' . . s ^ ^^ ^^0^ .^' . "^^-^-^ /°-o •^^' 0^°^*- ' > ■3 vA^ •*-o l-^-_ ^-S' ^... A-^" '>»2^% "^-^ BOWEN'S NEAV GUIDE CITY OF BOSTON AND VICINITY State of ^annati)untttn, BOSTON : JAMES MUNROE AND COMPANY, No. 134 Washington Street. /mj Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1849, by Abel Bowen, [n the CIerk'3 Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. NOTICE. Many have been in the habit of making very free use of the matter contained in works heretofore pulilished by the author of this Guide, without paying much regard to the Copy Right, or acknowledging the source from whence they derived their information. This is to caution such against the practice. He feels a pride in being quoted, if it is not done in any way calculated to injure the sale of his puljjications, and where proper credit is given. TO THE READER. The frequent calls for a smaller work than those I have heretofore published (Bowen's Picture of Boston and Snow's History of Boston,) have induced me to prepare this Guide for those who may wish a mere sketch of the most prominent objects of interest to be seen in a speedy drive through the City and vicinity. To those in want of a more full description, I would refer to the larger w^orks I have named. The History of Boston is a volume of about 400 pages, octavo, and is designed to be a correct narrative of events from the foundation of Boston to the time of its publica- tion. A new edition is in preparation, and will soon be issued in numbers, with numerous illustrations. The Picture of Boston is a more full birds'-eye view of the prominent objects and institutions than are here given, which may be had of the publishers of this Guide. ABEL BOWEN. Boston, April, 1849. CONTENTS, Page Boston. A brief Historical Sketch from its settlement to the present time 5 Hotels. Their character, accommodations, and location . . 8 Tremont House 9 United States Hotel 9 Revere House 11 Merchants Exchange 11 Marlboro' Hotel 12 Adams House, and a continued Alphabetical List ... 12 Objects of Interest, Viewed from the dome of the Stale House 14 Faneuil Hall 17 Faneuil Hall Market 18 Churches 19 Wharves, Shipping, and Bridges 19 Principal Business Streets 20 Places of Amusement 20 Anticiuities of Boston 21 Places WORTH Visiting 23 Vicinity of Boston 24 Q.U1NCV 25 Dorchester 25 City of Roxbury 26 Bkookline 27 Brighton 28 City of Cambridge 29 somervih.e 30 City of Charlestown 31 Chelsea 32 Railroads 35 BOSTON The City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk, the capital of Massachusetts, and the metropohs of New England, is situated on a peninsula nearly three miles in length, and about one mile in breadth, of an uneven surface, originally called by the Indians, Shaivmut. When first settled by John Winthrop, Isaac Johnson, and their associ- ates, there were three prominent hills on the peninsula. Their locations are now known as Fort Hill, Copp's Hill, and Beacon Hill; — the latter had three distinct peaks or hills, which cir- cumstance led to the first English name given to the place, that of Tri-Mountain, and from this has arisen the more modern name of Tremont. Its elevation affords a very picturesque and beauti- ful view when approached, the State House al- ways forming the crowning feature, which gives it a peculiar and striking appearance, much admired by strangers. 1* 6 BOSTON. Boston is at the head of Massachusetts Bay, in north latitude 42° 21' 23", and west long. 7V 4' 9". It owes its origin to a spirit of civil and religious liberty, which was excited to action by the perse- cutions that prevailed in England during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth and Kings James and Charles the First. Those persons who arrived here under Governor Winthrop may be properly considered the first English settlers, as they de- termined soon after their arrival on making the peninsula, or Tri-Mountain as it was called, a "chief-town." On the 7th of September, 1630, the Court of Assistants ordered that Tri-Mountain be called Boston, and from that day we may date the foundation of our City, which became incor- porated as such February 23, 1822. At the time of the settlement, the upland on the Blackstone Peninsula did not exceed 700 acres, which has since been enlarged, by filling up the sea, to near 1200 acres. The Dorchester peninsula, contain- ing about 600 acres, now called South Boston, was annexed to the " City Proper " in 1804. Maverick's Island, now called East Boston, con- tains also about GOO acres, is regularly laid out into streets and squares, and has become, like South Boston, an important part of the city. There are also embraced, within the city jurisdic- tion, numerous islands in the harbor, estimated to BOSTON. 