46-725: Commonwealth Flats is a region of former mud flats in South Boston . It has been used over the years as the site of the South Boston Naval Annex , the South Boston Army Base , the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal and various other entities over the years. 42°20′55.46″N 71°2′16.43″W / 42.3487389°N 71.0378972°W / 42.3487389; -71.0378972 This Massachusetts state location article
92-863: A Bus rapid transit service, connects the South Boston Waterfront with South Station via a bus tunnel beneath Congress St. and Boston Logan International Airport in neighboring East Boston via the Massachusetts Turnpike and the Ted Williams Tunnel . Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston was opened in 2006 in the South Boston Seaport District. It functions as a modern art museum and exhibition center featuring permanent and temporary exhibition, educational programs, performances, and film screenings. Every year, hundreds of people join
138-621: A first commander; Lt Edward Gibbons, a first commander; and Roger Clapp , who served for several decades as an officer. In 1701, Colonel Wolfgang William Romer, the chief military engineer for North America, came to Boston to fortify the harbor. Castle William was improved with brick walls and 20 cannon positions by 1705. During the 18th century, many people were imprisoned at the Fort, including privateer Pierre Maisonnat dit Baptiste from 1702–06. In 1775, Prince Hall and fourteen other men of African descent became freemasons on March 6, 1775, on
184-415: A number of notable people, including: Notes Sources Castle Island (Massachusetts) Castle Island is a peninsula in South Boston on the shore of Boston Harbor . In 1928, Castle Island was connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land and is thus no longer an island. It has been the site of a fortification since 1634, and is currently a 22-acre (8.9 ha) recreation site and
230-410: A part of South Boston since 1870. Situated between two housing projects. Fort Independence, a pentagonal five-bastioned, granite fort built between 1834 and 1851, is the dominating feature of Castle Island. This 22-acre urban park is connected to the mainland by both pedestrian and vehicular causeways. Pleasure Bay, the M Street Beach and Carson Beach form a three-mile segment of parkland and beach along
276-517: A population of about 33,311. The median age is about 32. The most recent census estimates South Boston's total population at 33,688. The Caucasian population is about 26,700 (79.2%). A total amount of 2,789 (8.3%) Hispanic people is counted. African American population is about 1,926 (5.7%). The Asian population makes up 4.8% (1,603). 466 people are of non-Hispanic mixed race (1.4%) and 190 people (0.6%) are identified as Others (i.e. American Indians and groups not otherwise categorized). Development in
322-496: Is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . South Boston South Boston (colloquially Southie ) is a densely populated neighborhood of Boston , Massachusetts , United States, located south and east of the Fort Point Channel and abutting Dorchester Bay . It has undergone several demographic transformations since being annexed to the city of Boston in 1804. The neighborhood, once primarily farmland,
368-534: Is a Second Empire brick mansion located in South Boston. It was used as a private residence until 1913. At that time it was purchased by the Roman Catholic Church to use the space as a convent. The house located at 789 East Broadway was designated a Boston Landmark in 1981. It is associated with Harrison Loring, who owned and operated one of the first South Boston shipyards. The history behind
414-553: Is a rectangle of green lawn, gardens, trees, benches, and paved walkways. Artwork along the paths displays fish and sea motifs, paying tribute to the city's maritime background. The roofed seating area provides partial shade and tables and chairs, an ideal spot for lunch. This urban park features baseball and soccer fields, a traffic garden , a spray area and a jogging track at 600 William J. Day Blvd., South Boston. Right by local transportation families have easy access in traveling to enjoy their day. Site of Fort Independence (open in
460-630: Is home to some of the oldest public housing in the United States. In the last 30 years, they have changed from having a mostly Irish-American population to a more ethnically mixed population. The housing facilities are under the control of the Boston Housing Authority (BHA) and include West Broadway which was built in 1949 and occupies 20 acres (81,000 m ), West Ninth Street (these three facilities are next to each other and commonly called D street), Old Colony which
506-471: Is listed as the second-largest parade in the country, being viewed by nearly 600,000 to 1 million people every year, in addition to having the entire parade seen on live television. In the 1990s, South Boston became the focus for a U.S. Supreme Court case on the right of gay and lesbian groups to participate in the Saint Patrick's Day ( Evacuation Day ) parade. The case was decided in favor of
