Boston Buildings: Guide to the City’s Architecture
Brownstones in Boston’s South End Photo uploaded by kke227
One of the things I love most about living in Boston is being surrounded by the city’s rich history, which is reflected in its varied architectural landscape. Whether you’re window-shopping on Newbury Street, strolling along the Freedom Trail, or jogging around Boston Commons, you are bound to notice some of Boston’s distinctive buildings. Here is a short primer on what you’ll see…
Eighteenth Century: As the site of the infamous Boston Tea Party and the Boston Massacre, Boston is steeped (get it? Tea Party + steeped? anyway…) in history. Take, for example, the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, and the Harrison Gray Otis House, all reminders of Boston’s place in American history.
Nineteenth Century: During the 1800’s, Boston became a major New England port. The Liberty Fleet Tall Ship Adventures documents the region’s maritime history. Many of the brownstones in Boston’s South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill neighborhoods also sprang up during the late nineteenth century. One of my favorite buildings in Boston, the Boston Public Library, was built in 1888 by the famous architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White.
Twentieth Century to today: The Victorian period brought us ornate buildings like the Custom House. More modern additions to Boston’s skyline include the John Hancock Tower, the Zakim Bridge, and the Institute of Contemporary Art.
So, what’s your favorite example of Boston architecture? Leave a comment and let us know!
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