Everything Stoughton is known for
Songs written about the waterways and highways that run near Stoughton.
The Union Oyster House in Boston has been serving seafood since 1826, making it the oldest continuously operating restaurant in America. Daniel Webster used to drink a tall tumbler of brandy and water with each half-dozen oysters — and he'd eat several dozen. JFK's favorite booth on the second floor is marked with a plaque. The raw bar downstairs hasn't changed in nearly 200 years.
Mike's Pastry has anchored Boston's North End on Hanover Street since 1946. The cannoli — hand-filled to order so the shell stays crisp — sparked an ongoing rivalry with Modern Pastry across the street. The white box tied with string has become a symbol of Boston's Italian-American neighborhood. Tourists and locals alike argue about which side of the street has the better cannoli.
New Bedford was the world's whaling capital in the mid-1800s, the richest city per capita in the United States.
Opened April 20, 1912, Fenway Park is the oldest active Major League Baseball stadium in the United States.
On December 16, 1773, colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians dumped 342 chests of East India Company tea into Boston Harbor.
The Provident Institution for Savings (est.1816) in Boston, Massachusetts, was the first chartered savings bank in the United States. James Savage and others founded the bank on the belief that "savi
The Boston Museum (1841–1903), also called the Boston Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts, was a theatre, wax museum, natural history museum, zoo, and art museum in 19th-century Boston, Massachusetts. Mos
The Columbian Museum was a museum and performance space in Boston, Massachusetts, established by Daniel Bowen, and continued by William M. S. Doyle. The museum operated during 1795–1825 featuring artw
America's oldest baseball park since 1912. The Green Monster looms over left field.
America's oldest continuously operating restaurant since 1826. JFK's favorite booth is marked with a plaque. Boston landmark.
Boston's North End cannoli wars ground zero since 1946. The line out the door is part of the experience. Cash only.
365 stories, landmarks & places within ~20 miles — the nearest 200 are listed here — the same local lore RoadyGoat plays as you drive through.
Pull over a moment and imagine the clip-clop of hooves and the lively chatter echoing from Cobb's Tavern. This wasn't just a place for a pint; it was a vital hub in the 1700s and 1800s. Built around 1740, Cobb's Tavern…
Get ready to be amazed by the Canton Viaduct, a true testament to 19th-century engineering still carrying trains today! Back in 1834, the Boston and Providence Railroad needed a way to bridge the Canton River. So, they…
Prepare to see architecture royalty! The Ames Gate Lodge is a masterpiece by Henry Hobson Richardson, think Trinity Church in Boston, and the grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the guy who designed Central…
This unassuming cottage is more than meets the eye; it's a piece of architectural history designed by the renowned H.H. Richardson. Frederick Lothrop Ames, a prominent figure in North Easton, commissioned Richardson in…
Prepare to be amazed by a concentration of architectural genius! Right here in North Easton stands a collection of buildings designed by the legendary H.H. Richardson, a true master of the Romanesque Revival style. In…
Pull over here for a minute – this intersection of Pleasant and Washington Streets marks the heart of Canton's history. This area started taking shape in the 1700s, with houses and businesses popping up around the…
Believe it or not, this unassuming spot was once a powerhouse that helped build America. This is the site of the Ames Shovel Shops. Starting in the mid-1800s, the Ames family manufactured shovels here on an industrial…
Before you, that beautiful stone building isn't just another pretty face; it's a train station designed by one of America's greatest architects. That's the North Easton station, designed by H. H. Richardson. It opened…
This isn't just a beautiful building; it's a testament to family, legacy, and the Gilded Age. Oakes Ames Memorial Hall stands as a tribute to a powerful figure in 1800s Massachusetts. Oakes Ames was a Congressman and,…
Prepare to be impressed! This is the Ames Free Library, and it's not just about the books inside.It was designed by the renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson. He was commissioned to build it by the Ames family, and…
Marvel at the monumental Greek Revival architecture of this former town hall, built in 1842. Stetson Hall, as it's known, was constructed in 1842 and funded by Amasa Stetson. It quickly became the heart of civic life in…
Imagine learning in this charming one-room schoolhouse, built in 1873. It was the first school built in Holbrook after the town incorporated. Before this, kids likely learned at home or in shared spaces. This little…
This ornate fountain and clock, gifted to the city in 1902, stands as a testament to Brockton's industrial prosperity. It's more than just a pretty landmark; it's a symbol of a booming era. Back then, George G. Snow, a…
Ever wonder what secrets are hidden behind the grand stone walls of Borderland State Park's Ames Mansion? It's not just a beautiful building, it's a window into the lives of a fascinating, and perhaps eccentric, family.…
Imagine a world lit only by gaslight and candles. That all started to change right here. This unassuming building is the Brockton Edison Electric Illuminating Company Power Station, one of the first power plants built…
Pull over here; this old barn has seen more history than you might think! Estimated to have been built between 1690 and 1720, it's the oldest building on Brookwood Farm and one of the oldest barns around. It was built…
