Downtown in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Boston Public Latin School
At the corner of this site stood the first public school in America. Built in 1635, the school gave the street its name. In 1636, a subscription service was raised for a free schoolmaster. In 1645 the town also stipulated that 'Indians are to be taught gratis'.
Welcome to Boston's Old City Hall
The Boston Public Latin School stood on the north side of school street from 1635 to 1749, at which point it was relocated to the opposite side, where it remained until 1844. The Boston Public Latin School is now located in Roxbury and is the oldest educational institution in the country.
The Public Latin School provided free education to such notable figures in American history as John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Charles Bulfinch and Benjamin Franklin. Franklin (1706-1790) was born in Boston and attended school on this site before pursuing a distinguished career as an author, inventor, politician and statesman.
Can you find the students Sam Adams, John Hancock, Ben Franklin and Charles Bulfinch in this painting?
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Education • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1635.
Location. 42° 21.472′ N, 71° 3.586′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Massachusetts’ Historic Boston. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Electric Fire Alarm System, 1852 (here, next to this marker); Latin School (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Boston Public Latin School (here, next to this marker); The Parker House (a few steps from this marker); Public Latin School (a few steps from this marker); Benjamin Franklin (a few steps from this marker); School Street Political Life (a few steps from this marker); The Democratic Donkey and the Republican Elephant (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Welcome to Boston's Old City Hall (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 422 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 30, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
