Gov. Thomas Hutchinson's Ha-ha

Governor Hutchinson's Ha-Ha is a stone-lined sunken ditch located on the grounds of St. Michael's Church, stretching about 120 feet with puddingstone on one side and granite blocks forming the top edge. The ditch creates a hidden boundary feature that runs through the landscape without disrupting sight lines.

The structure was built in 1771 as part of Thomas Hutchinson's estate during his time as the last civilian governor of Massachusetts Bay. It reflects the period when wealthy landowners used such landscape features to mark property lines with style.

The structure shows how wealthy colonists brought European garden techniques to the New World. It demonstrates the refined landscape design choices that shaped property boundaries without blocking views across the land.

The site is located on the grounds of St. Michael's Church on Randolph Avenue in Milton and can be viewed from outside at no cost. Free parking is available near the north driveway entrance of the church, making it easy to access the monument.

This is one of the few surviving examples of a ha-ha in North America and the last remaining feature from Hutchinson's original estate. Its placement next to a modern church makes it an interesting case of how an old landscape feature coexists with much newer structures.

Location: Milton

Part of: Milton Hill Historic District

GPS coordinates: 42.26528,-71.06778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:40