B.M.C. Durfee High School

B.M.C. Durfee High School is a historic granite structure on Rock Street featuring a striking red-domed observatory and a tall clock tower that overlooks the Taunton River below. The building combines solid stone construction with distinctive architectural elements that make it stand out in the cityscape.

The building was constructed in 1886 as a memorial to Bradford Matthew Chaloner Durfee, funded by his mother Mary B. Young. It received designation on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.

The building now serves as a courthouse for probate and family matters, preserving its role as a community landmark while adapting to modern needs. This shift in purpose reflects how historic structures can take on new civic functions while maintaining their presence in local life.

The building sits at an elevated location on Rock Street with good views of the surrounding area and the river from its grounds. Visitors can easily walk around the exterior and the nearby grounds to take in the architecture and landscape.

The building houses a telescope with an 8-inch lens manufactured by Warner & Swasey Company in 1887 that remains functional for public viewing. The instrument was restored in 2015 and still works for observing the sky.

Location: Fall River

Inception: 1886

GPS coordinates: 41.70556,-71.15222

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:05