Old East Boston High School

Old East Boston High School
The Old East Boston High School.

The Old East Boston High School at 127 Marion Street in East Boston was added to the Register on March 15, 2006.

Engine House No. 34

Engine House No. 34 Boston MA
Engine House No. 34.

Engine House No. 34 at 444 Western Avenue in Brighton was listed on October 24, 1985. This was a fire station that served the community.

Ether Dome

MGH Ether Dome 29Jan2008
The Ether Dome at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Ether Dome at Fruit Street in the West End became a National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966. It's part of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Bulfinch Building and is famous as the place where the first public demonstration of ether as an anesthetic happened in 1846. This changed medicine forever!

Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall Boston Massachusetts
Faneuil Hall, a famous meeting place.

Faneuil Hall at Dock Square in Downtown is a super important National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. It's known as the "Cradle of Liberty" because many important speeches and meetings about American independence took place here.

Peter Faneuil School

Peter Faneuil School
The Peter Faneuil School.

The Peter Faneuil School at 60 Joy Street in Beacon Hill was listed on December 16, 1994.

Filene's Department Store

FilenesBoston2
Filene's Department Store.

Filene's Department Store at 426 Washington Street in Downtown was listed on July 24, 1986. It was a famous department store, and its historic Burnham Building (a beautiful Beaux-Arts style building) still stands today as part of a new development.

First Baptist Church

1stBaptistBos2
The First Baptist Church.

The First Baptist Church at Commonwealth Avenue and Clarendon Street in Back Bay was listed on February 23, 1972.

I.J. Fox Building

The I.J. Fox Building
The I.J. Fox Building.

The I.J. Fox Building at 407 Washington Street in Downtown Crossing was added on December 29, 2015.

Gibson House Museum

Gibson House 29Jan2008
The Gibson House Museum.

The Gibson House Museum at 137 Beacon Street in Back Bay became a National Historic Landmark on August 7, 2001. This house shows what life was like for a wealthy Boston family in the Victorian era.

Ozias Goodwin House

Ozias Goodwin House Boston MA
The Ozias Goodwin House.

The Ozias Goodwin House at 7 Jackson Avenue in the North End was listed on June 23, 1988.

Chester Harding House

Chester Harding House 05Feb2008
The Chester Harding House.

The Chester Harding House at 16 Beacon Street in Beacon Hill became a National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966. Chester Harding was a famous portrait painter.

Hayden Building

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The Hayden Building.

The Hayden Building at 681-683 Washington Street in Downtown was listed on December 9, 1980.

Headquarters House

HeadquartersHouseB
The Headquarters House.

The Headquarters House at 55 Beacon Street in Beacon Hill became a National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966.

House at 1 Bay Street

BostonMA 1BayStreet
The House at 1 Bay Street.

The House at 1 Bay Street in Bay Village was listed on February 9, 1994.

Samuel Gridley and Julia Ward Howe House

Samuel Gridley and Julia Ward Howe House Boston MA
The Samuel Gridley and Julia Ward Howe House.

The Samuel Gridley and Julia Ward Howe House at 13 Chestnut Street in Beacon Hill became a National Historic Landmark on September 13, 1974. Samuel Gridley Howe was a doctor and educator, and Julia Ward Howe was a famous writer and activist, known for writing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

International Trust Company Building

ITCBldgBos
The International Trust Company Building.

The International Trust Company Building at 39-47 Milk Street in Downtown was listed on September 10, 1979.

King's Chapel

2006Boston001
King's Chapel.

King's Chapel at Tremont and School Streets in Downtown became a National Historic Landmark on May 2, 1974. This historic church has a rich past, dating back to 1686.

Locke-Ober Restaurant

Locke-Ober Restaurant 2009
The Locke-Ober Restaurant.

The Locke-Ober Restaurant at 3-4 Winter Place in Downtown was listed on July 24, 1986. It was a very old and famous restaurant in Boston.

Theodore Lyman School

BostonMA TheodoreLymanSchool
The Theodore Lyman School.

The Theodore Lyman School at 30 Gove Street in East Boston was listed on December 2, 2014.

Mariner's House

Mariner's House Boston MA
The Mariner's House.

