Charlestown

Originally settled in 1628, Charlestown was incorporated as a city in 1847 and became a neighborhood of the City of Boston in 1870. Charlestown is probably one of the most visited neighborhoods of Boston. Anyone who walks the Freedom Trail, visits the USS Constitution, or climbs to the top of Bunker Hill, is a friend of Charlestown.

By day, tourists flock to the historic sites, students attend classes at nearby colleges and thousands of people head to work. Popular restaurants like Olives, Nilos, the Constitution Grill, Tavern on the Water and the Warren Tavern, make a visit to the neighborhood a popular night spot too.

Historic Beginnings

Charleston was the first capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Charleston is located northeast of Boston proper on a peninsula extending southeast between the Charles River and the Mystic River. The geographic extent of Charlestown has changed dramatically from its colonial ancestor. Landfill operations have expanded Boston into the Back Bay, lowered hills and expanded Charlestown. They have also eliminated the narrow Charleston Neck that connected the northwest end of the Charlestown Peninsula to the mainland.

On June 17, 1775 the Charleston Peninsula was the site of the Battle of Bunker Hill. Bunker Hill was near the northwest end of the peninsula, near Charlestown neck and about a mile from the Charles River. The battle actually took place on Breed's Hill which overlooked the harbor and the town and was only about 400 yards from the end of the peninsula. The city, including its wharves and dockyards, was destroyed by fire during the battle.

Getting Around

The MBTA Orange Line serves Charlestown with the Sullivan Square and the Community College stops. There are also various "T" bus routes and numerous commercial tour bus operators. It's also easy to walk across the Washington Street Bridge, or over the Charles River Dam and through the Paul Revere Park.

Famous Forefathers

Charlestown was the birthplace of inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, who invented the electric telegraph and Morse code. John Harvard, an assistant pastor of the First Church of Charlestown, left half his money and his collection of classical and theological literature to a new school in nearby Cambridge. Three years later, in 1639, the school was renamed Harvard College.

Charlestown Links

Visit the City of Boston web site for information about Charlestown
Visit the City of Boston school system web site for Charlestown information