Clapp Houses, Historical architectural ensemble in Dorchester, Boston, US.
Clapp Houses are two Federal-style buildings in Dorchester, built in different eras and now standing side by side on Boston Street. One dates to the early 1700s, the other to the early 1800s, both displaying careful woodwork in their trim, moldings, and window frames.
The first house was built in the early 1700s while the second emerged in the early 1800s, both near a family tannery operation. After standing in their original locations for generations, both buildings were moved to their current site in 1957 to save them from demolition.
The two houses reflect how skilled craftspeople built homes in Boston's early years, showing details that mattered to families of means. Walking through them reveals everyday choices about comfort and style from those centuries.
The two houses sit close together on Boston Street near the corner of Willow Court, making them easy to spot and visit. The neighborhood is primarily residential, so plan your visit during daytime hours when the area is most active.
Both buildings were physically moved to their current location in 1957, an unusual step to rescue them from demolition in their original neighborhood. This relocation was an innovative effort to preserve Boston's architectural legacy before large-scale preservation became common practice.
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