Boston Fish Pier, Historic Pier in Boston
Boston Fish Pier is an active fishing port in southeast Boston where fishing boats land their daily catch. The pier extends about 1,200 feet (365 meters) along the water with two large steel and concrete buildings featuring decorative terra cotta elements and 44 storefronts where fish dealers and seafood businesses operate.
The pier was built between 1910 and 1912 and was one of the largest fish storage facilities in the world when it opened with capacity for up to 15 million pounds of fish. By the 1920s it processed hundreds of millions of pounds of fish yearly, peaked in 1969 with over 300 million pounds landed, and has been managed by the Massachusetts Port Authority since the 1970s.
The pier takes its name from the fishing trade that shaped it and continues to define its purpose. Visitors can observe how fishermen unload their catch daily and how this place keeps the city connected to the sea.
The best time to visit is during the day when fishermen are actively working and unloading their catch. Keep in mind that parts of the pier function as a working port and access for visitors may be restricted in some areas.
Polka Dog Bakery operates on the pier making dog treats from fish processing byproducts like cod skins. The company grew from a small kitchen to a large operation on the grounds and shows how traditional fishing sites support new business models.
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