Dorchester Heights, Historic district in South Boston, Massachusetts
Description
Dorchester Heights encompasses a 40-acre historic district featuring a 115-foot white marble monument designed by Peabody and Stearns, offering commanding views of Boston Harbor and the downtown skyline from its elevated position on Telegraph Hill.
History
On March 4, 1776, American forces under George Washington secretly fortified Dorchester Heights with artillery transported by Henry Knox from Fort Ticonderoga, forcing the British evacuation of Boston on March 17, 1776.
Culture
The site commemorates Evacuation Day, celebrated annually in Suffolk County on March 17th, marking the British withdrawal from Boston and representing a pivotal moment in American independence.
Practical
The monument is currently closed for restoration funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, though the surrounding Thomas Park grounds remain accessible to visitors despite the steep terrain challenges.
Did you know?
Archaeological excavations in the 1990s revealed original Revolutionary War fortifications beneath Thomas Park, confirming the site's authentic historical significance despite earlier beliefs that modern construction had destroyed them.
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