Prepare to learn about weather forecasting history, right here in Milton! This unassuming hill is home to the Blue Hill Meteorological Observatory, the oldest continuously operating weather observatory in the entire US.…
This unassuming spot once fueled the American Revolution! Stoughtonham Furnace, right here in Foxborough and Sharon, was an iron foundry that secretly churned out cannons and ammunition for the Continental Army. It all…
Pull over for a second! This unassuming brick house was once home to a man Thomas Edison himself credited as a major influence. It's called Oakwud, named for the ancient oak tree still standing guard on the property.…
Imagine strolling through a carefully designed landscape, a natural escape just outside the bustling city. That's the legacy of the Blue Hills Reservation Parkways. In the 1890s, visionary landscape architect Charles…
Look up! That tower, the Chickatawbut Observation Tower, isn't just a scenic overlook; it's a tribute to a leader who shaped the early days of Massachusetts. Chickatawbut was a sachem, or leader, of the Massachusett…
Imagine the clang of hammers and the roar of a furnace – this quiet corner of Easton was once a bustling industrial hub. It all started around 1723 when settlers arrived. By 1751, an iron furnace was blazing, turning…
Could this unassuming house be the birthplace of American independence? The Suffolk Resolves House, right here in Milton, is rumored to be the site where a crucial document was drafted. On September 4th, 1774, delegates…
Ever wonder where the 'Father of West Point' got his start? Right here, at this unassuming house! This is the birthplace of General Sylvanus Thayer, the man who revolutionized military education in America. Built in…
This unassuming brick building played a vital role in Foxborough's growth. Built in 1891, the Foxborough Pumping Station, designed by Ernest N. Boyden, was a crucial piece of the town's water supply system. Before its…
Craving a sweet piece of history? You're near the old Lowney Chocolate Factory, once a major employer in Mansfield. Walter M. Lowney, a confectioner from Maine, established his chocolate company in Boston in 1880. By…
Think of this spot as the home of a taste of old New England, specifically a really, really old New England. For over two centuries, this was the G. H. Bent Company, famous for their "cold water crackers". G. H. Bent…
Ever wonder where Massachusetts first tried to tackle addiction treatment? It's right here near Foxborough State Hospital. In 1889, the state authorized a treatment facility for 'dipsomaniacs and inebriates,' and this…
Ever wonder how farmers used to connect before the internet? This building holds the answer. The Foxboro Grange Hall, built in 1897, served as a vital hub for the local agricultural community. The Grange, officially the…
Pull over! You're about to witness living history. This unassuming house, the Fairbanks House, is the oldest timber-frame house in North America that's been verified by tree-ring dating. It all started around 1641 when…
Get ready to rumble, because you're about to learn about one of the first railroads in the US, built to haul granite for the Bunker Hill Monument. In the 1820s, after the Bunker Hill Monument Association ran into…
Right here, in Quincy, you're near the birthplace of American iron production. This unassuming spot marks the site of the first successful iron blast furnace in the colonies. It was a big deal! John Winthrop Jr., son of…
Imagine standing where the seeds of a new nation were sown. This is the Dedham Village Historic District, the very heart of one of Massachusetts' oldest towns.Founded in 1636, Dedham was carefully planned, with its…
Step back in time as you approach Christ Church Burial Ground, the silent witness to Quincy's early Anglican settlers. Established in 1727, this hallowed ground became the final resting place for members of the Christ…
Pull over here for a fascinating glimpse into the life of a 19th-century sea captain who helped shape American trade with China. Captain Robert Bennet Forbes, a prominent Boston merchant, built this house in 1833. He…
This historic church has been a center of worship since 1689! While the current building dates to 1874, the parish itself is much older. It's believed to be the oldest continuously active Episcopal parish in…
Imagine being sick in 1890. You'd probably call on Dr. Frank Davis, who built this gorgeous Shingle-style house right here on Elm Street. Dr. Davis wasn't just any doctor; he was a prominent figure in Quincy, and his…
Step back in time as you enter Hancock Cemetery, the final resting place of generations who shaped Quincy. This hallowed ground, established around 1640, offers a glimpse into the lives of the area's earliest settlers.…
Ever wonder where presidents go to church? Well, right here, in Quincy, you're near the United First Parish Church, also known as the Church of the Presidents. It's more than just a pretty building; it's the final…
Imagine the weight of a nation resting on your shoulders, right here at Peacefield. This unassuming house was home to two U.S. Presidents and a crucible for American ideals. John Adams, a key figure in the American…
Imagine walking where presidents once walked, debated, and dreamed. Adams National Historical Park preserves the legacy of five generations of the Adams family, from 1720 to 1927. John Adams, the second U.S. president,…
Ever wonder where future presidents and influential thinkers got their start? This might be one of those places. President John Adams, long before his time in the White House, envisioned a school right here in Quincy.…
