Roxbury High Fort

Roxbury High Fort is a Revolutionary War fortification site now transformed into a public park on a hilltop in Roxbury, Massachusetts. A Victorian water tower built in 1869 now crowns the summit, creating a distinctive landmark visible across the neighborhood.

During the 1775 Siege of Boston, the Continental Army built earthwork fortifications here as a strategic observation point for military operations. The high ground made it valuable for monitoring British movements across the city.

The park serves as a neighborhood gathering place with community gardens where local residents gather for jazz concerts and celebrations. These events show how the space has become woven into the rhythm of daily life in Roxbury.

The site is accessible by public transit, with the Orange Line stopping at nearby Roxbury Crossing station for convenient access. Multiple walking paths climb the hillside, giving visitors choices for routes to the summit and different viewing areas.

The Victorian water tower underwent major restoration in the 1980s after sitting neglected for many decades. Workers carefully rebuilt the cast iron balcony that had been removed years earlier, restoring a key architectural detail.

Location: Massachusetts

GPS coordinates: 42.32528,-71.09444

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01