North End in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Great Gale of Boston
and the Second Steeple
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, September 18, 2023
1. The Great Gale of Boston Marker
In October of 1804, Boston was struck by a 'very violent gale' that blew the wooden spire from Old North's tower, destroying a house below. There was no salvaging it. Once again, church leaders appealed to members of the congregation and to community members throughout Boston and neighboring towns. By 1806, enough money had been raised to build a second wooden spire. This one was fifteen feet shorter than the original, and while it had similar windows and was topped by the original weathervane, other decorative elements were altered. This same year, Old North underwent a interior redesign as well, changing the location of the pulpit and the layout (and design) of the pews. Do these changes suggest that the early 19th century congregation thought of Old North not as a historic icon but simply as their church, which could and would be changed to reflect their time and taste?
Jones, Leslie. Old North Church, steeplejacks at work. 1977
https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/5h73qv888 (Marker Number 5.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1804.
Location. 42° 21.977′ N, 71° 3.271′ W. Marker is in Boston, Massachusetts, in Suffolk County. It is in North End. Marker can be reached from
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1954 Hurricane Carol (here, next to this marker); 1775 (here, next to this marker); The Weathervane (here, next to this marker); A North Ender's Memory (here, next to this marker); The Third Steeple (here, next to this marker); The First Steeple (here, next to this marker); The Old North Church & Historic Site (here, next to this marker); St. Francis Chapel (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.
Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, September 18, 2023
2. The Great Gale of Boston Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 14, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 25, 2023, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