7 contain near 1000 acres of upland, which are as yet but thinly inhabited. The City is bounded by the harbor and bay on the east ; Dorchester and the City of Roxbury on the south ; Brookline and the City of Cambridge on the west ; Somerville, the City of Charlestown and Chelsea on the north. Population in 1800, 24,937 ; 1820, 43,298 ; 1840, 93,383 ; 1845, 114,366. When comparing the number of in- habitants with other cities in the United States, the immediate vicinity should in justice be included, which gives nearly double the population that is enumerated in the City census. The City is di- vided into twelve wards, and is governed by a Mayor, eight Aldermen, and forty-eight Common Councilmen, chosen annually by the citizens, in the month of December. On the first Monday in January, the government is organized. The board of Aldermen, with the Mayor, compose one House, and the Common Council the other. The first branch is elected by general ticket, and the second by wards. They generally act separately, and have a negative on the proceedings of each other. These boards, in their joint capacity, are denom- inated the City Council^ and have the power to appoint, prescribe the duties, and fix the compen- sation of all city officers ; to call officers and boards to account ; to determine, annually, the number of 8 BOSTON. Representatives the City shall send to the Legis- lature. They, also have the power to elect a Mayor in case the office becomes vacant. Boston is the seat of various literary and scien- tific institutions ; and probably no city of its size in the world is better supplied with public and pri- vate schools, accessible to all classes of people. It has been greatly distinguished in the history of this country, in consequence of the conspicuous part taken in the events and transactions which led to the American Revolution ; and has been imitated as a model by other Cities, and even States, in forming institutions and principles of government. It is the seat of government. The State Legislature convenes here once a year, and the session commences on the first Wednesday in January. On these, and many other accounts, it is beUeved that Boston, with its vicinity, possesses greater objects of interest to the stranger than is enjoyed by any other city in the Union. To make him famihar with some of the most prominent, is the object of this Guide. HOTELS. The first thing a stranger seeks, on entering the city, is to provide a comfortable Hotel, or Board- ing House, to suit his taste, convenience, and cir- cumstances. Boston is amply provided with places BOSTON. 9 of entertainment, suited to all classes of people, from the President of the United States down to the most humble peasant. Besides the public houses here enumerated, there may be found, in every business part of the city, other establish- ments, Boarding Houses, Restaurants, and Victual- ling Saloons, where the stranger and the lone citizen may call at all hours of the day and obtain refreshments to suit his taste and purse. TREMONT HOUSE. This is one of the most convenient and best managed hotels in the United States, situated on the corner of Tremont and Beacon streets ; has a granite front 160 feet long, three stories high, with two wings, one eighty-four by thirty-four feet, the other one hundred and ten by forty feet, each four stories high, having in all ISO rooms. It was built in 1828, and was first occupied by Mr. Dwight Boyden in October, 1829, under whose discipline it may be said to have formed a new era in the management of hotels, since so extensively copied all over the country. The establishment is under the management of Messrs. J. L. Tucker & Co. and is well patronized. THE UNITED STATES HOTEL Is said to be the most extensive establishment in 10 BOSTON. the countiy, containing nearly 400 apartnients ; is very eligibly situated for the acconrmiodation of the travelling public, being in the immediate vicin- ity of the depots of the Western, Worcester, and Old Colony Railroads ; fronting on three avenues, Beach, Lincoln, and Kingston streets. This hotel was commenced in 1837, completed in 1839, and opened by the present lessees, Messrs. Holman and Clark, in 1840, who have, by their manage- ment, earned a reputation not to be surpassed. The main front, on Beach street, is four stories high, and has wings five stories high, extending over 240 feet on Lincoln and Kingston streets, which are joined to a building in the rear, forming an open area or hollow square in the centre, for light, and yard room ; and is one of the most com- modious, convenient, pleasant and healthful estab- lishments to be found in the United States. The Dining Room will accommodate upwards of 400 persons at the table. The Reading Room, the drawing rooms, parlors and sleeping rooms, are convenient and well arranged. The entrances from each street, and the passages and stairways to the rooms, are spacious, making the establish- ment, altogether, a desirable residence for fami- lies, as well as the transient boarder and the business traveller. BOSTON' ] 1 THE REVERE HOUSE , Ts a very popular hotel, owned by the Massachu- setts Charitable jMechanic Association, erected 1846, in Bowdoin Square, corner of Bulfinch street, on what was formerly the Kirk Boott estate. The building is five stories high, and has two wings, with a building in the rear, — forming an open space in the centre, similar to that of the United States Hotel. At the main entrance there is a beautifid portico, supported by four Corinthian columns. The entrance for ladies is separate, and at the east and west wings, on either side of the portico. The house is leased by Paran Ste- vens, Esq. for a term of ten j^ears, and was opened by him