This quiet corner of Mattapan was once a bustling center in the fight against a deadly disease: tuberculosis. In 1908, the Boston Consumptives Hospital, later known as the Boston Sanatorium, opened its doors. It was a…
Pull over here for a second – this unassuming house holds a secret: it was once home to Dorothy Quincy, wife of John Hancock, the guy whose signature is HUGE on the Declaration of Independence. Dorothy grew up here in…
Feast your eyes on the best-preserved Queen Anne Victorian on Wollaston Hill, a true testament to the elegance of the 1890s! This house at 94 Grandview Avenue was likely built by Horace Briggs, a Boston businessman,…
This well-preserved Craftsman bungalow offers a glimpse into modest early 1900s living. Built in 1918, this is the Russell M. Dicey House. It's a one-and-a-half story wood-frame house, showcasing the Craftsman bungalow…
Imagine standing where deals were struck that shaped southeastern Massachusetts. This is Sachem Rock Farm. In 1649, representatives of the Plymouth Colony, including the famous Myles Standish, met here with Massasoit,…
You're near Peak House, a spot that whispers tales of early colonial life and a brutal conflict. This land saw the original Peak House, built around 1651, meet a fiery end during King Philip's War. King Philip's War,…
You're driving through the heart of old Weymouth, a place that shaped early American history. This area, around Church, East, and North Streets, was the very center of Weymouth for nearly a century. Here, in 1636, the…
Pull over here for a moment – this unassuming house is actually a piece of living history! This is Warelands, built in 1733 by Ebenezer Ware. It’s a classic saltbox-style Georgian house, which means it has that long,…
Pull over, history buff! You're about to step into the world of a founding father, right here in Quincy. This isn't just any old house; it's where one of America's most influential families began its legacy. This…
Imagine being one of the very first settlers in this part of Boston. This is where they rest. The Westerly Burial Ground, dating back to 1683, served as the final resting place for the pioneers of West Roxbury. It was…
This unassuming house whispers tales of early Medfield, its very timbers holding secrets of the 17th century. Built in 1697, the southwest section of what's now the Dwight–Derby House was constructed using techniques…
This unassuming spot holds a history both hopeful and heartbreaking. The Wrentham Developmental Center, originally the Wrentham State School, opened in 1910, aiming to provide care and education for individuals with…
Imagine living in a house for ten generations! That's the story of the Pierce House, right here in Dorchester. Built around 1683, the Pierce House was home to the Pierce family for over three centuries. They weren't…
More than just a cemetery, Forest Hills is a 275-acre greenspace, arboretum, and outdoor museum. It was founded in 1848 as a public cemetery for the town of Roxbury. When the city of Roxbury was annexed to Boston in…
This Classical Revival building wasn't always here, but the need it fulfilled was deeply felt. In 1911, the Home for Destitute Jewish Children opened its doors. Local Jewish congregations, through the Ladies Helping…
New Bedford was the world's whaling capital in the mid-1800s, the richest city per capita in the United States.
Imagine a living museum, right here in Boston, with plants from all over the world. That's the Arnold Arboretum. Established in 1872, the Arboretum is the oldest public arboretum in North America. Harvard University…
You're standing on a place that echoes with the voices of the past, the namesake of a tribe and a state. This is Moswetuset Hummock. For centuries, this wooded hill was a gathering place for the Moswetuset, later known…
Pull over here for a second. This unassuming spot was once home to a radical experiment in living: Brook Farm. In 1841, George and Sophia Ripley, inspired by transcendentalist ideals, founded Brook Farm in West Roxbury.…
Imagine preaching your first sermon right here! That's exactly what Reverend Benjamin Caryl did after this house was built around 1777.Caryl was the first minister of Springfield Parish, which was then part of Dedham,…
Built in 1795, this tavern has likely seen countless stories unfold within its Federal-style walls. The Roebuck Tavern was built by David Fisher, whose family were some of the earliest settlers here. He ran a tavern,…
Founded in 1895, this pottery works produced utilitarian stoneware for over 80 years. George Henderson established the Dorchester Pottery Works right here, making everything from jugs and jars to flowerpots and bean…
This beautiful neighborhood once housed a retreat with a hidden purpose: treating the 'nervous' and 'debilitated.' In 1877, the Adams-Nervine Asylum was established, opening its doors in 1880. Seth Adams, who made his…
This unassuming saltbox house on Brookline Street has witnessed over three centuries of Newton's history. Built around 1693, it was home to Thomas Hastings, a prominent figure in the early days of the town. Hastings was…
Did you know that this building houses America's oldest community theater? This is Eliot Hall, home to The Footlight Club since 1889. Originally constructed in 1832, this Greek Revival/Italianate building faced…
Get ready to step back in time and into the world of early motoring! This very spot is home to the oldest collection of motorcars in the United States. Larz and Isabel Anderson, wealthy socialites, built their grand…
Right here is where a true pioneer changed how we live: Ellen Swallow Richards, the first woman chemist in America, lived and worked in this house. After graduating from MIT in 1873, Richards married Robert Hallowell…
