Custom House District, Historic district in Boston, US
The Custom House District is a historic area in Boston comprising multiple commercial buildings that show the city's architectural development over time. The structures vary in design and scale, reflecting how maritime trade shaped the district's growth from the 1800s onward.
The district emerged after independence as the center for customs operations and maritime trade in Boston. It served as the economic foundation of the city's growth as a major shipping port during the 19th century.
The district reflects Boston's transformation through its collection of buildings that span different eras and architectural traditions. Walking through these streets, you notice how each structure tells part of the story of the city's evolution as a trading port.
The district is accessible via the Blue Line at Aquarium Station and several bus routes that run through the area. The streets are walkable and best explored on foot to notice the details of individual buildings and how they connect to one another.
Hidden within or beneath the modern buildings are remnants of the original dock system and shipping infrastructure from centuries ago. These traces show how Boston chose to preserve elements of its working waterfront rather than erasing its past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