The Mariner's House at 11 North Square in the North End was listed on November 12, 1999. This house provided a place for sailors to stay.

Massachusetts General Hospital, Bulfinch Building

Massachusetts General Hospital, Bulfinch Building
The Bulfinch Building at Massachusetts General Hospital.

The Bulfinch Building of Massachusetts General Hospital on Fruit Street in the West End became a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970. This hospital building was designed by the famous architect Charles Bulfinch in the 1820s.

Massachusetts Statehouse

Mass statehouse eb1
The Massachusetts Statehouse.

The Massachusetts Statehouse on Beacon Hill in Beacon Hill is a very important National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. This is where the government of Massachusetts meets.

Donald McKay House

Donald McKay House, East Boston MA
The Donald McKay House.

The Donald McKay House at 78-80 White Street in East Boston was listed on June 2, 1982. Donald McKay was a famous shipbuilder.

Metropolitan Theatre (Wang Theatre)

Boston MA Wang Theatre
The Wang Theatre, formerly the Metropolitan Theatre.

The Metropolitan Theatre, now known as the Wang Theatre, at 252-272 Tremont Street in the Theatre District was listed on December 9, 1980. It's a grand theater that hosts many performances.

First Harrison Gray Otis House

1st Harrison Gray Otis House
The First Harrison Gray Otis House.

The First Harrison Gray Otis House at 141 Cambridge Street in the West End became a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970. Harrison Gray Otis was a prominent lawyer and politician in early Boston.

Second Harrison Gray Otis House

2nd Harrison Gray Otis House
The Second Harrison Gray Otis House.

The Second Harrison Gray Otis House at 85 Mt. Vernon Street in Beacon Hill was listed on July 27, 1973.

Paine Furniture Building

Paine Furniture Building Boston MA
The Paine Furniture Building.

The Paine Furniture Building at 75-81 Arlington Street in Back Bay was listed on September 12, 2002.

Francis Parkman House

ParkmanHouse
The Francis Parkman House.

The Francis Parkman House at 50 Chestnut Street in Beacon Hill became a National Historic Landmark on October 15, 1966. Francis Parkman was a famous historian.

Pierce-Hichborn House

Pierce-Hichborn House, Boston, Massachusetts (front view)
The Pierce-Hichborn House.

The Pierce-Hichborn House at 29 North Square in the North End became a National Historic Landmark on November 24, 1968. It's one of the oldest brick houses in Boston.

Publicity Building

Publicity Building Bromfield Boston
The Publicity Building.

The Publicity Building at 40-44 Bromfield Street in Downtown was listed on August 20, 2003.

Quincy Market

Quincy Market south-east sides
Quincy Market.

Quincy Market on South Market Street in Downtown is a National Historic Landmark, listed on November 13, 1966. It's a famous marketplace that has been serving Bostonians for nearly 200 years.

Paul Revere House

Paul Revere House Boston MA
The Paul Revere House.

The Paul Revere House at 19 North Square in the North End is a very important National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. This is the oldest house in downtown Boston and was once home to the famous American patriot, Paul Revere.

Richardson Block

Richardson Block Boston MA 01
The Richardson Block.

The Richardson Block at 113-151 Pearl and 109-119 High Streets in Downtown was listed on August 9, 1986.

Roughan Hall

Roughan Hall Boston MA
Roughan Hall.

Roughan Hall at 15-18 City Square in Charlestown was listed on April 15, 1982.

Russia Wharf Buildings

Russia Wharf Buildings Boston MA
The Russia Wharf Buildings.

The Russia Wharf Buildings at 518-540 Atlantic Avenue, 270 Congress Street, and 276-290 Congress Street in Downtown were listed on December 2, 1980. These buildings were important for trade and shipping.

St. Paul's Church

Cathedral Church of St Paul 05Feb2008
St. Paul's Church.

St. Paul's Church at 136 Tremont Street in Downtown became a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970.

St. Stephen's Church

St Stephen's Boston
St. Stephen's Church.

St. Stephen's Church on Hanover Street between Clark and Harris Streets in the North End was listed on April 14, 1975.