Ever wonder what it was like to be a Gilded Age millionaire? Larz Anderson Park offers a glimpse into that world. Larz and Isabel Anderson, a wealthy couple with a passion for travel and collecting, purchased the land…
Pull over here for a peek into Brookline's past – we're looking at one of the few houses left from the 1700s! The Isaac Child House, standing right there at 209 Newton Street, has records going back to the 1790s. Isaac…
Imagine a place dedicated to celebrating Black visual artists from all over the world – that's Abbotsford. Now home to the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, this house is more than just bricks and…
These quiet, abandoned grounds hold echoes of a past where thousands sought healing. Medfield State Hospital, originally the Medfield Insane Asylum, opened in 1892 as Massachusetts' first facility for chronic mental…
Pull over for a minute and imagine being at the heart of the American Revolution! This is the home of General Benjamin Lincoln, a key figure in winning our independence. Born right here, Benjamin Lincoln became a Major…
Ever seen a twelve-sided house? Right here at 17 Cranston Street in Jamaica Plain stands a truly unique building. Built around 1874, this home was the vision of two Scottish immigrants who wanted something special. They…
Pull over here for a minute – you're looking at the only surviving 17th-century Puritan meetinghouse in the entire United States! It's called the Old Ship Church. Back in 1635, a congregation gathered here in Hingham.…
Imagine witnessing Boston's history unfold, brick by brick. This very spot is home to the James Blake House, the oldest surviving house in the entire city! Built around 1661, the house was home to James Blake, a…
Believe it or not, you're approaching a surprisingly beautiful piece of Boston history: a sewage pumping station! This wasn't just any utilitarian building; it was a key part of Boston's efforts to improve public…
Built in 1720, this house offers a glimpse into early colonial life in Massachusetts. It's called the Townsend House. Gregory Sugars, a sea captain, built this two-and-a-half story house for his son-in-law, Reverend…
Ever wonder what it would be like to step back in time and see how people lived centuries ago? Right here in Brookline's Green Hill Historic District, you can get a glimpse of exactly that. From the mid-1700s onward,…
Pull over for a second; this spot whispers tales of royal governors and revolutionary whispers! This is the Shirley-Eustis House, built between 1747 and 1751 for William Shirley, the Royal Governor of the Province of…
Think of Central Park, or Boston's Emerald Necklace – you're about to learn about the visionary behind them. This is Fairsted, the home and office of Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of American landscape architecture.…
Get ready to dive into a piece of Taunton's industrial heart! This is the Whittenton Mills Complex, and it's more than just old buildings. It's a story of innovation, hard work, and a close call with disaster. The story…
Right here, near 125 Highland Street, you're in the heart of abolitionist history. This is where William Lloyd Garrison, one of the most influential voices against slavery, called home. Garrison lived in this house,…
Ever wonder how Newton became such a hub of innovation? It's places like this that tell the tale. The Saco-Pettee Machine Shops, built in 1892, represent a major chapter in Newton Upper Falls' industrial history. But…
Ever wonder where factory workers lived back in the day? This unassuming neighborhood in Newton Upper Falls holds a secret: it's the Saco–Lowell Shops Housing Historic District, the only early 20th-century factory…
Pull over for a second; you're looking at a survivor! This is the Robert Fuller House, the oldest house in Needham. Built around 1707, the Fuller House originally stood in a different location. Robert Fuller, presumably…
Ever wonder what secrets are hiding in plain sight? Right here in Mission Hill, these brick buildings whisper tales of a once-thriving brewery. Back in 1892, the Highland Spring Brewery built this bottling and storage…
Dating back to 1710, this is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Sherborn. The Daniel Morse III House, right there at 210 Farm Road, stands as a testament to early colonial life in Massachusetts. Built by Daniel…
Ever wonder what early apartment living looked like? You're passing one of the very first examples of a duplex apartment house, the Hotel Adelaide. Built in 1875, the Hotel Adelaide was designed with unique two-story…
Imagine standing where the very first settlers of Roxbury laid their loved ones to rest. This is Eliot Burying Ground, established in 1630, making it the oldest cemetery in Roxbury. Many of Roxbury's earliest residents…
Ever heard of the “Silver City”? You're driving through its heart right now. This unassuming collection of buildings is the Reed and Barton Complex, the birthplace of a silversmithing empire that helped make Taunton…
Ever wonder what happened to people who couldn't support themselves in the old days? Well, this spot tells a story. Back in 1876, the town of Taunton built this Alms House, also known as a poorhouse. It was a place for…
Step out of the car for a moment, and you're standing on hallowed ground, a place where Newton's early settlers rest. This is the South Burying Ground, established in 1802, also known as the Winchester Street Cemetery.…
Imagine the regattas and social life that once thrived in these historic boat clubhouses on Boston's waterfront. These buildings are part of the South Boston Boat Clubs Historic District. Between 1898 and the early 20th…
