Beacon Hill, Federal-style residential district in Boston, United States.
Beacon Hill is a residential neighborhood in Boston featuring narrow streets, brick sidewalks, and rows of red brick townhouses dating from the 19th century. Gas lamps line the streets, creating a historical setting that defines the area.
The neighborhood took its name from a signal beacon placed on Boston's highest central hill during colonial times to alert residents to potential dangers. The hill was later lowered, but the name persisted and became tied to Boston's early history.
The north slope served as a center for African American community life in the 1800s, with the African Meeting House functioning as a gathering place for civil rights conversations. Visitors can still experience this heritage through buildings and sites dedicated to that movement.
The neighborhood is accessible by subway through Red Line stops at Charles/MGH and Park Street, plus a Blue Line stop at Bowdoin. Visitors should expect narrow streets and hilly terrain that require sturdy footwear and time to explore.
Many windows in the neighborhood display a subtle purple tint from the manganese content in the glass used during construction. This unintended effect gives the area a distinctive appearance that few visitors immediately notice.
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