Canton in Norfolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
The Railroad
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 31, 2026
1. The Railroad Marker
By the 1830s Paul Revere's son, Joseph Warren Revere was in full control of the family copper business and looking to expand. Always forward thinking, he recognized the railroads' potential to revolutionize the way people and goods moved throughout the country. With his influence, and a considerable donation, Revere joined the board of the newly founded Boston Providence Railroad. There he convinced the company to run the Boston-Providence line through Canton, even though other possible routes would have been easier to build. The line was finished in 1835 after the completion of the nearby Canton Viaduct. One of the first spurs off of the line went straight into the yard of the Revere Copper Company, allowing for the direct unloading and loading of raw materials and finished goods. With the arrival of the railroad the Reveres had brought industry to Canton in a way that would change the town forever.
(Image caption)
Revere knew that trains would be easier, faster, more efficient, and cleaner than horse and ox drawn carriages.
Erected 2026 by Town of Canton.
Topics. This historical marker
this page online
Location. 42° 9.573′ N, 71° 9.136′ W. Marker is in Canton, Massachusetts, in Norfolk County. It is on Revere Street near Coppersmith Way, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 263 Revere Street, 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, 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: Canton Viaduct (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Birthplace of U.S. Copper Industry (approx. Ό mile away); Paul Revere Heritage Site (approx. Ό mile away); Copper Rolling Mill (approx. Ό mile away); Made in Canton (approx. Ό mile away); a different
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 31, 2026
2. The Railroad Marker (wide)
An Amtrak train passes behind the tree line between a pair of apartment buildings beyond the marker.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 31, 2026
3. The Railroad Marker (wide north)
Photographed by G.W.Bartlett, August 31, 2026
4. The Railroad Marker (wide south)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 31, 2026, by G.W.Bartlett of Hingham, Massachusetts. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