Ever wonder what secrets are hidden beneath the pavement? This spot, once home to the Boston Psychopathic Hospital, holds a fascinating, and perhaps unsettling, history. Established in 1912, the Boston Psychopathic…
Imagine the mid-19th century here, where a prominent local family built one of Brookline's finest homes. This is the Robert S. Davis House, built around 1859 for Robert S. Davis. Davis was a member of a well-known…
Ever wonder how Taunton became a manufacturing hub? This spot holds a key piece of that story. Back in 1818, Hopewell Mills established one of Taunton's earliest textile mills right here. It was a big deal for the local…
Stand beneath the Echo Bridge and experience its unique acoustics, a marvel of engineering from the 19th century. Constructed between 1876 and 1877, the Echo Bridge was built to carry the Sudbury Aqueduct over the…
Imagine Boston under siege, British warships looming in the harbor. This unassuming hill was the key to breaking that stranglehold. In 1776, George Washington and his Continental Army faced a seemingly impossible task:…
Pull over for a sec! This unassuming house is Taunton's oldest building, dating all the way back to 1688! It was built by Joseph Willis, a prominent early settler of Taunton. He played a significant role in the town's…
This charming cottage isn't just pretty; it's a rare survivor from a fascinating time in American architecture. Built around 1850, the Candler Cottage is a notable example of Gothic Revival style in Brookline. We don't…
Established in 1854, this psychiatric hospital has a long and complex history, originally known as the State Lunatic Hospital. It was the second state asylum in Massachusetts. Built according to the Kirkbride Plan, the…
Ever wonder where Boston's Catholic history began? You're just moments away from Saint Augustine Chapel and Cemetery, the oldest Catholic church building and cemetery in Massachusetts.It all started back in 1818, when…
Ever wonder about the history of mental health treatment? This spot offers a glimpse. Founded in 1912 as the Boston Psychopathic Hospital, this complex aimed to provide cutting-edge psychiatric care. The original main…
Pull over here for a second; this unassuming house is where Horatio Alger, the king of “rags-to-riches” stories, lived for a time.Alger was a minister and writer in the 19th century. He lived in this house, known as the…
Ever heard of Christian Science? Well, this is where its founder spent her final years. Mary Baker Eddy, a prominent religious leader, purchased this house, then known as the Dupee Estate, in 1908 when she was in her…
Could this be one of the oldest houses in the area, dating back as far as 1645? The Hammond House, located on Old Orchard Road, is believed to be the oldest house in Newton. While the exact construction date is debated,…
Imagine Boston without clean drinking water – unthinkable, right? This reservoir played a crucial role in making that a reality. Back in the mid-1860s, Boston was growing fast, and its existing water supply from the…
Pull over for a second and imagine stagecoaches rattling down this road, because this unassuming building is rumored to have hosted some very important travelers back in the day. This is Brow's Tavern, built around…
Pull over for a sec and check out this fire station – it's way cooler than it looks at first glance! Back in 1898, Brookline needed a new firehouse for the growing Washington Square area. They didn't just want a…
This unassuming house tells a story of cultural change and the last chapter of a unique community. The Rev. Stephen Badger House, built in 1753, was home to Natick's last missionary to the "Praying Indians." These were…
Imagine living in a grand estate, only to see it sliced up into smaller lots as the city grew around you. That's exactly what happened here at Gray Cliff. Massachusetts politician Robert Bishop once owned all this land.…
This unassuming spot was once a hive of industry, churning out a vital component of everyday life: tacks! The Tack Factory, with its oldest section dating back to 1834, stood as a testament to Norwell's industrial past.…
Ever wonder what apartment living was like in Boston during the Roaring Twenties? This building, the Riviera, gives you a glimpse. Built in 1923, the Riviera was the brainchild of developers Coleman & Gilbert and…
Pull over for a second and listen to this: you're near one of the best concert halls *in the world*! Back in the late 1800s, the Boston Symphony Orchestra needed a new home. Henry Lee Higginson, the BSO's founder, hired…
Prepare to be transported back in time as you approach Boston College's historic campus, a stunning example of Collegiate Gothic architecture! Its centerpiece, Gasson Hall, is the anchor of this beautiful district.…
Ever wonder how a quiet village transforms into a bustling industrial hub? Medway Village did, thanks to the power of water and the rise of textiles. Starting in the late 1700s, the Charles River powered mills that…
Imagine weary travelers stopping here in the late 1700s for food, drink, and lodging. This unassuming building was once Ware's Tavern, a welcome sight for those journeying through Sherborn. Built around 1780 by Benjamin…
Imagine ordering everything from buggy whips to bungalows from a single catalog. That's what Sears, Roebuck, and Company offered, and this massive building, now known as the Landmark Center, was their Boston…
Imagine the roar of the crowd echoing for over a century – you're near Fenway Park, home to the Boston Red Sox since 1912. Built in 1912, and substantially rebuilt in 1934, Fenway has witnessed countless historic…
Opened April 20, 1912, Fenway Park is the oldest active Major League Baseball stadium in the United States.
