Canton in Norfolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Canton Viaduct
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, October 28, 2011
1. Canton Viaduct Marker
National Register of Historic Places
Placed by Canton Historical Commission
Dedicated July 4th 1993
National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Designated by the American society of Civil Engineers Dedicated in 1999
The Canton viaduct is one of the two oldest surviving multiple arch stone railroad bridges still in active mainline use in the United States
Erected 1993 by Canton Historical Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1841.
Location. 42° 9.496′ N, 71° 9.253′ W. Marker is in Canton, Massachusetts, in Norfolk County. It is on Neponset Street north of Walpole Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canton MA 02021, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally,
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Paul Revere Heritage Site (approx. Ό mile away); Birthplace of U.S. Copper Industry (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named The Canton Viaduct (approx. Ό mile away); A Long, Rich History (approx. Ό mile away); Transformation of the Land (approx. Ό mile away); Made in Canton (approx. Ό mile away); Copper Rolling Mill (approx. Ό mile away); Canton Dale Resident (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The Canton Viaduct marker at Paul Revere Heritage Site.
Also see . . .
1. Canton Viaduct - Wikipedia. (Submitted on February 9, 2012, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.)
2. Canton Viaduct - American Society of Civil Engineers.
When completed, the Canton Viaduct was the longest and tallest railroad(Submitted on August 16, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)viaduct ever built. It is the last surviving viaduct of its kind and has been in continuous service for over 170 years.Photographed by Bryan Simmons, October 28, 20112. Canton Viaduct
3. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts - Wikipedia.
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, commonly referred to as the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts and abbreviated GLMA, is the main governing body of Freemasonry within Massachusetts.(Submitted on August 16, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts.)
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, October 28, 2011
3. Canton Viaduct
Photographed by Bryan Simmons, October 28, 2011
4. Canton Viaduct
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026
5. Crossing the Canton Viaduct
A commuter rail train crosses over the Canton Viaduct, passing the Freemasons obelisk below.
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026
6. Canton Viaduct Markers & Vehicle Underpass
Neponset Avenue passes through arches designed for vehicle traffic. Vehicles cross below while a commuter train passes above on the Canton Viaduct. The markers are visible tucked into the greenery just ahead of the passing truck.
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 14, 2026
7. Freemasons Obelisk Detail
The Freemasons obelisk notes that the Canton Viaduct is 14.4 miles from the Massachusetts Grand Lodge in Boston. Freemasons and the Army Corps of Engineers worked to realize Joseph Warren Revere's request to ensure that the new rail line between Boston and Providence could pass by the Copper Rolling Mills established by his father, Paul Revere in Canton, despite the otherwise unnecessary feat of crossing the Neponset River to do this.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 858 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 8, 2012, by Bryan Simmons of Attleboro, Massachusetts. 5, 6. submitted on August 14, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. 7. submitted on August 15, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register of Historic Places nomination form, citing the viaduct's historical significance. • Can you help?