Sears' Crescent and Sears' Block

SearsCrescent
Sears' Crescent.

Sears' Crescent and Sears' Block at 38-68 and 70-72 Cornhill in Downtown were listed on August 9, 1986.

David Sears House

David Sears House 05Feb2008
The David Sears House.

The David Sears House at 42 Beacon Street in Beacon Hill became a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970.

Second Brazer Building

Second Brazer Building 2009
The Second Brazer Building.

The Second Brazer Building at 25-29 State Street in Downtown was listed on July 24, 1986.

Sam S. Shubert Theatre

ShubertTheatreBos
The Sam S. Shubert Theatre.

The Sam S. Shubert Theatre at 263-265 Tremont Street in the Theatre District was listed on December 9, 1980.

South Station Headhouse

SouthStation.agr
The South Station Headhouse.

The South Station Headhouse at Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street in Downtown was listed on February 13, 1975. This is the main building of a major train station.

R.H. Stearns House

R. H. Stearns Building Boston MA
The R.H. Stearns Building.

The R.H. Stearns House at 140 Tremont Street in Downtown was listed on June 16, 1980. This was the main building of the R.H. Stearns Department Store.

Suffolk County Jail

Suffolk County Jail Boston MA
The Suffolk County Jail, also known as Charles Street Jail.

The Suffolk County Jail at 215 Charles Street in the West End was listed on April 23, 1980. It's also known as the Charles Street Jail.

Charles Sumner House

SumnerHouseBoston4
The Charles Sumner House.

The Charles Sumner House at 20 Hancock Street in Beacon Hill became a National Historic Landmark on November 7, 1973. Charles Sumner was an important senator and leader in the anti-slavery movement.

Trinity Neighborhood House

Trinity Neighborhood House, East Boston MA
The Trinity Neighborhood House.

The Trinity Neighborhood House at 406 Meridian Street in East Boston was listed on April 14, 1992.

Trinity Rectory

TrinityRectioryBos2
The Trinity Rectory.

The Trinity Rectory at Clarendon and Newbury Streets in Back Bay was listed on February 23, 1972.

Union Oyster House

Union Oyster House - photograph
The Union Oyster House.

The Union Oyster House at 41-43 Union Street in Downtown became a National Historic Landmark on May 27, 2003. It's the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States!

Union Wharf

Union Wharf Boston MA
Union Wharf.

Union Wharf at 295-353 Commercial Street in the North End was listed on June 22, 1980. This historic wharf was important for Boston's shipping industry.

United Shoe Machinery Corporation Building

USMCBostonL
The United Shoe Machinery Corporation Building.

The United Shoe Machinery Corporation Building at 138-164 Federal Street in Downtown was listed on August 19, 1980.

United States Post Office, Courthouse, and Federal Building

Boston Post Office and Courthouse
The United States Post Office, Courthouse, and Federal Building.

This building at 5 Post Office Square in Downtown was listed on April 8, 2011. It serves as a post office, courthouse, and federal office building.

Vermont Building

Vermont Building Boston MA
The Vermont Building.

The Vermont Building at 6-12 Thacher Street in the North End was listed on November 13, 1984.

Wigglesworth Building

WigglesworthBoston
The Wigglesworth Building.

The Wigglesworth Building at 89-83 Franklin Street in Downtown was listed on October 21, 1982.

Wilbur Theatre

WilburTheatreBos
The Wilbur Theatre.

The Wilbur Theatre at 244-250 Tremont Street in the Theatre District was listed on December 9, 1980.

Winthrop Building

WinthropBldg
The Winthrop Building.

The Winthrop Building at 7 Water Street in Downtown was listed on April 18, 1974.

Jacob Wirth Buildings

WirthsBosstore
The Jacob Wirth Buildings.

The Jacob Wirth Buildings at 31-39 Stuart Street in the Theatre District were listed on December 9, 1980.

Youth's Companion Building

Youth's Companion Building Boston MA 01
The Youth's Companion Building.

The Youth's Companion Building at 209 Columbus Avenue in Back Bay was listed on May 2, 1974.

YWCA Boston building

YWCABoshq
The YWCA Boston building.

