This 1833 view of Boston from the west end of the Navy Yard shows a harbor full of busy activity. The steeple of the Old North Church is still a prominent landmark.
[courtesy Library of Congress]
The Navy Yard in the War of 1812
When . . . — — Map (db m191802) HM
Near 3rd Street, on the right when traveling south.
USS Constitution first entered Dry Dock 1 in 1833. Though she was the first ship to test the new dry dock system, the tough oak hull of “Old Ironsides” had already seen several repairs. To rebuild the ship, woodworkers selected . . . — — Map (db m71539) HM WM
On Constitution Road south of 2nd Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Breakthrough evokes the Navy Yard workers' struggle transitioning from wartime shipbuilding to peacetime operations. During World War II, the Navy Yard employed 50,000 civilian workers; by 1946, only 9,500 remained. Per draftsman Allan . . . — — Map (db m215676) HM
On 1st Avenue at Baxter Road, on the right when traveling east on 1st Avenue.
Liquid Sunshine recognizes simple pleasures amidst harsh working conditions at the Navy Yard. Virginia Wilder Parker recalled her experiences as a welder working in the dry docks: "… It was quite dangerous… [In summer] it would be so . . . — — Map (db m215739) HM
Since 1981, millions of visitors have walked the decks of USS CASSIN YOUNG, experiencing her history and heroics. Now they have the opportunity to see a new side of this “greyhound of the sea” - what lies below the waterline.
Boasting 5-inch . . . — — Map (db m71480) HM
Near 3rd Avenue east of 6th Street, on the right when traveling east.
on this site in August of 1941, nine founder members with Philip D. Johnson, a radiographer at the Boston Naval Shipyard as their leader, formed the American Society for Nondestructive Testing. Initially chartered as the American Industrial . . . — — Map (db m215744) HM
Boston Naval Shipyard has been designated a Registered National Historic Landmark
Under the provisions of the historic sites act of August 21, 1935 this site possesses exceptional value in commemorating or illustrating the history of the United . . . — — Map (db m58264) HM
When the Federal government established a navy yard in Massachusetts in 1800, it naturally looked to Boston Harbor. A thriving town of more than 34,000 people, Boston was home to hundreds of skilled ship carpenters, riggers, caulkers, and other . . . — — Map (db m60133) HM
--------------- Site of the Battle of Bunker Hill fought June 17, 1775 --------------- Although orders were issued by the Committee of Safety to seize and fortify Bunker Hill the colonial officers after consultation fortified this hill on June 16, . . . — — Map (db m17974) HM
On 3rd Street south of 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
Constructed in 1853, Building 10 is typical of structures in the Charlestown Navy Yard: it has seen many uses and been modified numerous times to meet the Navy's changing needs. The structure was also moved to this location from elsewhere on Pier . . . — — Map (db m215733) HM
On Bunker Hill Street just west of Polk St, on the right when traveling west.
Established in 1810, this is Charlestown's second oldest burying ground, and the site of the left wing of Colonial forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. A monument marks the location of the Rail Fence and Stone Wall fortified by the . . . — — Map (db m55532) HM
Near Monument Square, on the left when traveling north.
“Don’t fire ‘til you see the whites of their eyes.” The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought here on Breed’s Hill, June 17, 1775, was the first major military confrontation of the Revolutionary War. Although the British won the . . . — — Map (db m18094) HM
On 1st Avenue east of Terry Ring, on the right when traveling east.
This property is part of
the Boston Naval Shipyard
Historic District, listed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior.
1865 — — Map (db m215745) HM
On Warren Street at Dexter Row, on the right when traveling north on Warren Street.
When it was constructed in 1876, this bank was the most important commercial building in Charlestown. It was designed by Moffette and Tolman in the High Victorian Gothic Style. The building also housed Charlestown’s Masonic Lodge on its top three . . . — — Map (db m218891) HM
The Charlestown Navy Yard was established in 1800 to build, repair, and supply the nation's warships. For 174 years the yard expanded and adapted to serve a growing, changing navy.
