Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and the Building of Boston's Golden Age

Beacon Hill, the oldest neighborhood in Boston, is a treasure trove of colonial architecture and Revolutionary War history. In its early days, Beacon Hill was a pastureland known as Tremont. The name "Beacon Hill" originated from the beacon that was lit atop the hill during the American Revolution to signal the British troop movements. Beacon Hill's transformation from a rural pasture to a fashionable residential neighborhood began in the early 19th century when wealthy Bostonians sought to escape the crowded and unsanitary conditions of the city center.

Beacon Hill's architectural landscape is a testament to the city's rich history. The neighborhood is characterized by its charming brownstone houses, many of which were built in the Federal and Greek Revival styles. These elegant homes, with their intricate facades and graceful proportions, reflect the architectural tastes of Boston's elite in the 19th century. Among the neighborhood's architectural highlights is the Massachusetts State House, an iconic symbol of Boston and the seat of the state government. Designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, the State House is a masterpiece of Federal architecture, with its imposing granite facade and majestic golden dome.