Charlestown is a historically very significant part of Boston. Here you find a unique collection of period architecture and remains of the oldest building in the United States.
The Great House (1639)In the 1980's excavations took place in the city square to determine its past. They revealed the remains of the Great House that was built in 1629 by John Winthrop as the first official building in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
It was the headquarters until the administration was moved over to Boston in 1630, and it was sold to the city in 1633. It later served as a community centre and housed the Three Cranes Tavern from 1635.
The Great House burnt down during the battle of Bunker Hill June 17th 1775.
Period architectural gems
Charlestown is a must for those of you interested in historic buildings. Beautiful classic New England buildings are packed along narrow old streets that go back 4 centuries.
The beautiful building left is a good example. Not marked by any signs disclosing its age it is marked as a very old and beautifully restored building with original paneling and window frames.
It was one out a large number of old buildings around one of the squares of Charlestown.
A (too) few houses are marked as historic monuments. One of them is the Georgian Mansion built for Deacon Larkin in the 1790's. And do remember when you¨'re there - visit the Bunker Hill monument.
More stories on Boston's earliest history
Charlestown is a must for those of you interested in historic buildings. Beautiful classic New England buildings are packed along narrow old streets that go back 4 centuries.
The beautiful building left is a good example. Not marked by any signs disclosing its age it is marked as a very old and beautifully restored building with original paneling and window frames.
It was one out a large number of old buildings around one of the squares of Charlestown.
A (too) few houses are marked as historic monuments. One of them is the Georgian Mansion built for Deacon Larkin in the 1790's. And do remember when you¨'re there - visit the Bunker Hill monument.
More stories on Boston's earliest history
- Kings's Chapel and its old burying ground (July 16th 2009)
- New Town anno 1638 (January 27th 2009)
- In or about the year of our Lord One thousand Six hundred thirty and four (October 23rd 2008)
- Along my Freedom Trail: Paul Revere House (March 24th 2007)