In early years, skilled workers build and repaired wooden . . . — — Map (db m191822) HM
One of our nation's first naval shipyards was established here at Moulton's Point, Charlestown, in 1800, and remained active until 1971. During that period, the yard contributed greatly to the birth and growth of American naval power, and was the . . . — — Map (db m192056) HM
Welcome to the Charlestown Navy Yard, home of USS Constitution (Old Ironsides), a place of shipbuilding, repair and outfitting for over 200 years. Enjoy the story of the yard, the ships it served and the people that kept them . . . — — Map (db m215734) HM
Training fields were a familiar sight in early New England in an era of constant alert.
American colonist formed militias for protection and trained in open fields also known as commons. Charlestown Training Field dates from the 1640s . . . — — Map (db m115250) HM
On New Rutherford Avenue at City Square, on the left when traveling east on New Rutherford Avenue.
Erected in honor of the men and women of Charlestown who served in World War II 1941 1945 and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice Dedicated September 29, 1946 — — Map (db m176356) WM
Native American Settlement
Native American occupation of the Charlestown peninsula predates European settlements by approximately 10,000 years. Archaeological evidence, such as tools made of stone, bone, wood, and shells, suggests the early . . . — — Map (db m60237) HM
In Memoriam
Commander
Barry Carle
U.S. Navy
1933-1974
Died while in the service of his country
Deputy District Civil Engineer for the Commandant of the First Naval District
Responsible for the concept and the initial development of the . . . — — Map (db m58455) HM WM
On Monument Square at Chestnut St. on Monument Square.
June 17, 1775 He who brought us over still sustains us. Connecticut American Revolution Bicentennial Commission South Marker:
General Israel Putnam of Connecticut helped decide to fortify the Charlestown peninsula and with Captain Thomas . . . — — Map (db m191806) HM
Near here, August 23rd 1630
Governor John Winthrop
and members of the Massachusetts Bay Company
organized the Court of Assistants
forerunner of the
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts — — Map (db m97405) HM
On 1st Avenue at Baxter Road, on the right when traveling east on 1st Avenue.
In Loving Memory
David M. Whelan
Anchoring the Charlestown
community to make us one
Founding Board Member
Friends of the
Charlestown Navy Yard
2004 - 2015 — — Map (db m215743) HM
This 1790s Georgian residence was built for Deacon John Larkin, a patriot best remembered for his role in Paul Revere's legendary midnight ride. It was Larkin's horse that carried Revere out to Lexington and Concord to warn the Committee of Safety . . . — — Map (db m60235) HM
Near 3rd Street, on the right when traveling south.
This stone and metal structure is Dry Dock 1, completed in 1833. As one of America’s first two granite dry docks, Dry Dock 1 made the repair of large naval ships faster, easier, and safer. Returning warships to sea duty in less time was a . . . — — Map (db m37697) HM
Near 3rd Street south of Freedom Trail, on the right when traveling south.
Building 10
Pitch House and Oakum Loft
Black smoke billowed from Building 10 when it first opened in 1853. There, pine tree sap was boiled down into the tar and pitch that kept wooden ships like USS Constitution watertight. . . . — — Map (db m215731) HM
Near 1st Avenue south of 5th Srteet, on the left when traveling south.
Ships use flags to communicate and to identify each other. These five flags are replicas of historic flags and ensigns (national flags flown at sea) used during the Barbary War and the War of 1812.
Star Spangled Banner
USS . . . — — Map (db m193742) HM
The Charlestown Navy Yard served the nation for 174 years as a base of the building, outfitting, repair, and modernization of ships. During World War II, the yard’s busiest years, almost 50,000 men and women worked here, around the clock, seven days . . . — — Map (db m62586) HM
History and Archaeology
In the 1900s, as part of the major highway reconstruction project that built the tunnels beneath this park, a team of archaeologists studied City Square and its history.The investigators researched historic documents . . . — — Map (db m60236) HM
On Monument Avenue at Main Street, on the right when traveling north on Monument Avenue.
Though constructed in 1792 during the Federal Period, the Hurd House is in the Georgian style. It served for its first century as the John Hurd family residence. The ground floor became commercial around 1872.
