William C. Nell House, Federal architecture house in Beacon Hill, Boston, United States.
The William C. Nell House is a Federal-style residence in Beacon Hill, Boston, located at 3 Smith Court. It features painted wooden clapboarding on its front and a solid brick wall with no windows at the rear.
Built between 1798 and 1800, the residence served as a significant location for the African American community and the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. It remains one of few surviving structures from this period that directly connected to African American life in Boston.
The house sits across from the African Meeting House, which now houses the Museum of African American History. Together, these buildings form a meaningful part of Boston's heritage related to the Black community.
The site is located in a historic neighborhood with other significant locations nearby, allowing visitors to see several related places in one visit. Walking through the area is the best way to explore, as everything is close together.
James Scott, a longtime resident of the house, was arrested but later acquitted for helping Shadrach Minkins escape through the Underground Railroad. His story shows the brave choices people made to help others reach safety and freedom.
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