Right here, in this quiet neighborhood, lived a man who quite literally gave voice to the world. This is the Reginald A. Fessenden House. From 1919 until his death in 1932, Reginald Fessenden called this house home. He…
Pull over for a minute; we're passing a place that has been safeguarding American history since before the White House was even painted white! The Massachusetts Historical Society, founded in 1791, is the oldest…
You're crossing right by the oldest bridge still standing in Taunton. It's the Harris Street Bridge, built way back in 1887. Back then, Taunton was a growing city, and this bridge was part of one of its first big public…
Ever wonder what it's like to stand in front of history that's *still* making history? That's the Central Fire Station in Taunton. Built in 1869, this place has seen it all. Back then, Taunton was a bustling industrial…
Ever wonder where towns got their gas before pipelines? This unassuming brick building tells a fascinating story of Attleborough's industrial past. Built sometime in the mid-1800s, the Attleborough Falls Gasholder…
This house once stood on land belonging to Judge Samuel Sewall, infamous for his role in the Salem Witch Trials. The Sewall–Ware House, located at 100 S. Main Street in Sherborn, was likely built on Sewall's…
All aboard for a glimpse into Taunton's railway past! This unassuming spot was once a bustling hub for travelers. Back in 1876, the Old Colony Railroad built this Italianate-style station to replace an earlier one from…
Think of the weight of history that began in this unassuming house! This is where John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was born. On 1917, John F. Kennedy was born at 83 Beals Street in…
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was born in the second-floor master bedroom of this gray clapboard house on May 29, 1917. His father Joe had bought the place for $6,500 the year before. It's a modest house by Kennedy standards,…
This granite fort has defended Boston Harbor for centuries, witnessing countless maritime events. For nearly 400 years, a fort has stood on this very spot, Castle Island. The first, a simple earthwork called “The…
Before you is Fenway Studios, a Boston landmark born from the ashes of artistic tragedy. In 1904, a devastating fire at Harcourt Studios left many artists homeless and without their life's work. But Boston's civic…
Prepare to step back in time, because this isn't just a green space; it's the heart of Taunton's history. Back in the 1740s, this green was laid out, becoming the central gathering place for the town. Over the years,…
Imagine the earliest days of Newton, because right here stands a house with roots stretching back to 1688! It's the Deacon John Staples House, also known as the Staples-Crafts-Wiswall Farm. Deacon John Staples, a weaver…
Imagine a neighborhood shaped by the vision of one powerful man: Amos Adams Lawrence. This area, the Cottage Farm Historic District, owes its existence to Lawrence's ambition to create a desirable residential community…
Pull over for a second – you’re about to see where immense wealth and artistic vision collided in Boston's Back Bay. This is the Frederick Ayer Mansion. Frederick Ayer, who made his fortune as the owner of the American…
Get ready to crane your neck, because you're about to see what's known as the "tiniest house in Boston"! Built around 1830 by a man named Benjamin Bosworth, this little brick building at 1 Bay Street is a true oddity.…
Check out that impressive building! It's the East Attleborough Academy, and it's the town's only Greek Revival temple front building. Built in 1843, it started as a private academy. Then, it became the town's first high…
These seemingly tranquil islands hold centuries of stories, from ancient settlements to crucial military fortifications. Long before European colonists arrived, Native Americans inhabited these islands, using them for…
Check out that building! It's the old Boston Edison Power Station, a landmark of Newton's electrifying past. Built in 1904, this power station originally supplied electricity to the surrounding buildings and even…
Stop here to see a silent giant of Attleboro's glittering past. This brick building before you was once the D. E. Makepeace Company, built around 1900. At the turn of the 20th century, Attleboro was known as the…
Believe it or not, this stately brick building was once a jewelry factory, not a police station! Built in 1905, it housed the H.F. Barrows Manufacturing Company, a major player in North Attleborough's thriving jewelry…
Ever wonder where a town's story begins? This unassuming patch of green, the Neck of Land Cemetery, marks the very first burial ground in Taunton. Back in 1687, when Taunton was just finding its feet, this spot near…
Imagine raising a stein where generations of Bostonians celebrated their German heritage! Jacob Wirth Restaurant, established in 1868, was a Boston institution for over 150 years. Jacob Wirth himself founded the…
During the Cold War, this seemingly ordinary stretch of waterfront played a crucial, if often unseen, role in supporting the US Navy's operations. The South Boston Naval Annex, an extension of the Boston Navy Yard,…
Ever imagine a whole neighborhood built on what used to be a bay? That's Back Bay! In the mid-1800s, Boston needed more space. So, they decided to fill in the tidal flats of the Charles River. Construction started…
Originally opened as the Metropolitan Theatre in 1925, this venue has hosted countless legendary performers. Designed by Clarence Blackall, the Metropolitan Theatre opened its doors on Tremont Street, quickly becoming a…
