USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > History of South Boston (its past and present) and prospects for the future, with sketches of prominent men > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
خليج ماجوار حه و الاحاااا
1 1
Go 974.402 B652t 1136951
M. L.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01100 9005
-
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofsouthbo00toom_0
1775. (Dorchester Heights in the Foreground - From an Old English Drawing).
1901.
(From the Carney Hospital - Looking toward the Monument and High School). DORCHESTER HEIGHTS IN 1775 AND 1901.
HISTORY
OF
SOUTH BOSTON
(ITS PAST AND PRESENT)
AND
PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE
WITH SKETCHES OF PROMINENT MEN
BY JOHN J. TOOMEY AND EDWARD P. B. RANKIN
ILLUSTRATED
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHORS 1901
-
Copyright, 1901
JOHN J. TOOMEY AND EDWARD P. B. RANKIN. All Rights Reserved.
ALLIED PRINTING
TRADES UNION
LABEL
COUNCIL > 61
BOSTON HAS
1136951
5€
RESERVEO
--
CHANNEL
13
EXSTLE ISLAND
BH
x
5
B
ON
14
16
OLD.
HARBOR
16
SOUTH BOSTON, 1901 ..
CONTENTS.
SOUTH BOSTON OF THE PAST. By JOHN J. TOOMEY.
CHAPTER. PAGE.
INTRODUCTION . . xi
I .- PRIOR TO 1630 - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW ENGLAND, UNITED STATES I
II .- ARRIVAL OF THE "MARY AND JOHN " - DORCHES- TER SETTLED . 7
III .- DORCHESTER FROM 1630 TO 1650 16
IV .- DAILY LIFE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS ; DRESS 25
V .- THE CHURCH AND SCHOOL IN EARLY DAYS 32 VI .- DORCHESTER AND THE NECK FROM 1650 TO 1700 38 VII .- WARS OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY .
43
VIII .- PROMINENT MEN OF THE SEVENTEENTH CENTURY 47
IX .- DORCHESTER, 1700 TO 1750 53
X .- DORCHESTER, 1750 TO 1775 60
XI .- EVENTS PRIOR TO THE SIEGE AND EVACUATION
OF BOSTON . 65
XII .- DORCHESTER HEIGHTS AND NOOK HILL 74
XIII .- DORCHESTER, 1775 TO 1804 . 93
XIV .- PROMINENT MEN OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY 97
XV .- ANNEXATION OF SOUTH BOSTON TO BOSTON 100
XVI .- BOSTON SOUTH BRIDGE - FIRST TO SOUTH BOSTON 108 XVII .- THE BOSTON FREE BRIDGE II3
XVIII .- SOUTH BOSTON, 1804 TO 1830 I20
XIX .- WAR WITH ENGLAND, AND OTHER EVENTS I32
XX .- REMINISCENCES, 1804 TO 1830 1 36
XXI .- SOUTH BOSTON, 1830 TO 1850 . 147
vi
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
CHAPTER.
XXII .- REMINISCENCES, 1830 TO 1850 XXIII .- SOUTH BOSTON, 1850 TO 1870
160
177
XXIV .- THE CIVIL WAR . 187
XXV .- SOUTH BOSTON, 1870 TO 1900
193
XXVI .- THE SPANISHI-AMERICAN WAR 210
XXVII .- JOHN HAWES AND THE HAWES SCHOOL
217
XXVIII .- PROMINENT RESIDENTS OF THE NINETEENTH
CENTURY . 225
XXIX .- INDUSTRIES OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY . 23I
XXX .- STATISTICS OF A CENTURY . 240
HISTORY OF CASTLE ISLAND.
By EDWARD P. B. RANKIN. 244
SOUTH BOSTON OF THE PRESENT. By EDWARD P. B. RANKIN.
INTRODUCTION . 263
I .- NORTH, EAST, SOUTH AND WEST 265
II .- APPROACHIES AND BRIDGES
277
III .- TOPOGRAPHY AND THOROUGHFARES 285
IV .- PARKS AND BOULEVARDS
291
V .- BATHS AND GYMNASIA
303
VI .-- RESIDENCES
3II
VII .- MEMORIALS AND STATUES 316
VIII .- SCHOOLS AND MASTERS 326
IX .- CHURCHES AND CLERGY ; CEMETERIES 355 X .- SOCIETIES AND CLUBS 399
XI .- PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INSTITUTIONS 413
XII -POLICE DEPARTMENT . 431
XIII -FIRE DEPARTMENT .