in May, 1847. The establishment at first comprised 175 apartments, richly fur- nished, but the patronage has been so great that it has been found necessary to add to the west wing 110 more rooms. This is a deservedly pop- ular house. MERCHANTS' EXCHANGE, AND HOTEL, Is a beautiful granite building in State Street, on the site of the old State Bank, in the very centre or heart of the business part of the city, and is owned in shares by our principal merchants. The Hotel department is not very extensive. This building is also constructed for business purposes, such as 12 BOSTON. Banking, Insurance Companies, Bank Note En- graving, Brokerage, Commission business, and other purposes. The Post-Office is in the base- ment, admirably arranged, commodious, and easy of access. There is a spacious hall in the cen- tre, richly decorated by lofty columns, a dome with a beautiful sky-light, which is used for a Reading Room, and as a place of assemblage for the merchants. THE MARLBORO' HOTEL Is an establishment worthy special notice, as a thorough Temperance house, and one that ranks high in the estimation of the public. The Marl- boro' Chapel is connected with this house. It was opened on the 4th of July, 1837. It is owned by an incorporated company, and cost $57,000. There are many other extensive and well- managed hotels, worthy of a more full description than our limits will permit ; such as the Adams House, 371 Washington Street, on the site of the old Lamb Tavern. Albion, by Maj. Barton, opposite the Stone Chapel, Tremont Street. American House, 42 Hanover Street. Bromfield House, Bromfield Street. City Hotel, Brattle Street, near Dock Square. BOSTON. 13 Commercial Coffee House, Milk Street, near Liberty Square. Concert Hall, corner of Court and Hanover Streets. CuNARD House, Webster Street, East Boston. Eastern Exchange Hotel, near East Boston Ferry. Exchange Coffee House, Congress Square, on the site of the old Exchange, built in 1808, and burnt in 1818. Franklin House, 44 Merchants Row, near Faneuil Hall. Globe Hotel, corner of Hanover and Com- mercial Street, near Chelsea Ferry. Hanover House, 50 Hanover Street. La Fayette Hotel, 392 Washington Street, near where once stood the famous "Liberty Tree." Merrimac House, Merrimac Street, near the National Theatre. New England Coffee House, Clinton Street. Norfolk House, 25 Elm Street. Patterson House, 11 Elm Street. Pavilion, 41 Tremont Row. Pearl Street House, corner of Pearl anc Milk Streets. Pemberton House, Howard Street, near the Howard Athenaeum. South Boston Hotel, Fourth Street. 2 J 4 BOSTON. Union Hotel, Maverick Square, East Boston. Utica House, Utica Street. Washington Coffee House, Washington St. Western Hotel, 94 & 96 Cambridge Street. Winthrop House, corner of Boylston and Tre- mont Streets. For other houses, and their locations, see Path Finder^ a very useful semi-weekly periodical, published at No. 5 Washington Street, near Dock Square. OBJECTS OF INTEREST. Persons wishing to obtain the most comprehen- sive knowledge of Boston by ocular demonstration, and in the shortest possible time, should embrace the opportunity of visiting the Dome of the State House, which is open free every pleasant week day, except on holidays, and while the Legislature are in session. From the top of this building, which is 230 feet above the level of the sea, you have a delightful birds'-eye view of Boston, the harbor, and surrounding country. The eye em- braces at once almost every avenue and public building. By taking a friend with you, who is ac- quainted with localities, objects of interest may be pointed out more readily than I can do by any written description. I would, however, advise com- BOSTON. 15 mencing with the harbor and bay on the east, passing round with the sun. Numerous Islands, Nahant, Fort Warren, the Light Houses, the Cas- tle or Fort Independence, and the Farm School, will be seen in the harbor. Passing to the shore at the right, you have South Boston, with the House of Industry, House of Correction, City In- sane Hospital and the Perkins Institute for the Blind. The latter is on Mount Washington, known as Dorchester Heights in Revolutionary times; In the foreground, in the same range, may be seen Faneuil Hall, Faneuil Hall Market, Long Wharf, Custom House, India Wharf, Fort Hill, Trinity Church, United States Hotel, and Old Colony, Worcester and Western Rail Road Depots. In the same range more immediately under your eye, may be seen the Old State House, Mer- chants' Exchange, I^oston Museum, the Stone Chapel, Tremont House, the Athenteum and the Masonic Temple ; — over the latter in the dis- tance are to be seen Dorchester and Milton ; — passing farther to the right, the City of Roxbury is in full view, where it joins to Boston Neck. The Common is now before you with its beautiful Malls, Walks and Forest Trees, — in the midst of which stands the Great Elm, (a grand specimen of one of the Liberty Trees,) by the side of the PouxTAiN Pond, where the Cochituate Water is made to flow with magnificent display. At the 1(> BOSTON. right of this, and beyond Charles street, is the Public Garden, and the Western Avenue leading to Brookline and Brighton, in the distance, where spires of Churches may be distinguished