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#1732791186137552-562: Is popularly known by its twentieth century identity as a working class Irish Catholic community. Throughout the twenty-first century, the neighborhood has become increasingly popular with millennial professionals. South Boston contains Dorchester Heights , where George Washington forced British troops to evacuate during the American Revolutionary War . South Boston has undergone gentrification , and consequently, its real estate market has seen property values join
598-605: The King Philip's War the fortress was a site of internment of captured Native Americans who were shipped out to be sold into the Atlantic slave trade markets. By the end of the century, the fort had been expanded to create a crossfire with the fort on Governor's Island. Some people who worked at the fort included Thomas Beecher (ancestor of Henry Ward Beecher ), a Castle officer; Captain Nicholas Simpkins,
644-650: The L Street Brownies for the New Year's Day Plunge in Dorchester Bay (Boston Harbor) . The event is accompanied by spectators and reporters. This winter gathering has been taking place annually since 1904. Participants of the Boston's only triathlon swim in the waters of Dorchester Bay, bike through the city streets of Boston, and run along the Southie shoreline. South Boston has been the birthplace and home to
690-571: The History of Castle Island, stresses the role of the fort in harbor defense." Also known as Dorchester Heights. Atop the hill sits a tall monument commemorating the Patriot battle that drove the British out of Boston. Between M and N streets and north of Broadway, the M Street Park was one of the most desirable addresses in Boston in the late 19th century, and the brownstone buildings overlooking
736-670: The Irish American Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Group of Boston, or GLIB, to march in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1992, the first of its kind in the history of the parade, was met with a rejection by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council. In recent years, parade organizers have tried to make the event more kid-friendly, by incorporating "family zones" or sober places to watch the parade. The South Boston, St. Patrick's Parade
782-598: The Kennedy Library. Fort Independence and Castle Island are on the State and National Registers of Historic Places, and the fort is a National Historic Landmark. Fort Independence is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, hours vary. Fort tours are conducted by the Castle Island Association in the summer months and there is interpretive signage for self-guided tours. The principal program theme,
828-560: The Seaport has boomed during the early 21st century. It was considered "the hottest, fastest-growing real estate market in the country" in 2014. As of 2017 , it was the fastest growing part of Boston and has stimulated significant economic growth in the city. The restoration of the Seaport began with the completion of the Big Dig . This $ 14.6 billion project buried the formerly elevated Central Artery I-93 Interstate which previously cut off
874-483: The South Boston Saint Patrick's Day Parade is General Henry Knox brought 55 cannons captured at Fort Ticonderoga. In March, the troops positioned the cannons on Dorchester Heights. They had cut down trees to cannon size, hollowed them out and blackened them over fire to look like cannons. Surprise was just around the corner. On March 17, 1776, orders were given that if you wished to pass through
920-399: The South Boston shoreline of Dorchester Bay. Carson Beach offers some beautiful views and great public amenities: a rehabilitated Mothers' Rest, public restrooms, exhibit space, first aid and lifeguard functions, while the outdoor courtyards allow space for passive recreation. Carson Beach also features a walkway which allows one to walk, bike, or run along the water's edge from Castle Island to
966-712: The Troubles by carrying a coffin draped with the Irish tricolored flag. The Boston chapter of the Irish Northern Aid Commission marched with black armbands and a sign reading "England Get out of Ireland". The year 1976 marked the 200th anniversary of Evacuation Day and the 75th anniversary of the parade. A reenactment of the 1776 evacuation was incorporated into the parade, with fireworks and period costumes. President George H. W. Bush declared March Irish-American Heritage Month in 1991. The application of
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#17327911861371012-420: The amount of land on the eastern side of the historical neck, and widened the connection to the mainland to the point that South Boston is no longer considered separate from it. South Boston gained an identity separate from Dorchester, but the two were annexed by Boston in pieces, from 1804 to 1870. During the American Revolutionary War , George Washington placed a cannon on Dorchester Heights, thereby forcing
1058-481: The companies located in the Innovation District share space in co-working spaces and incubators. Over 1,100 housing units were constructed, including 300 innovation micro-units. The headquarters of Reebok is in South Boston. Public schools are operated by Boston Public Schools . Catholic Churches Albanian Orthodox Churches Episcopal Baptist Presbyterian Fourth Church has been