Stop here a moment, and you're standing on hallowed ground, the East Parish Burying Ground, where generations of Newton residents found their final rest. Established in 1660, it was the primary burial ground for the…
Believe it or not, you're near a place that once churned out millions of buttons! This is the site of the M.M. Rhodes and Sons Company. Founded in 1861, M.M. Rhodes was one of the first successful manufacturers of…
This unassuming building holds a fascinating story of evolving community. Built in 1916, this is the former Second Unitarian Church. The congregation commissioned this Colonial Revival-style building on Charles Street.…
Founded in 1665, this spot marks the location of one of the oldest Baptist churches in the United States. Back then, being Baptist in Boston was a risky proposition. This congregation first met in secret, holding…
Pull over and listen close, because this isn't just another theater, it's a time machine! The Wilbur Theatre has been entertaining Bostonians since 1914. Originally designed for legitimate plays, the Wilbur quickly…
Ever wonder why this area is called the Leather District? It's a clue to Boston's industrial past. In the late 1800s, this area became the hub of Boston's booming leather trade. Businesses flocked here, filling these…
Hear the echoes of music history in this district once filled with piano showrooms and music publishers. This area, around the corner of Tremont and Boylston, became known as "Piano Row" in the late 1800s and early…
Step back in time to a gilded age of theater! This is the Cutler Majestic Theatre, once a glittering palace of entertainment. Built in 1903 by Eben Dyer Jordan, it was designed in the Beaux Arts style by architect John…
Ever wonder where your seafood comes from? This spot, the Boston Fish Pier, has been a major hub for the industry since 1910! Back then, Boston’s fishing fleet was one of the biggest on the East Coast. By the 1920s,…
On December 16, 1773, colonists disguised as Mohawk Indians dumped 342 chests of East India Company tea into Boston Harbor.
Imagine Boston without this green space! This is the Public Garden, America's first public botanical garden. In the 1830s and 1840s, there was increasing public desire for a central garden. The area was originally salt…
South Station isn't just a train station; it's a portal to Boston's past. It's been a vital transportation hub for over a century. South Station officially opened on January 1, 1899, consolidating several smaller…
Take center stage in Boston's vibrant Theater District, where countless stars have graced the stages of historic venues. The Theater District really took off in the late 1800s and early 1900s, with the construction of…
This unassuming building marks the spot where paper production first took hold along the Charles River. Built in 1790, the Ware Paper Mill stands as a testament to early American industry. John Ware, a veteran of the…
Step back in time at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, a peaceful landscape with stories etched in stone. Established in 1836, it grew from a smaller family burial ground dating back to the early 1700s. Inspired by the rural…
Ever wonder what it was like to live in Boston's Back Bay when it was brand new? The Gibson House Museum gives you a rare glimpse. Built in 1860, this rowhouse was home to three generations of the Gibson family. It…
Right here, where you're driving, is where Attleboro's industrial story really began. This site was home to the city’s very first textile mill. Later, in 1889, Watson, Newell & Company, a prominent jewelry manufacturer,…
This granite mill, built around 1853, stands as a testament to the industrial history of Wellesley. The Eaton-Moulton Mill was constructed around 1853 by Reuben Ware and William Clark. Their company specialized in…
Did you know the oldest city park in the United States is right here in Boston? It's called Boston Common, and it's seen a lot of history. Back in 1775, right before the Revolutionary War really kicked off, the British…
This isn't just any lighthouse; it's the fourth one to stand on this island, guiding ships through Boston Harbor for generations. The story of Long Island Head Light begins in 1819. The Boston Marine Society,…
You're passing through a place that was humming with activity even before the United States existed! This is Newton Lower Falls, and those falls on the Charles River were a crucial resource. Back in the 1600s, English…
These three buildings stand as a testament to Boston's bustling late 19th-century commercial activity. They're called the Russia Wharf Buildings, built in 1897 on Atlantic Avenue and Congress Street. But this spot's…
Ever wonder why Boston's subway is… different? You're driving near the oldest subway tunnel in North America, the Tremont Street subway.Imagine Boston in the late 1890s. The streets were a chaotic mess of streetcars. To…
This grand building isn't just another pretty facade; it's a reminder of Boston's retail heyday and the innovative spirit of Filene's Department Store. Founded by Abraham Lincoln Filene and Edward Filene, the flagship…
Take a spin on a beautifully preserved 1928 carousel, a relic of the bygone Paragon Park amusement park. This carousel, known as PTC #85, was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1928. It was a major attraction…
Imagine living in a house that was a hub for intellectual life in 1800s Boston. That's the story of the William Hickling Prescott House, also known as Headquarters House. William Hickling Prescott, a prominent…