to mark their location. A little farther to the right may be seen Mount Auburn and Old Cambridge, Cam- bridgeport, the Cambridge Bridge which crosses the Charles River, and the Mass. General Hospi- tal in the foreground ; and still farther to the right, Cragie's Bridge, East Cambridge, Somerville on Winter and Prospect Hills, the Maclean Asylum for the Insane, Rail Road Bridges for the Lowell, Maine Extension and Fitchburg Rail Roads. Ad- vance a little farther, and you have the City of Charlestown, with the State Prison, Prison Point Bridge, the Warren and Charles River Bridges, Bunker Hill Monument and the Navy Yard before you. Your attention may be next drawn to the Great Cochituate Reservoir, immediately under your feye, the Revere House, National Theatre, the Gas Works on Copp's Hill, — over which is to be seen the beautiful town of Chelsea, with the United States Naval and Marine Hospitals. Here the waters of the Charles and Mystic Rivers flow in one broad expanse one mile and three-eighths wide, where the Winnisimmet Steam Ferry Boats pass every 15 minutes, from daylight in the morning until 11 o'clock at night. One more BOSTON. 17 move and the panai'amic circle is finished, — this brings you to Lynn, with its long Beach to Na- hant ; Chelsea Beach, Point Shirley and East Boston, with its Ferry, the Eastern Rail Road Depot, and the wharves for the Cunard Steamers. On descending the stairs, do not neglect to read the Stone Tablets, taken from the Beacon Hill Monument, which will be found placed at the sides of the passage ; and also, examine Chantry's Statue of Washington, placed in the rear of the lower hall. The next most important obje(?t to be visited, is the interior of the " Cradle of Liberty," FANEUIL HALL. The great Hall is 76 feet square, and 28 feet high, with galleries on three sides resting upon Doric columns ; the ceiling is supported by two ranges of Ionic columns ; the walls are enriched with pilasters, and the windows with architraves. For the better accommodation of spectators in full assemblages, platforms under, and in the galleries rise amphitheatrically, making it favorable for sight and sound. The west end, which is without a gallery, is decorated by an original full length painting of Washington, by Stuart ; and another painting of the same size, by Col. Henry Sargent, representing Peter Faneuil, Esq. Between these 2* 18 BOSTON. paintings is placed an excellent marble bust of John Adams. There are also many portraits and paintings appropriately arranged to decorate the hall. Above the great hall, is another, 78 by 80, devoted to the exercise of the different military companies of the city, with apartments on each side for their armories. FANEUIL HALL MARKET Is a granite building 535 feet 9 inches long and 50 wide, — formed by wings from a centre build- ing. This is surmounted by a Dome, crowned by a lantern light. This Market is situated east of Fancuil Hall, between North and South Market Streets, and was built by the city in 1825, through the perseverance, enterj)rise and influence of the Hon. Josiah Quincy, while Mayor of the city. The Hall over the Market is called Quincy Hall, in honor to him. The principal entrances are at the centre on the north and south fronts, and at the east and west porticoes. There is a passage of 12 feet wide through the whole length of the building, with 128 market stalls arranged on its sides. These are occupied, 16 for the sale of mutton, veal, poultry and venison ; 19 for pork, lamb, but- ter and poultry; 45 for beef; 4 for butter and cheese ; 19 for vegetables, and 20 for fish. This market is in fact one of the principal attractions of the city to strangers. liiT^iiSiBiiiiiiiip BOSTON. 19 There are other extensive markets in Boston worthy of a visit ; — especially the Boylston Mar- ket and the Beach Street Market. CHURCHES. In July 1848, there were 97 Religious Societies, having places of worship in different parts of the city; — many of which have large and costly edifices, erected in various styles of architecture, giving, by their numerous spires and towers, an aspect to Boston highly creditable. For a list of their names, localities and ministers, we refer the inquiring stranger to Adams's Boston Directory for 1818, page 31. WHARVES, SHIPPING AND BRIDGES. Boston is well supplied with wharf privileges, extending nearly round the whole peninsula — from the Western Avenue to Dorchester Cove, above South Boston Bridge. There are also very extensive wharf privileges at South and East Bos- ton, which are every year coming more and more into use ; in fact, there are but few cities, if any, that possess the advantages for commercial accom- modations, that are found here. The principal wharves, with the forests of shipping, may be viewed in a very short space of time, and will well pay the business stranger, for the time and 20 BOSTON. expense of a drive to view them. The numerous bridges in Boston attract the attention of stran- gers, from their peculiar construction. They are nearly all free. THE PRINCIPAL BUSINESS STREETS Are State, Court, Washington, Milk, Pearl, Con- gress, Exchange, Kilby, North and South Market, India, Commercial, Doane, Broad, Fulton, Ann, Blackstone, Union, and