Union Oyster House facts for kids
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Union Oyster House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Pictured in 2025
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| Location | 41–43 Union Street, Boston, Massachusetts |
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| Built | c. 1716 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Part of | Blackstone Block Historic District (ID73000315) |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000645 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 27, 2003 |
| Designated NHL | May 27, 2003 |
| Designated CP | May 26, 1973 |
The Union Oyster House is a very old restaurant in Boston, Massachusetts. It is located on Union Street in Downtown Boston. This restaurant has been serving food since 1826. It is one of the oldest restaurants in the United States that has been open all the time. The building is part of the Blackstone Block Historic District. It was named a special historic place in 2003.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
The building where the Union Oyster House is located was built around 1716. That's over 300 years ago! Before it became a restaurant, it was used for different things.
Early Uses of the Building
In 1742, a woman named Hopestill Capen had a shop there. She sold fancy clothes and fabrics. Later, in 1771, a printer named Isaiah Thomas used the second floor. He printed his newspaper, the Massachusetts Spy, right there.
How the Restaurant Started
The restaurant first opened its doors on August 3, 1826. It was called the Atwood & Bacon Oyster House back then. It quickly became a popular spot for people to enjoy fresh oysters.
Famous Visitors Over the Years
Many famous people have eaten at the Union Oyster House. The Kennedy family, including presidents and senators, were regular guests. John F. Kerry, a well-known politician, also visited often.
One very famous diner was Daniel Webster. He was a powerful speaker and politician. People say he loved oysters so much that he would eat at least six plates of them!
In 1796, a man named Louis Philippe lived on the second floor. He was a prince from France who was living away from his home country. To earn money, he taught French to young women. He later became the King of France.
A college president named John Royston Coleman even worked there for a while. He wanted to learn what it was like to have a "blue-collar" job. He wrote a book about his experiences.
Oysters, Oysters, Oysters!
The Union Oyster House is famous for its oysters. As of 2015, the restaurant was selling about 60,000 plates of oysters every year. That's about 164 plates of oysters every single day!
Growing Bigger
Over time, the restaurant grew. It expanded into the buildings next to it. Now, it has a larger bar area. It also has a store where you can buy souvenirs.
Who Has Owned It?
The Union Oyster House has had several owners throughout its long history.
- From 1826 to 1913, the Atwood family owned the business.
- Then, the Fitzgerald family bought it. They were the ones who changed its name to Union Oyster House.
- In 1940, the Greaves brothers took over.
- Thirty years later, in 1970, the Milano family became the owners. They still own the restaurant today.
Gallery
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Signage
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1945 view
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First-floor plan and details
See Also
- List of the oldest restaurants in the United States
- Cuisine of New England
- List of National Historic Landmarks in Boston
- List of seafood restaurants
- National Register of Historic Places listings in northern Boston, Massachusetts
- Ebenezer Clough