The YWCA Boston building at 140 Clarendon Street in Back Bay was listed on March 3, 2004. It's a beautiful Neoclassical building.

Historic Districts and Areas

Some historic listings cover entire areas, not just single buildings. These are called historic districts.

1767 Milestones

BostonMA Milestone7
One of the 1767 Milestones.

The 1767 Milestones are a series of markers found between Boston and Springfield along the Old Post Road. These milestones, listed on April 7, 1971, helped travelers know how far they had gone. They include markers in Roxbury and Mission Hill, and also in other counties.

Back Bay Historic District

Boston Back Bay
A view of the Back Bay Historic District.

The Back Bay Historic District is a large area in Back Bay, roughly bordered by the Charles River, Arlington, Providence, Boylston, and Newbury Streets, and Charlesgate East. It was listed on August 14, 1973. This district is famous for its beautiful Victorian brownstone homes and wide, tree-lined streets.

Beach-Knapp District

BostonMA KnappStreet
A street in the Beach-Knapp District.

The Beach-Knapp District in Chinatown is roughly bounded by Harrison Avenue, Washington, Kneeland, and Beach Streets. It was listed on December 9, 1980.

Beacon Hill Historic District

Louisburg Square Beacon Hill Boston Massachusetts
Louisburg Square in the Beacon Hill Historic District.

The Beacon Hill Historic District is a very famous area in Beacon Hill, bounded by Beacon Street, the Charles River Embankment, and Pinckney, Revere, and Hancock Streets. It became a National Historic Landmark District on October 15, 1966. Beacon Hill is known for its charming cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and historic homes.

Bennington Street Burying Ground

Bennington Street Burying Ground East Boston MA 02
The Bennington Street Burying Ground.

The Bennington Street Burying Ground on Bennington Street, between Swift and Harmony Streets in East Boston, was listed on May 22, 2002. This is a historic cemetery.

Blackstone Block Historic District

Union Oyster Boston
The Union Oyster House, part of the Blackstone Block Historic District.

The Blackstone Block Historic District is an area in Downtown bounded by Union, Hanover, Blackstone, and North Streets. It was listed on May 26, 1973. This district is one of the oldest commercial areas in Boston.

Boston African American National Historic Site

African Meeting House
The African Meeting House, part of the Boston African American National Historic Site.

The Boston African American National Historic Site on Joy Street in Beacon Hill was listed on October 10, 1980. This site includes several historic buildings important to Boston's Black community and the fight against slavery.

Boston Common

Boston common 1848
Boston Common in 1848.

Boston Common, bounded by Beacon, Park, Tremont, Boylston, and Charles Streets, is a National Historic Landmark District, listed on February 27, 1987. It's the oldest city park in the United States, used for everything from public gatherings to military training throughout history.

Boston Common and Public Garden

Boston Common Public Garden 1890
Boston Common and Public Garden in 1890.

The Boston Common and Public Garden area, bounded by Beacon, Park, Tremont, Boylston, and Arlington Streets, was listed on July 12, 1972. These two parks together form a beautiful and historic green space in the heart of Boston.

Boston National Historical Park

USS Constitution Museum cropped
The USS Constitution Museum, part of Boston National Historical Park.

The Boston National Historical Park covers the inner harbor at the mouth of the Charles River in Boston Harbor. It was listed on October 26, 1974. This park includes several important sites related to the American Revolution and early U.S. history.

Boston Naval Shipyard

Charlestown Navy Yard aerial
An aerial view of the Charlestown Navy Yard.

The Boston Naval Shipyard (also known as Charlestown Navy Yard) east of Chelsea Street in Charlestown became a National Historic Landmark District on November 15, 1966. This shipyard played a huge role in building and repairing U.S. Navy ships for many years.

Boston Public Garden

Public Garden, Boston
The Boston Public Garden.

The Boston Public Garden at Beacon, Charles, Boylston, and Arlington Streets in Back Bay is a National Historic Landmark District, listed on February 27, 1987. It's America's first public botanical garden, famous for its Swan Boats and beautiful flower displays.

Bulfinch Triangle Historic District

Boston-Merrimac St area
A street in the Bulfinch Triangle Historic District.