.
· 442
XIV .-- INDUSTRIES .
. 452
vii
CONTENTS.
SOUTH BOSTON OF THE FUTURE.
PAGE.
INTRODUCTION - John J. Toomey 465
GREATER UNITY OF PUBLIC SPIRIT - Rev. R. J. Johnson 466 How BEST TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY-Rev. A. B. Shields . 469
LOCAL PRIDE AND HOME PATRONAGE, FACTORS TOWARD SUCCESS - Matthew Hale . ·
471
SOCIAL STANDING OF THE DISTRICT - Dr. Thomas J. Giblin .
473
POLITICAL INFLUENCE -Anonymous .
474
DEDICATION OF THE DORCHESTER HEIGHTS MONUMENT . 476
ERRORS AND ADDITIONS .
479
MEN OF THE TIME.
BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS OF PROMINENT CITIZENS . 48I
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
Dorchester Heights in 1775 and 1901 Frontispiece
South Boston in 1901 (map) Frontispiece
Capt. John Smith (portrait) 2
Portion of Capt. John Smith's Map of New England 2
Capt. Myles Standish (portrait)
3
Squantum Ilead
3
Winthrop's Vessels in Salem Harbor
5
Ship "Mary and John"
9
Gov. John Winthrop (portrait)
II
Minot House
17
Blake House
17
Fourth Church Erected in Dor- chester, 1743 . 35
Rev. Richard Mather (portrait) 48
Mr. William Stoughton (portrait) 49
South Boston, 1725-1875 (map)
54
Landing of British Troops in 1768 62
Boston, with its Environs, 1775 and 1776 (map) 67
Col. Henry Knox (portrait) 75
Gen. John Thomas (portrait) 75
Gen. Artemas Ward (portrait) . 75
Gen. Washington on Dorchester Heights 75
Washington Medal 91
South Boston Lands and Owners,
1805 (plan) . 106
Boston, with Windmill Point (from Dorchester Heights) . 109
Boston, with Portion of Channel and South Boston, in 1828 (map) 116
View of Boston from South Boston 118
Old Toll-House on the Turnpike 121
Thomas Cains' Residence 123
Thomas Cains (portrait). 124
Noah Brooks' Residence . 125
Brinley Block, "The Barracks" 126
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, in 1819 127
South Baptist Church, in 1830 . I28
South Baptist Society's First Meeting-House 128
Phillips Congregational Society's First Meeting House (1823) .
129
I30
South Boston in 1825 (plan) 1 38
Woods House ·
140
141
Bird House 142
Adam Bent Ilouse 143
St. Augustine's Chapel and Cem- etery, in 1828 144
Cutting Down Leek Hill 145
South Boston in 1846 (map) 148
Mrs. Burrill's Young Ladies' Seminary 149
Perkins Institution for the Blind, 1850 151
Bank Note of the Franklin Bank 152
Murray House . 161
House of Correction and House of Reformation, 1840 162
House of Industry, 1840 162
Fourth Universalist Church, 1830 163 SS. Peter and Paul's Church, 1848 164
Capt. Nickerson's Residence 166
Osborne House 166
Spinney House
167
Dr. Howe's House 167
Thompson House
168
Reception at South Boston Hotel 168
City Point Hotel, 1833 169
Alger Houses 175
South Boston, Vicinity of Dorchester Heights, 1850 179
Mazeppa Engine 1 181
Bigelow School, 1850 184
Lawrence School, 1860 184
Enright House .
185
"Pa" Holmes' Corner 185
South Boston Hotel 185
Old Blake House
Lyceum Hall 188
Pulaski Guards Uniform 191
Birdseye View of South Boston, 1893 195
L Street Baths, for men and boys 197
South Boston and Vicinity, 1894 199
Fort Point Channel, South Bay and Lower South Boston, 1879 200
Point Pleasant House 203
Coyne's Lobster House 203
Point Breeze House .