Hanover Streets. There are also many places and parts of streets, where extensive business is transacted, such as Tremont Row, Merchants Row, Cornhill, Clinton Street, Dock Square, Atkinson, Federal, and School Streets, besides others at South and East Boston. PLACES OF AMUSKMENT. These are principally, the National Theatre, corner of Portland and Travers Streets ; the Bos- ton Theatre, in Federal Street, known for a time as- " The Odcon ; " Howard Athenceum, on the site of the Miller Tabernacle, in Howard Street ; Beach Street Museum, Boston Lyceum, Sudbury Street, and the Boston Museum, in Tremont street ; — the latter is open every week day, form 8, A. M. to 10, P. M. Exhibitions^ye evenings in the week, and in the afternoons of Wednesday and Saturday. — Admittance 25 cents. BOSTON. 21 ANTIQUITIES OF BOSTON. A stranger in visiting our city, particularly if he has an inquiring mind or an antiquarian taste, de- sires to see something that will remind him of the men who lived and acted here, previous to the establishment of our independence. The hand of improvement has left but little for the eye to discover, but there are a few things remaining worthy of notice. An old building, known as the " Feather Store,'' on the corner of Ann Street and Market Square, is perhaps the finest specimen of the old fashioned architecture, remaining in the city. Nothing can be more unlike the edifices of the present day, than this venerable structure, with its peaked roof, and its walls of rough-cast, prepared with fragments of glass instead of peb- bles to make it durable. It bears the date of its erection, 1660, legibly impressed on its exterior surface. It was built soon after the great fire of 1679, which destroyed over 150 warehouses and stores. It is said to have been first occupied by two families with two stores at the same time. Vessels once used to be floated along side of this building, and it has always been a noted business place. It has been improved by John K. Simpson, (father and son,) as a feather-store, for more than a quarter of a century. There are a few other buildings in this style of architecture in other 22 BOSTON. parts of the city, but not in so perfect state, or as old. The venerable Mansion of Jo /in Hancock^ the distinguished patriot, friend of liberty and a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is still standing on Beacon Street, near the State House. It is an ancient stone building, which should be preserved as long as it could be made habitable, as a monument to the memory of Boston's great- est patriot. The Old State House, at the head of State Street, is a much cherished relic of " Old Colony Times, " and is made memorable by the transactions which have taken place in and about it. There are many other places and objects we should like to point out to the Antiquary, if we could but accompany him in his stroll through the city. We would show him very near the spot where the '''First Church" was built in State Street, between Congress and Devonshire Streets ; — Where the Old Province House, the residence of the Provincial Governors before the Revolution, remains hid behind a block of buildings nearly opposite the head of Milk Street ; — and also where the Mansion of Gov. Winthrop stood in the vici- nity of the Old South Church, nearly opposite School Street — which was demolished by the British in 1775. And again, show where Gov. Endicott built a house and once resided, on what is now Tremont Row, near the lower end of Trc- BOSTON. -Zli mont Street. Sir Henry Vane's estate joined his, and was afterwards known as Madam Lechmere's. The Mansion of Peter Fancuil was also here, and a little south of this, was the site of Gov. Bel- linghani's Mansion^ opposite the burial-ground, and where afterwards was erected the noble Man- sion of Jonathan Phillips, Esq. Gov. Belcher'^s house stood where the Merchants' Exchange now is, and adjoining that of Gov. Leverett. Gov. Hutchinson resided in Garden Court Street near North Square, next to the splendid Clark Estate ; — these were pulled down in 1834. We would also point out the place where Governor Phipps erected a " splendid brick house" on the corner of Salem and Charter Streets — known in later times as the Asylum for Indigent Boys ; and to con- clude, describe the Old House, and point out the venerated spot which gave to Boston, a Benjamin Franklin. The place is commemorated by a beau- tiful "Block of Stores" in Milk street, nearly opposite the Old South Church, bearing the inscrip- tion legibly wrought on its front, " The Birth- Place of Franklin." PLACES WORTH VISITING. The Bunker Hill Monument was commenced in 1825, and finished in 1842, which circumstance was commemorated by a grand celebration on the 17th 24 BOSTON. of June, 1843. From the top of this structure a view may be had nearly equal to that from the State House : — Admittance 12 j- cents. The State Prison, also in Charlestown, can be visited at any time, except on Fast Day and the Sabbath, by paying 25 cents, — tickets may be obtained on entering the outer gate. The United States Navy Yard, can be freely visited any hour during the day. The Perkins Institute for the Blind, the Houses of Industry and Riformation, the Insane Hospital, all at South Boston, have much to interest the visitor. Nahant is a place of frequent resort, particularly during the warm sea- son. Fresh Pond and Mount Auburn, between Cambridge and Watertown, are places not to be neglected ; in fact, there are Institutions and objects of attraction in all the Towns and Cities in the VICINITY OF BOSTON. Each place has its commanding eminences, affording to the eye most delightful and enchant- ing views. The Environs of Boston, and places within an hour's ride or sail, possess greater in- terest from the richness of scenery, than is found in any other part of the United States. Some of the places are venerable for their age, and inter- esting as the theatre of Revolutionary exploits. BOSTON. 