The Bulfinch Triangle Historic District in Downtown is roughly bounded by Canal, Market, Merrimac, and Causeway Streets. It was listed on February 27, 1986. This area was designed by the famous architect Charles Bulfinch.

Charles River Basin Historic District

Charles River Esplanade, Boston, Massachusetts
The Charles River Esplanade, part of the Charles River Basin Historic District.

The Charles River Basin Historic District includes both banks of the Charles River from Eliot Bridge to the Charles River Dam. It was listed on December 22, 1978. This area is known for its beautiful riverfront parks and pathways.

Charles River Reservation Parkways

Charles River Reservation Parkways Boston MA
A parkway along the Charles River.

The Charles River Reservation Parkways include Soldiers Field, Nonantum, Leo Birmingham, Arsenal, Greenough, N. Beacon, Charles River, Norumbega, and Recreation roads. This district, listed on January 18, 2006, extends through Allston and Brighton and into other nearby towns. These parkways offer scenic drives and recreational areas along the river.

Charles River Reservation (Speedway)-Upper Basin Headquarters

CharlesRiverSpeedwayHeadquarters1900
The Charles River Reservation (Speedway)-Upper Basin Headquarters.

The Charles River Reservation (Speedway)-Upper Basin Headquarters at 1420-1440 Soldiers Field Road in Brighton was listed on July 19, 2010.

Charlestown Heights

Charlestown Heights, Pleasant St (Monument Square)
Charlestown Heights.

Charlestown Heights is an area in Charlestown roughly bounded by St. Martin, Bunker Hill, Medford, and Sackville Streets. It was listed on January 8, 1998.

Church Green Buildings Historic District

Church Green Buildings Historic District Boston MA 01
Buildings in the Church Green Buildings Historic District.

The Church Green Buildings Historic District at 101-113 Summer Street in Downtown was listed on December 30, 1999.

Copp's Hill Burial Ground

Copp's Hill Burying Ground
Copp's Hill Burial Ground.

Copp's Hill Burial Ground at Charter, Snowhill, and Hull Streets in the North End was listed on April 18, 1974. This is Boston's second oldest burying ground, with graves dating back to 1659.

Copp's Hill Terrace

Copp's Hill Terrace
Copp's Hill Terrace.

Copp's Hill Terrace is located between Commercial and Charter Streets west of Jackson Place in the North End. It was listed on April 19, 1990.

Custom House District

Customhouse District
The Custom House District.

The Custom House District in Downtown is an area between the J.F.K. Expressway and Kirby Street, and South Market, High, and Batterymarch Streets. It was listed on May 11, 1973. This area was important for trade and customs.

Eagle Hill Historic District

BostonMA MonmouthSquareEastBoston
Monmouth Square in the Eagle Hill Historic District.

The Eagle Hill Historic District in East Boston is roughly bounded by Border, Lexington, Trenton, and Falcon Streets. It was listed on February 26, 1998.

Fort Point Channel Historic District

Fort Point Channel Historic District South Boston MA 01
Buildings in the Fort Point Channel Historic District.

The Fort Point Channel Historic District in South Boston includes Necco Court, Thomson Place, and A, Binford, Congress, Farnsworth, Melcher, Midway, Sleeper, Stillings, and Summer Streets. It was listed on September 10, 2004. This area is known for its old industrial buildings.

Fulton-Commercial Streets District

Commercial St Boston
Commercial Street in Boston.

The Fulton-Commercial Streets District in the North End includes Fulton, Commercial, Mercantile, Lewis, and Richmond Streets. It was listed on March 21, 1973.

Gridley Street Historic District

BostonMA GridleyStreetHD
A street in the Gridley Street Historic District.

The Gridley Street Historic District in the Financial District is bounded by Congress, High, Pearl & Purchase Streets. It was listed on December 3, 2014.

Hoosac Stores 1 & 2-Hoosac Stores 3

Hoosac Stores Boston MA 01
Hoosac Stores 1 & 2.

The Hoosac Stores 1 & 2-Hoosac Stores 3 at 115 Constitution Street in Charlestown were listed on August 14, 1985. Hoosac Stores 3 was taken down in 2000.