Stop here and you're looking at the heart of Norwell, a town that's been beating since before the United States even existed. Back in the 1640s, this area was laid out as the town common, a central gathering place for…
Picture Boston booming in the early 1900s! The R. H. Stearns Building, right here at 140 Tremont Street, is a perfect example. R. H. Stearns was a big name in department stores. His company had been around since before…
Ever wonder where Boston got its news? Right here, near Washington and Milk Streets, was the heart of Newspaper Row. Back in the mid-1800s, this area became a hotbed for newspaper offices. Papers like the *Boston Globe*…
You're approaching Beacon Hill, which wasn't always known for its fancy row houses. Once, it was a literal beacon, a signal point for the city. In colonial times, a tall beacon stood on the highest of the hill's three…
Ever wonder what it takes to sail the high seas? Here's your chance to learn from a legend! The Roseway, a stunning wooden schooner, has a story as deep as the ocean itself. Launched in 1925 in Essex, Massachusetts,…
Right here, at the Old South Meeting House, is where the fuse was lit for the American Revolution. On December 16 1773, thousands of colonists crammed into this very building. They were debating what to do about the…
Imagine rubbing elbows with literary giants like Emerson and Hawthorne – right here at this very corner! Built in 1718, this building started as a home and apothecary, but it truly blossomed when it became a bookstore…
Imagine being a Puritan in the 1680s and suddenly, right here, the first Anglican church in Boston pops up! King's Chapel was established in 1686. It was originally Anglican, reflecting the Church of England. By 1785,…
This unassuming building once housed heroes who stared death in the face to save lives. The Point Allerton Lifesaving Station, built in 1889, was home to crews of the United States Life-Saving Service. Their mission? To…
This unassuming house was a safe haven for freedom seekers, right here in Boston. William C. Nell, a prominent abolitionist, lived in this boarding house at 3 Smith Court in Beacon Hill. It was directly opposite the…
Imagine the walls of this house echoing with the fervent verses of a song that would rally a nation. This is the Samuel Gridley and Julia Ward Howe House, where Julia Ward Howe penned the lyrics to “The Battle Hymn of…
You're driving through a slice of Sherborn where the echoes of workshops and industry still linger. This is Edward's Plain–Dowse's Corner, a place where Sherborn transformed from a quiet farming town. Before the…
Picture this: you could be walking into one of the oldest membership libraries in the US, a place where knowledge has been cherished since before the Civil War. The Boston Athenæum was founded in 1807 by a group called…
Imagine the weight of a new nation resting on the shoulders of a single building. That's the Massachusetts State House. Designed by Charles Bulfinch, construction finished in 1798. This building became the seat of the…
Check out that building! It's one of Boston's *earliest* skyscrapers. It's the Winthrop Building, completed in 1894. Designed by Clarence Blackall, this nine-story building was originally called the Carter Building. It…
Imagine a hidden hub of activism and community, right here in Beacon Hill. This wasn't just a neighborhood; it was the heart of Boston's 19th-century African American community, a place where resilience and hope thrived…
Boston’s story is etched in stone, quite literally. The land beneath its brick sidewalks and bustling streets is largely Cambridge Argillite, a dark, ancient bedrock laid down in Precambrian times. This hard,…
Right here, at the Old State House, tensions between colonists and British soldiers reached a boiling point. On March 5th, 1770, a confrontation erupted between a group of colonists and British soldiers. What began as…
This unassuming building was once a sugar-coated dream factory, churning out some of America's most iconic candies. For over a century, from 1927 until 2018, this Cambridge location was home to the New England…
Step back in time to the home of a man who was nearly beaten to death for his beliefs. This is the Charles Sumner House, where the passionate anti-slavery senator lived for nearly four decades. Charles Sumner was a…
Imagine standing where some of Norwell's earliest settlers built their lives. This is the site of the Stetson-Ford House, the oldest part of which dates back to around 1674! Thomas Stetson, whose father was among the…
Right here, where modern government offices stand, you're looking at survivors from a Boston that's almost vanished. These are Sears' Crescent and Sears' Block. Sears' Crescent was initially built around 1816 as a set…
Now known as the John Adams Courthouse, this building has served as the seat of justice for Suffolk County. Built in 1893, the Suffolk County Courthouse was designed by Boston's first city architect, George Clough. It…
The Provident Institution for Savings (est.1816) in Boston, Massachusetts, was the first chartered savings bank in the United States. James Savage and others founded the bank on the belief that "savi
The Boston Museum (1841–1903), also called the Boston Museum and Gallery of Fine Arts, was a theatre, wax museum, natural history museum, zoo, and art museum in 19th-century Boston, Massachusetts. Mos
The Columbian Museum was a museum and performance space in Boston, Massachusetts, established by Daniel Bowen, and continued by William M. S. Doyle. The museum operated during 1795–1825 featuring artw