North Square (Boston, Massachusetts) facts for kids
North Square is a historic spot in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It's located in the city's North End neighborhood, where several streets meet. These streets include Moon, Prince, North, Garden Court, and Sun Court. Many important people lived here in the 1600s and 1700s, including the famous Paul Revere. Before July 4, 1788, this area was known as Clark's Square.
Contents
A Look Back: North Square's History
Early Days in the 1600s
In the 1600s, a church called the Old North Meeting House was a very important building in North Square. Its pastor, a religious leader named Increase Mather, lived in the square. Sadly, his home was destroyed in a large fire in 1677.
Grand Homes of the 1700s
During the 1700s, North Square was home to some of Boston's most impressive houses. One of these belonged to William Clark, a wealthy merchant. His house was made of brick, had three stories, and featured 26 fancy rooms.
Nearby was the home of John Foster. Later, this house was lived in by Governor Hutchinson, a very important leader in Massachusetts. Other notable people like John Pitcairn and John Downes also lived in North Square.
Modern Times and the Freedom Trail
In the 1900s, many Italian immigrant families came to live in North Square, just like in other parts of the North End. Since the 1950s, North Square has been a part of the Freedom Trail. This is a special path that connects many important historical sites in Boston.
Image gallery
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Foster-Hutchinson house, built around 1686. It was home to merchant John Foster and later to Thomas Hutchinson, father of Governor Hutchinson.
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A section of a 1743 map of Boston, showing the North End and Clark's Square (which later became North Square).
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A section of an 1814 map of Boston, showing North Square.
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Bethel Church, built in 1832.
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North Square, around 1845, painted by Rupert Sadler.
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North Square and North Street, around 1894.
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North Square, around 1895.
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North Square in 2010.