Leather District

Leather District
A view of the Leather District.

The Leather District in Boston is roughly bounded by Atlantic Avenue, Kneeland, Lincoln, and Essex Streets. It was listed on December 21, 1983. This area was historically important for Boston's leather industry.

Liberty Tree District

Liberty Tree Building Boston
The Liberty Tree Building.

The Liberty Tree District in Downtown is roughly bounded by Harrison Avenue, Washington, Essex and Beach Streets. It was listed on December 9, 1980. It's named after the famous Liberty Tree, a symbol of American independence.

Long Wharf and Customhouse Block

Long Wharf Custom house block
Long Wharf and Customhouse Block.

Long Wharf and Customhouse Block at the foot of State Street in Downtown became a National Historic Landmark on November 13, 1966. Long Wharf has been a busy part of Boston's waterfront for centuries.

Monument Square Historic District

USA-Bunker Hill Monument Park0
Monument Square in Charlestown.

The Monument Square Historic District in Charlestown was listed on June 2, 1987. It's centered around the famous Bunker Hill Monument.

Middlesex Canal Historic and Archaeological District

Shawsheen River Aqueduct, Middlesex Canal, Massachusetts
An aqueduct of the Middlesex Canal.

The Middlesex Canal Historic and Archaeological District includes many locations along the old route of the Middlesex Canal. This district, listed on November 19, 2009, extends into Charlestown and other counties. The Middlesex Canal was an important waterway for transportation in the early 1800s.

Newspaper Row

NewspaperRow
Newspaper Row.

Newspaper Row in Downtown includes 322-328 Washington Street, 5-23 Milk Street, and 11 Hawley Street. It was listed on July 7, 1983. This area was once the center of Boston's newspaper industry.

North Terminal Garage

Boston MA North Terminal Garage
The North Terminal Garage.

The North Terminal Garage at 600 Commercial Street in the North End was listed on September 11, 1997.

Ohabei Shalom Cemetery

Ohabei Shalom Cemetery East Boston MA 04
Ohabei Shalom Cemetery.

The Ohabei Shalom Cemetery at 147 Wordsworth Street in East Boston was listed on August 19, 2008. This is a historic Jewish cemetery.

Old City Hall

BostonOldCityHall
Old City Hall.

Old City Hall at School and Providence Streets in Downtown became a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970. This beautiful building once served as Boston's city hall.

Old Corner Bookstore

OldCornerBookstore08
The Old Corner Bookstore.

The Old Corner Bookstore at the northwestern corner of Washington and School Streets in Downtown was listed on April 11, 1973. It's one of the oldest commercial buildings in Boston and was a meeting place for many famous American writers.

Old North Church

OldNorthChurchSteeple
The steeple of the Old North Church.

The Old North Church at 193 Salem Street in the North End is a very important National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. This church is famous for the signal lanterns hung in its steeple on the night of Paul Revere's ride, warning that the British were coming by sea.

Old South Church in Boston

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Old South Church in Boston.

The Old South Church in Boston at 645 Boylston Street in Back Bay became a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970.

Old South Meetinghouse

Old South Meetinghouse BW
Old South Meetinghouse.

The Old South Meetinghouse at Milk and Washington Streets in Downtown is a National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. This building was a key gathering place for colonists before the American Revolution, including meetings that led to the Boston Tea Party.

Old State House

Boston Old State House
The Old State House.

The Old State House at Washington and State Streets in Downtown is a National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. It's the oldest public building in Boston and was the center of colonial government. The Boston Massacre happened right outside its doors.

Old West Church

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The Old West Church.

The Old West Church at 131 Cambridge Street in the West End became a National Historic Landmark on December 30, 1970.

Olmsted Park System

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A sign for the Olmsted Park System.

The Olmsted Park System includes the Back Bay Fens, Muddy River, Olmsted (Leverett Park), Jamaica Park, Arborway, and Franklin Park. This system, listed on December 8, 1971, spans Jamaica Plain and Fenway-Kenmore. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, a famous landscape architect.

Park Street District

Park Street Boston Massachusetts
Park Street in Boston.