Two salient features marked the . . . — — Map (db m176357) HM
During the day, workers at the Charlestown Navy Yard built, repaired, and supplied American warships. In the evening, theses men left for their homes. Only the Commandant, a few administrative officers, and a detachment of Marines stayed behind. . . . — — Map (db m191803) HM
Colonel William Prescott of Massachusetts led the colonial forces on Breed’s Hill. His commanding figure and strong will inspired the farmer soldiers to the greatness of the day. Dr. Joseph Warren, commissioned a Major General, elected to serve . . . — — Map (db m18651) HM
On Terry Ring south of 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The American soldiers who sacrificed their lives on Korean soil for freedom have laid a foundation stone for the eternal bond between the two nations. This stone from Korea symbolizes the foundation."
Dr. Sang Selk Park, Ambassador, Republic of . . . — — Map (db m215746) WM
Dedicated to the Men of the Boston Naval Shipyard who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of their country in all wars 1800 – 1950 “For what avail the plough or sail Or land or life, if freedom fail?” Presented by employees . . . — — Map (db m37700) HM
June 17, 1775 Strength United is Stronger New Hampshire American Revolution Bicentennial Commission East Marker: Colonel John Stark commanded 900 New Hampshire men at the rail fence and at the stone wall on the Mystic River shore against the . . . — — Map (db m115949) HM
Near Constitution Road, on the right when traveling east.
At this site Paul Revere landed on the night of April 18, 1775 to begin his midnight ride Dedicated by The Massachusetts Society Sons of the American Revolution April 1999 — — Map (db m17971) HM
Near Constitution Road, on the right when traveling east.
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere set out to warn of the march of British troops on Lexington and Concord. He departed Boston by water, was rowed to Charlestown, and landed near here. Walking the short distance into town, Revere borrowed a . . . — — Map (db m191888) HM
On Phipps Street at Lawrence Street when traveling south on Phipps Street.
This was Charlestown's first cemetery, established about 1630. Local lore has it that the irregular layout corresponded to a map of the town. Many of the stones feature the art of the "Charlestown carver"," an anonymous stonecutter working in the . . . — — Map (db m244543) HM
By 1940 this navy yard supported a powerful fleet of modern steel ships. Where once carpenters, joiners, and sail- makers responded to the morning shipyard bell, now a shrill steam whistle summoned welders, boilermakers, and electronics specialists . . . — — Map (db m191801) HM
In its first years, the navy yard consisted of a small dock and several wooden storehouses, surrounded by mud flats and rolling pastures. In 1812, the commandant noted:
"the establishment… afforded no advantage or facility for . . . — — Map (db m60130) HM
On 2nd Avenue east of 3rd Street, on the right when traveling west.
The Commandant's residence was built about 1809 and shows some influences of Charles Bulfinch, leading architect of Boston of this period, whose work influenced many architects and builders. Captain Samuel Nicholson was the first occupant and the . . . — — Map (db m215729) HM
This high ground of Breed's Hill bound the American colonies to the cause of independence. An open field once located here commanded this entire area. On the night of June 16, 1775, two month after the fighting at Lexington and Concord, 1,200 . . . — — Map (db m60140) HM
On Monument Square at Monument Ave. on Monument Square.
Neighborhood of Revolution “Paul Revere . . . started on a ride which, in a way has never ended.” - Esther Forbes, author of the classic study, Paul Revere and the World He Lived In In the course of just two pivotal days – April 18 and . . . — — Map (db m191830) HM
On Chelsea Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Leonard P. Zakim
Bunker Hill Bridge
The Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge, part of The Big Dig Project in Boston, is the widest cable-stayed bridge in the world. The Bridge serves as the northern entrance to and exit from Boston. The . . . — — Map (db m58257) HM
On Bunker Hill St just west of Polk St, on the right when traveling west.
The line of Rail Fence and Grass Protection formed after the British Troops landed on the seventeenth of June extended in this direction to Mystic River — — Map (db m55530) HM
On Chelsea Street, on the right when traveling east.