25 QUINCY Is about 10 miles from Boston, is distinguished for its granite quarries, and from having furnished two Presidents of the United States — John Adams, and his son John Quincy Adams. The ances- tral estate of the Quincy Family is in this town, and remains the property of the Hon. Josiah Quincy, formerly Mayor of Boston and President of Harvard University. The Quincy Rail Road Company has the credit of constructing the first Rail Road in this country, which was com- pleted in 1826. There is much to interest a stranger on a visit to this beautiful town. An interesting History of Quincy, by the Rev. George Whitney, will furnish the antiquary with all the information he may wish in relation to its early history. DORCHESTER Is within 4 miles of the city. Its Indian name was Mattapan, and was settled by the colonists in June, 1630. The roads and streets are good, al- though somewhat crooked. Besides the stores and places of business in the Village, there are fine country seats and substantial farm-houses thickly arranged, surrounded with fruit and other trees — giving the place a very picturesque ap- pearance. At the northerly part, near Roxbury, 26 BOSTON. the land rises to the height of 885 feet above the sea, affording a delightful view of Boston and the harbor. Savin Hill, which lies in the north-east corner of the town, is a place of considerable resort during the summer season. Squanturn Peninsula, in Quincy, near Neponset bridge, is fa- mous for its yearly feast of shells. CITY OF ROXBURY. The most populous part of this city is about 2 miles from the State House, and is so immedi- ately connected with Boston as to appear as a part of the same. It was incorporated as a town Sept. 28, 1630, and as a city, March 12, 1846. This place always had advantages over other towns in the vicinity, as it was the only one from which the inhabitants could reach Boston by land. There are now three wide thoroughfares leading from Boston to Roxbury, and the Boston and Providence Rail Road passes through the whole length of that City — giving residences to numerous business men of Boston. The elegance, taste and grandeur displayed in the private mansions, exhibit a high state of refinement, which, with her beautiful sce- nery, makes Roxbury a place of great attraction. It was the birth-place of Gen. Joseph Warren, and residence of John Eliot, the apostle to the Indians at the time of his death, May 20, 1690. Gov. BOSTON. 27 Thomas Dudley, Gov. Increase Sumner, Hon. John Lowell, Gen. Wm. Heath, Hon. Nathaniel Ruggles, Gov. Wm. Eustis, Gen. Henry Dear- born, Hon. Ebenezer Seaver, and other distin- guished men, resided in Roxbury. And there is now here, a no less distinguished personage than those we have mentioned, at least in the minds of the rising generation — we mean Peter Parley^ the author of numerous popular and useful works. There is a beautiful Cemetery at Forest Hills, containing about 70 acres, on the plan of Mount Auburn, which attracts many visitors. BROOKLINE Contains a neat little village with handsome Churches, and is pleasantly situated between Rox- bury and Brighton, on the "Old Road" from Cam- bridge and Watertown to Boston. In this town there are many well cultivated farms, and splendid private dwellings. Linden Place is a delightful spot, much admired. Brookline was formerly known as " Muddy River, " and was set off from Cam- bridge and incorporated in 1705, although it may be said to be one of the early settlements of Mas- sachusetts Bay. The First Parish Church is highly distinguished by its Pastor, Rev. John Pierce, D. D., who was ordained and settled over it, March 15, 1797 — making more than half a century that he 28 BOSTON. has labored in disseminating the Christian virtues to his people. This place, as well as Brighton, can be approached over the Western Avenue from Boston, which is the most direct route from the city — distance about 4 miles. There is a Branch Rail Road from the Worcester Road to this place. A very extensive Reservoir is here to receive the Cochituate Waters before passing into Boston, that is worth examining. BRIGHTON Is about 5 miles from Boston, and has a very de- lightful village, with a Town House, a Bank, two Churches, and many elegant country seats. A Cattle Fair was commenced here during the Revolutionary War, and has been continued ever since. Every Thursday is the " Fair Day," when the dealers in provisions resort there to make pur- chases. Cattle to supply the markets are brought in droves or on the Western Rail Road to this place for sale — often from 2000 to 8000 a week. When this place was first settled, it was called "Little Cambridge." The first Church was built here in 1744, and the first minister settled, was Rev. John Foster, D. D., who continued with the society nearly half a century. Brighton is noted for its fine Nurseries, by Winship, Warren, Joseph Breck & Co., and others. BOSTON. 