The Park Street District includes Tremont, Park, and Beacon Streets in Beacon Hill. It was listed on May 1, 1974.

Phipps Street Burying Ground

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Phipps Street Burying Ground.

The Phipps Street Burying Ground on Phipps Street in Charlestown was listed on May 14, 1974. This is another historic cemetery in Boston.

Piano Row District

Piano Row District Boston MA
Buildings in the Piano Row District.

The Piano Row District in Downtown includes Boston Common, Park Square, Boylston Place, and Tremont Street. It was listed on December 9, 1980. This area was once known for its many piano manufacturers and music stores.

Temple Place Historic District

Temple Place Historic District Street
Temple Place Historic District.

The Temple Place Historic District at 11-55, 26-58 Temple Place in Downtown was listed on July 26, 1988.

Terminal Storage Warehouse District

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Buildings in the Terminal Storage Warehouse District.

The Terminal Storage Warehouse District at 267-281 Medford Street, 40 & 50 Terminal Street in Charlestown was listed on March 12, 2012.

Textile District

Essex Street Boston
Essex Street in Boston.

The Textile District in Downtown is roughly Essex Street from Phillips Square to Columbia Street and Chauncy Street from Phillips Square to Rowe Place. It was listed on November 29, 1990. This area was important for Boston's textile industry.

Town Hill District

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A view of the Town Hill District.

The Town Hill District in Charlestown is roughly bounded by Rutherford Avenue and Main and Warren Streets. It was listed on May 11, 1973.

Tremont Street Subway

Pleasant Street Incline junction
A historic view of the Tremont Street Subway.

The Tremont Street Subway beneath Tremont, Boylston, and Washington Streets in Downtown is a National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. This was the very first subway system in the Western Hemisphere! It's still used today as part of the MBTA's Green Line.

Trinity Church

Trinity Church, Boston, Massachusetts - front oblique view
Trinity Church in Copley Square.

Trinity Church in Copley Square, Back Bay, became a National Historic Landmark on July 1, 1970. It's a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and a famous landmark in Boston.

Washington Street Theatre District

Washington Street Theatre District
Washington Street Theatre District.

The Washington Street Theatre District at 511-559 Washington Street in the Theatre District was listed on March 19, 1979. This area is home to many historic theaters.

West Street District

West Street District Boston MA
West Street District.

The West Street District on West Street in Downtown was listed on December 9, 1980.

Historic Ships and Monuments

Boston's history is also tied to its harbor and important monuments.

Bunker Hill Monument

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The Bunker Hill Monument.

The Bunker Hill Monument on Breed's Hill in Charlestown is a National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. This tall monument honors the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the first major battles of the American Revolution.

Lightship No. 112, Nantucket

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The lightship Nantucket.

Lightship No. 112, Nantucket' is located at the Boston Harbor Shipyard and Marina at the end of Marginal Street in East Boston. It became a National Historic Landmark on December 20, 1989. This ship is the largest lightship ever built, acting like a floating lighthouse to guide ships.

ROSEWAY (schooner)

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The schooner ROSEWAY.

The schooner ROSEWAY in Boston Harbor became a National Historic Landmark on September 25, 1997. This beautiful sailing ship has a long history.

USS Cassin Young (destroyer)

USS Cassin Young
The USS Cassin Young.

The USS Cassin Young (destroyer) at the Charlestown Navy Yard in Charlestown became a National Historic Landmark on January 14, 1986. This Navy ship served in World War II and is now a museum ship.

U.S.S. Constitution

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The USS Constitution.

The U.S.S. Constitution at the Boston Naval Shipyard in Charlestown is a very famous National Historic Landmark, listed on October 15, 1966. Nicknamed "Old Ironsides," this wooden-hulled, three-masted heavy frigate is the oldest commissioned naval vessel afloat in the world! It fought bravely in the War of 1812.

Former Listing

Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register if it's destroyed or loses its historical importance.

Alice S. Wentworth (schooner)

The schooner Alice S. Wentworth was once listed on the National Register in 1973. However, it was destroyed in a storm in 1974 and was removed from the list.

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National Register of Historic Places listings in northern Boston Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.