Tag: Boston

Boston: Beacon Hill North Slope

Boston: Beacon Hill North Slope

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Explore the section of Beacon Hill bounded by Cambridge, Bowdoin, Myrtle, and Charles streets. Learn about the architectural history of the Hill’s 19th-century African-American community, the town houses of Yankee gentry dating from the early 1800s to the Civil War, and the tenements that housed European Jews during the period of 1880 to 1920. Meander along the alleyways and cul-de-sacs that for decades were considered part of the old West End neighborhood. The tour route will include the residences of abolitionist senator Charles Sumner, meat packer J.P. Squires, African-American civil rights advocates Louis and Harriet Hayden, and bohemian poet and editor Louise Bogan.


Click for “WalkBoston’s Beacon Hill North Slope Walking Map” on Google Maps

Boston: Hyde Park and Victorian Fairmount Walking Map

Boston: Hyde Park and Victorian Fairmount Walking Map

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On a hillside overlooking the Neponset River lies a little Victorian time capsule known as Fairmount. This walk will take you up and down Fairmount’s steep streets on a trip back in time past stunning and fascinating structures.

Together with Cleary Square, Hyde Park’s shopping and administrative center, Fairmount occupies Boston’s southernmost tip; it’s further from downtown than any part of the city. This remote location mean that Fairmont was somewhat of a late bloomer among Boston neighborhoods and is why it peaked in the Victorian period.

Hyde Park remained an independent town until 1912, when its residents voted to join Boston. As this walk will reveal to you, the Fairmount neighborhood retains several of its original twenty homes and, with them, its own unique identity. It is an enclave of Victoriana on its hillside overlooking the Neponset.


Click for “WalkBoston’s Hyde Park and Victorian Fairmount Walking Map” on Google Maps

Boston: Beacon Hill South Slope

Boston: Beacon Hill South Slope

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During the first quarter of the 19th century, Beacon Hill town houses designed by Charles Bulfinch, Asher Benjamin, and others exhibited influences derived from England, France, and even the Far East. Elements drawn from Ancient Egypt, Greek, and Roman sources enlivened the brick and brownstone-trimmed facades of the Hill’s stylish mansions. Among the 20 stops on the walk will be historic houses on Beacon Street; Acorn Street, perhaps Boston’s most picturesque; Louisburg Square with its British influence; and the former homes of 19th-century Boston mayors Harrison Gray Otis and John Phillips.


Click for “WalkBoston’s Beacon Hill South Slope Walking Map” on Google Maps

Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005

Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005

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Our Greenway work since 1992 A key factor in the success of the Rose Kennedy Greenway will be its walkability. When the Central Artery Project (CA/T) received its environmental approvals in 1991, only 6 lanes were approved for the new streets above the tunnel. However, at the request of the City of Boston, CA/T staff was designing 10 lanes.

WalkBoston and Move Massachusetts 2000, with support from CA/T, created the Pedestrian Issues Forum to re-examine the design. Two years later, in A Pedestrian Perspective on the Central Artery Project [1994], narrower roadways and wider sidewalks were recommended. After more persistent advocacy, the City reversed its position and supported the new approach.

Then, the Mayor convened the public-private Surface Transportation Action Forum [STAF] to further resolve design details for the Greenway, such as sidewalk and lane widths, and corner curb radii. STAF’s conclusions became official CA/T Project commitments. Together, the Greenway design and the new WALK light policy enhance the attractiveness of the Greenway for walkers.

Click for “Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005” PDF


Click for “WalkBoston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway Walking Map 2005” on Google Maps

Jamaica Plain Walking Map

Jamaica Plain Walking Map

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Affectionately known as “J.P.,” Jamaica Plain is one of the greenest neighborhoods in the city–surrounded on three sides by large tracts of forested and much-loved open space. With bucolic Arnold Arboretum, picturesque Jamaica Pond, expansive Franklin Park, and historic Forest Hills Cemetery, J.P. is an outdoor oasis.

Still, don’t let all the natural beauty obscure J.P.’s abundance of architectural intrigue. The neighborhood hosts a number of “Painted Lady” Victorians on Summer Hill. Stately mansions line Jamaica Pond and nearby streets.

These days J.P. hosts wealthy “hip” suburbanites returning to the city, plus a large Hispanic and Caribbean population. They join longtime Irish Catholic residents, an LGBT contingent, students, and many others.

This walk gives you a sampling of what they perhaps love best about J.P.: quiet residential streets, spectacular mansions, a vibrant commercial district, and—most of all—Jamaica Pond, a major park and haven for the city-weary.

Click for “WalkBoston’s Jamaica Plain Walking Map” on Google Maps