29 CITY OF CAMBRIDGE Is 34 miles from the Old State House, Boston ; was first called Newton, but on account of the College being established here, it was changed and incorporated with its present name, in 1638, and as a City in 1846. The College, the first in- stitution of the kind established in the country, was founded in 1636, and in 1638 took its name from the Rev. John Harvard of Charlestown, who made the first great donation to its funds. Since that time, its benefactors have been nume- rous and liberal. Besides the College Buildings, there are 18 Churches, a Court House and Jail, and numerous public and private buildings, all in good style of architecture, to attract the attention of the stranger. This was the head-quarters of Gen. Vv'ashington during the siege of Boston, and the Mansion occupied by him, (now the resi- dence of the much admired poet. Professor Long- fellow.) is situated on Brattle Street, the most direct road to Mount Auburn and Fresh Pond. The City is divided into 3 wards, each of which has distinct villages, known as Old Cambridge ; Cambridgeport, (near the Cambridge bridge,) and East Cambridge, where the Court House and Jail are situated. The last named district, was for- merly known as Lechmere Point, and for a time as Cragie's Point. Fresh Pojid, a delightful sheet 30 BOSTON. of water, partly within the limits of the City, is a place of great resort during the summer season. Mount Auburn is near this Pond, and both can be visited from Boston, on the Fitchburg and Water- town Branch Rail Road, or by an Omnibus that runs stated hours every week day. For the names of President, Professors and other officers connected with Harvard College, and for business purposes, see Adams's Business Directory of the Environs of Boston for 1849. SOMERVILLE Is a delightfully situated town, set off from Charles- town in 1842, and lies on the high grounds be- tween Cambridge and Medford, known as Prospect, Winter, Central and Spring Hills, about 3 miles from Boston. This town is fast becoming the residence of business men from the city — having excellent Rail Road facilities, and is within 10 minutes' ride of Boston. The ruins of the " Ur- suline Convent," destroyed (Aug. 11, 1834) by fire kindled by a desperate and lawless band, is to be seen here on elevated ground called " Mount Benedict." The Maclean Asylum for the Insane is in this town, delightfully situated on an eminence bordering on the Charles River near East Cam- bridge. There is about 15 acres of land attached to the estabhshment, under good improvement. BOSTON. 31 CITY OF CHARLESTOWN. Charlestown is situated similar to Boston, on a peninsula formed by the confluence of Charles and Mystic Rivers, having a ridge of high grounds running through its whole length — forming prom- inent heights, known as Town or Church Hill, Bunker and Breed's Hills. It was first settled in 1628, and may be said to be the Mother of Bos- ton ; — was incorporated as a town in 16*29, and as a City, in 1847. Charlestown is distinguished for its sacrifices in the cause of liberty, and its soil is made ever memorable from having been the battle-field where the first great struggle for American Independence was made. At the time of the Battle of Bunker Hill, June 17, 1775, nearly all the buildings were burnt or otherwise destroyed^ An elaborate and interesting History of Charles- toicn is now in progress of publication in numbers, by Richard Frothingham, Jr., to which we would refer the reader, for a more full account of the rise and progress of the place, than can be found in any other publication ; — upwards of 300 pages have already been given to the public. To a stranger, this city appears as though it were a part of Bos- ton, and some suppose the time is not far distant when it will be so. The foreigner will find much to interest him here. The Bunker Hill Monument is an object of great attraction, being 220 feet from its base to the top, and reaches SOT feet above the level of the sea, commanding a delight- ful prospect of the surrounding scenery ; — the fee for admittance is 1*2^ cents, which is collected to pay for keeping the grounds in order, and for compensating a man to be in constant attendance to wait on visitors. The Navy Yard, one of the most extensive in the United States, is here, having an excellent Dry Dock, large Ship and Store Houses, a Rope Walk, Machine Shops, Sail Lofts, and extensive buildings for storing and seasoning ship timber. It comprises 60 acres of land, in- closed by a high and substantial stone wall. Peo- ple are admitted free, at any hour of the day. The State Prison, founded in ISOO, is situated also here, on the westerly side of the city, opposite East Cambridge. This has been found a neces- sary and useful institution, and its discipline is conducted upon the most approved plans, and with a view to the reformation of the inmates. Charles- town has a population of about 15,000 inhabi- tants ; and the city is making vast improvements, and is fast increasing in wealth, business and population. CHELSEA. This town is situated northerly from Boston, one mile and three-eighths over the Winnisimmet BOSTON. 