The enduring fame of the Old North began on the evening of April 18, 1775, when the church sexton, Robert Newman, climbed the steeple and held high two lanterns as a signal from Paul Revere that the British were marching to Lexington and Concord by . . . — — Map (db m58258) HM
The rail fence and grass line of protection formed after the British troops landed was six hundred feet in the rear at the base of Bunker Hill — — Map (db m18659) HM
Near Common Street south of Winthrop Street, on the left when traveling south.
Road projects in two centuries endangered the “communitie’s meeting place.”
Despite the Training Field's historical importance, road projects in the 19th and 20th centuries threatened to destroy what was once called the . . . — — Map (db m115230) HM
Thousands of civilians spent their work days in the yard, then returned home to their Boston neighborhoods. For a few naval personnel, however; the yard was both a work-place and a home. For those who lived here, whether in the luxurious . . . — — Map (db m145105) HM
Near 1st Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
This cannon weighing some 6800 lbs. is a 32 pounder built in 1820, and was used on board naval vessels of that time. It was found during the rebuilding of Pier 7 at the Boston Naval Shipyard in1958. It is assumed to have been buried since 1900. — — Map (db m175864) HM
In the years following the battle, this hill became sacred ground. A new patriotic spirit swept the nation in the 1820s. Americans looked to honor the sacrifice and service of their ancestors. For two decades, many men and women, led by the Bunker . . . — — Map (db m60139) HM
On Common Street at Adams Street, on the left when traveling east on Common Street.
Three Centuries of Use & Transformation
First noted in the 1640s as a “well-established public place.”
Training fields were an integral part of early New England
landscapes. On annual “Muster Days,” the local militia met
here for . . . — — Map (db m176943) HM
On Constitution Road east of Constitution Plaza, on the right when traveling east.
In the 1830s, Frederick Tudor became known as Boston's Ice King. Since around 1805, he had ice cut from local ponds and shipped to such faraway places as Calcutta, Rio de Janeiro, the West Indies and the Far East. As his business grew, he did his . . . — — Map (db m145104) HM
On this hill the Continental militia fought heroically on June 17, 1775. Protected by an earth and timber redoubt laid out by Colonel Richard Gridley, the Army’s first chief engineer, the Americans killed or wounded nearly half of the attacking . . . — — Map (db m18653) HM
Near Constitution Road, on the right when traveling east.
Launched in 1797, USS Constitution set sail the next year on the world’s oceans to protect American commerce. Her victories soon earned her a permanent place in United States naval history. On August 19, 1812, USS Constitution took on . . . — — Map (db m71540) HM
Near Constitution Plaza, on the right when traveling east.
In memory of our shipmates and civilians lost in the disastrous explosion aboard the USS Leyte on October 16, 1953 while in the Boston Naval Shipyard. Shipmates James Robert Bedford, CHMACH, USN • Leonard Michael De Rose, Lt, USN • Charles . . . — — Map (db m37701) HM
On Freedom Trail, on the right when traveling north.
Charlestown Veterans Memorial Park
Dedicated in honor of the men and women from Charlestown who served in the Armed Forces during the Korean and Vietnam Wars and in memory of those who made the supreme sacrifice. — — Map (db m97334) WM
When the Charlestown Navy Yard opened in 1800, Boston's skilled maritime workers provided a ready source of labor. As sail gave way to steam, and wooden hulls gave way to iron and steel, the work of building, repairing, and maintaining a fleet . . . — — Map (db m191807) HM
The British Army was one of the most powerful military forces of the day. Their leaders were career officers. The troops were regularly trained and well equipped. Yet, the enlisted ranks were often filled with soldiers recruited against their will . . . — — Map (db m60143) HM
On Essex Street at Rutherford Avenue (Massachusetts Route 99) when traveling north on Essex Street.
The Middlesex Canal, constructed between 1793 and 1803, once stretched from this point to Lowell, 27 miles to the northwest. In the early 19th century, when travel over land was more difficult than water travel, the canal served as a highway for . . . — — Map (db m245586) HM