1104-605: The continental lines, the password was "St. Patrick". The British had seen all the cannons on the Heights and left Boston. Evacuation Day was declared a holiday in the City of Boston in 1901. In celebration, the city hosted a parade based in South Boston. The Dorchester Heights Monument , a tribute to the historical event, was completed in Dorchester Heights in 1902. Major George F. H. Murray served as Chief Marshall for
1150-523: The eighth generation of forts. Castle Island was originally some distance offshore, but land reclamation for expansion of port facilities has extended the mainland towards it, and it is now connected to the mainland by pedestrian and vehicle causeways. Today it is operated as a state park by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and is open to tours in the summer. Local lore has it that an unpopular officer
1196-503: The evacuation of British troops from Boston on March 17, 1776. The British evacuated Boston and Fort William and Mary for Halifax , Nova Scotia . Fort William and Mary was replaced with a brick fortification known as Fort Independence . That fort was replaced by a granite fortification (bearing the same name) prior to the American Civil War , and still stands on Castle Island as a National Historic Landmark. Edgar Allan Poe
1242-462: The fort. After a structure was built on the northeast side of the island, the General Court resolved that the fort at Castle Island should be completed before any other fortification was begun. The fort was later known as Castle William and required incoming ships to recognize the fortification and would fire at them if they didn't offer recognition by raising their flag. After the end of
1288-637: The highest in the city. South Boston has also left its mark on history with Boston busing desegregation . South Boston is also home to the St. Patrick's Day Parade, a celebration of the Irish-American culture and the Evacuation Day observance. Geographically, Dorchester Neck was an isthmus , a narrow strip of land that connected the mainland of the colonial settlement of Dorchester with Dorchester Heights . Landfill has since greatly increased
1334-630: The island. They were initiated in a British Army Lodge, No. 441 of the Irish Registry by J. E. Batt, Worshipful Master, on what was then still called Castle William Island. During the Siege of Boston , Castle William served as the main base of military operations for the British. The leaders of the Massachusetts royal administration took refuge there with their families, as did some prominent loyalists or "tories." Major Pelham Winslow of
1380-428: The level of some of the highest in the city. The City Point area of South Boston, labeled "East Side" by realtors, has seen a major increase in property values due to its close proximity to downtown Boston and gentrification . The "West Side" of South Boston, also known as the "lower end" by lifelong residents, though slower to begin the gentrification process also benefits from the proximity to not only downtown but also
1426-464: The location of Fort Independence . In 1632, a fortification was constructed on Fort Hill to defend the town. In 1634, Boston sought defenses farther out in the harbor, on one of the numerous islands which protected the port. In July 1634, the town decided to build a fortification on Castle Island. Deputy Governor Roger Ludlow and Captain John Mason of Dorchester supervised construction of
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1472-559: The most environmentally-friendly public houses in the entire Commonwealth. In the future, the Boston Housing Authority and its partners are looking to redevelop the remaining 453 original housing units in South Boston. South Boston is served by two Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Red Line rapid transit stations: Broadway and Andrew . MBTA bus service links these stations to nearby residential areas via bus routes 7, 9, 10, 11. The MBTA Silver Line ,
1518-543: The neighborhood of South Boston that began construction back in 2009. The phase two completion included high-efficiency affordable housing in town-house style and four-story elevator buildings. Part of this project was funded by a HOPE VI grant which ensured $ 22-million for the project to build these new public houses for the citizens of South Boston, replacing 223 original apartments along Old Colony Avenue up to Dorchester Street and over to Reverend Burke Street which were demolished. These new, affordable housing units are some of
1564-719: The parade in 1901. The state of Massachusetts recognized Evacuation Day as a holiday in Suffolk County (but not the rest of the state) in 1938. The Saint Patrick's Day Parade is both a celebration of the Irish-American culture in Boston and the Evacuation Day victory. The City of Boston sponsored the event until 1947, when Mayor James Michael Curley gave authority to the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council. Politicians and local celebrities have participated in these annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade for years. In 1958, Senator John F. Kennedy rode with Jacqueline Kennedy in
1610-735: The parade's sponsors when the Supreme Court supported the South Boston Allied War Veterans' right to determine who can participate in their annual St. Patrick's Day parade. In 1996 local Dorchester author Paul Walkowski and Attorney William Connolly detailed the case in their book "From Trial Court to the United States Supreme Court". Today, the St. Patrick's Day Parade marches from West Broadway to East Broadway, finishing at Farragut Road. Every year, from 10,000 to 20,000 participants join