33 Ferry. It is one of the most ancient and time- honored towns in the vicinity of the metropolis; while, at the same time, as respects the edifices and population, it may be ranked among the most youthful and enterprising places, so common to be found springing up all around us. In business matters and Courts of Justice, Chelsea being in the same county, is more connected with Boston than any other place. When first settled by the colonists, it was called Rumney Marsh, and that portion of the town which lay near Mystic River, was known by the Indian name of Winnisimmet. The early settlements were principally made in the Rumney Marsh District — lying towards Lynn ; and for some time the place was considered a great distance from Boston for most market pur- poses, having to pass, (for instance, with a load of hay,) through Maiden, Medford,Watertown, New- ton, Brookline, Roxbuiy, over the Neck, to get to Boston — a journey of not less than two or three days, in going and returning. In 1830, when the first Steamboat was put upon the Ferry, the Win- nisimmet district (comprising the whole territory of what is now Chelsea,) embraced about ten farms, the Hospital grounds, and three small house lots, with not more than 15 dwellings on the whole premises. In a few years after putting steam- boats on the Ferrv, this district became the most 34 BOSTON. populous part of the town, and on March 19, 1840, a division took place, giving to Rumney Marsh district, the name of North Chelsea — leav- ing the original name with the newly settled por- tion. By this operation Chelsea is deprived of her antiquity, except what may be derived from the name of Winnisimmet, its ancient Ferry, and " her Town Records^ " which date from 1738. The town at present embraces about 1200 acres, and has extensive water privileges, for commer- cial business ; — has a flourishing Village of about 1000 buildings, with a population of about 5,400 inhabitants. There are here 7 religious societies, five of which have erected Churches. There are also, 7 School Houses, besides several other places used as such, with good teachers, affording advan- tages for education equal to any other place in the vicinity of Boston. Here are several extensive Machine Shops, an Iron Foundry, Steam Planing and Sawing Mill, Stone Ware Pottery, Marble Factory, an extensive Laundry, Paper Stainery, Stocking Factory, Tanneries, Whiting Factory, Oil Refinery, Box and Trunk Factories, Lumber Yards, Coal and Wood Wharves, numerous Stores, Provision Shops, two Printing Offices with News- papers, and other places of business. Chelsea is a place of great resort in the summer season, on account of its easy access, the pleasantness of a BOSTON . 35 passage in the Ferry Boats, its pure water and air, and the beautiful heights which afford extensive views of the surrounding country. The much celebrated Chelsea Beach, which lies about 3 miles from the Ferry, (in North Chelsea,) is visited by thousands of people annually. The United States Marine Hospital, and the Naval Hospital, two use- ful and well conducted establishments, are here pleasantly located. RAIL ROADS. These, with the Stage Lines, and Omnibus accommodations, afford cheap and expeditious modes of conveyance to all who may wish to visit places in the vicinity of Boston. The Old Colony Rail Ruad passes through Dorchester, Neponset, Milton by a branch, and Quincy. The Depot is near the United States Hotel. The Worcester Rail Road has its Depot, also, near the United States Hotel, and passes through Brighton, Brookline by a branch, Newton, Need- ham, Natick, Wayland, and Framingham ; and also, to Saxonville by a branch over Lake Cochi- tuate or Long Pond, from whence Boston is sup- plied with pure water through an Aqueduct 19 miles in length. 36 The Providence Rail Road Depot is near the south-west corner of the Common. This Road passes through Roxbury and near Jamaica Plains, Dedham by a branch, Canton and Sharon. The Fitchhurg Rail Road leads from Boston and Charlestown, and passes through Somerville, West Cambridge, Watertown, Fresh Pond and Mount Auburn by a branch, Lexington by a branch, Waltham, Lincoln and Concord. The Maine Extension Rail Road, (Depot in Haymarket Square,) upper route, passes through Somerville, Medford by a branch. Maiden, Melrose, Stoneham, Reading, Wilmington, Ballard Vale, Andover, Lawrence by a branch, and Haverhill. The Eastern Rail Road, (lower route,) has the Depot at East Boston, and passes through North Chelsea, the great shoe-manufacturing town of Lynn, Marblehead by a branch, the ancient and enterprising town of Salem, Beverly, Wenham, Ipswich, Rowley and Newburyport. For distances of places, fares and time of depar- ture of the Trains on all the Rail Roads, see Adams's Boston Directory, '48-9, page 40. PRINTED BY THURSTON, TORRY, AND CO., BOSTON. 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