1656-503: The parade. South Boston became known as an Irish working-class neighborhood when large numbers of Irish immigrants settled there in the mid-nineteenth century and continued to do so throughout the twentieth. Once a predominantly Irish Catholic community, in recent years South Boston has become increasingly desirable among young professionals and families who are attracted to the neighborhood's strong sense of community and quick access to downtown and public transportation. South Boston has
1702-550: The parade. The Kennedy family were well known as participating in this parade. Robert F. Kennedy marched in 1968, Ted and Joan Kennedy also marched in 1970. The N.A.A.C.P entered a float in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in 1964. In the mid-1960s Harvard's Irish Society joined the march. Irish nationalists unofficially marched in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1972, Irish Republican Aid Committee members protested violence in Northern Ireland during
1748-460: The park on the south side of the park remain some of the best examples of this style of architecture in New England. M Street Park is also home to the first standing Vietnam memorial in the nation. Included in this memorial are all the names of the South Boston residents who gave their lives fighting for the United States. Located at D Street and Northern Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, the park
1794-685: The popular South End. Additionally, the West Side is home to the first green residence (Gold LEED certified) in Boston — the Macallen Building which was featured in the movie The Greening of Southie . The City of Boston is investing in the West Side through developments like the ~150,000-square-foot (14,000 m ) mixed use (residential and commercial) building being developed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority on West Broadway. The 1865 Harrison Loring House
1840-585: The prominent loyalist town of Marshfield, Massachusetts was the Commander of Castle William for a time during the Revolution. After the British Evacuation of Boston on March 17, 1776, Castle William was destroyed. After the fort was destroyed, Lieutenant Paul Revere was put in charge of rebuilding it. The rebuilt fort was named Fort Independence on December 7, 1797. In 1785, the fort
1886-480: The summer) with beach, picnic and jogging area. Located at 2010 William J Day Blvd. A lawn on 420 D Street on the east side of the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center . Bay views, open lawn, athletic fields and a playground are features of this waterside park. Located on Farragut Road. This 191-acre waterfront area features businesses plus a brewery, a museum and a cruise terminal. South Boston
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1932-597: The waterfront from the rest of the city. In May 2010, Mayor Menino announced plans for the city to develop 1,000 acres on the South Boston Waterfront as an Innovation District. Inspired by the success of the 22@ model, the mayor's vision was to redevelop the then-mostly abandoned Seaport District into a hub for Information Age jobs and a new frontier for cutting-edge industries such as clean tech, health care information technology and mobile media. Between Menino's announcement in 2010 and 2017, 5,000 new jobs were created and over 200 new companies have formed. Forty percent of
1978-662: Was built in 1941, and Mary Ellen McCormack , which is the BHA's oldest development, being constructed in 1936. It was originally called Old Harbor Village. Other developments are Harbor Point (in Dorchester), Foley and Monsignor Powers. As of the June 26, 2014, city officials and civilians officially celebrated the completion of the second phase of construction and redevelopment of the Old Colony housing project that took place in
2024-499: Was designated as a state prison. Beginning in 1801, a new fort on Castle Island was built by the war department. The fort helped protect Boston from British attack during the War of 1812 . The island is also the site of a monument to Donald McKay , the builder of the famous clipper ships Flying Cloud and Sovereign of the Seas . The present structure, built between 1833 and 1851, is
2070-511: Was stationed at Castle Island for five months in 1827 and was inspired to write The Cask of Amontillado based on an early Castle Island legend. During the 1970s, South Boston received national attention for its opposition to court-mandated school ( de facto ) desegregation by busing students to different neighborhoods. In the early 21st century, property values, especially in the City Point neighborhood near Castle Island , rose to
2116-554: Was walled up in the fort's dungeon following a duel in which he killed a more popular man. Edgar Allan Poe learned of the legend while serving on Castle Island in the Army, and his short story " The Cask of Amontillado " is said to be based on it. During World War II the U.S. Navy used the site for a ship degaussing station. In 1970, the fort was listed on the National Register of Historic Places . Castle Island
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