Johnson's Landing 203
203
Old Houses on Emerson Street 207 Old Houses 208
Anthony W. Bowden Residence 209
Maj. Michael J. O'Connor (portrait) 213
Stone, Marking Grave of Maj. ()'Connor in Calvary Cemetery 214
185
Phillips Congregational Church, in 1825
Rev. Fr. Drummond (portrait) . .
PAGE
ix
ILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
Frank P. Collins (portrait)
214
Officers for 1903 of Major M. J.
O'Connor Camp 4, L. S. W. V. 215
Hawes Church, IS30 218
John Hawes Residence 219
Hawes School, IS23 . 220
Old Hawes School Masters 221
Past Presidents of the Hawes School- Boys' Association 223
Cyrus Alger (portrait) 226
Isaac Adams (portrait) 226
Marine Park - Headhouse and Bath- ing Beach
295
Thompson Baxter (portrait) 228
Miss Mary Baxter (portrait) 229
Independence Square
Lincoln Park
MI Street Playground
300
L Street Bath-house (water view)
305
Alger's Foundry, Exterior 233
Alger's Foundry, Interior 233
South Boston Iron Foundry, 1875
234
D Street Gymnasium (interior) 309
Dana Estate (Duffy Residence) 312
Dean Estate (Higgins Residence) 313
Fallon Residence
314
Glynn Building
314
Castle William, 1757 253
Views on Castle Island
258
Exploding Mines off Castle Island, 1 898
259
Lawrence School Tablet 320
Dorchester lleights Monument
322
High School Tablet . 325
328
Oldest South Boston Residents, 1901 (group)
262
Marine Park and Pleasure Bay, with Bridge to Castle Island
266
Hawes Hall and Simonds Schools 332
334
267 Benjamin Pope School
335
Views at Farm School on Thomp- son's Island .
268
Master Thomas H. Barnes (portrait) Master J. M. Dill (portrait)
336
269 John A. Andrew School
336
Ticknor School
337
270 Lawrence School 338
Master A. M. Leonard (portrait)
339
271
Josiah A. Stearns (portrait) 339
Larkin Dunton (portrait) .
339
Dover Street Bridge
280
Samuel G. Howe School .
339
Parkman School 339
343
Former Old Colony R. K. Bridge
I Street Bridge, over Reserved Channel
282
Choate Burnham School
344
Norcross School
345
Master F. O. Ellis (portrait) .
345
Cyrus Alger School .
.
346
Drake School
346
Summer Street Extension Bridge .
283
Shurtleff School
347
Clinch School
348
Master H. C. Hardon (portrait) .
348
Thomas N. Hart School 350
Master J. F. Dwight (portrait) . .
350
Capen School . 35I
288 Benjamin Dean School
351
Dorchester Street, east from Broad- way
Andrew Square 289
Covington Street 290
Marine Park-Looking toward Farra- gut Statue 292
Marine Park-Entrance from the Strandway 292 . Marine Park-Looking toward 294 Broadway . Marine Park-Beach and North Side of Headhouse and Pier . 295
Thomas Park (Dorchester Heights) 297 298 299
Mrs. Mary S. Peavey (portrait) 229
Alger's Foundry. Exterior, from the South Bridge, 1850 232
L Street Bath-house (land view)
305
D Street Gymnasium (exterior) 308
Shipbuilding in 1835 237
Phoenix Glass Works 238
Suffolk Glass Works 239
Stetson, Tufts, Naphen and Bradley Residences 314
Farragut Statue 319
Portion of Sea Wall Damaged by Premature Explosion .
260
SCHOOLS - High School .
330
Headmaster A. D. Small (portrait) Bigelow School 331
Master J. G. Bassett (portrait) 331
335
Fleet of Yachts in Dorchester Bay . Yacht Clubs on South Shore of South Boston
Dorchester Bay Life Saving Station, C. S. L. S. S.
Capt. Hamilton and crew 271
View of Fort Point Channel, Roll- Lift and Emergency Bridges 281
Lincoln School .
281 Master M. P. White (portrait) . 343
Tuckerman School . 344
.
Congress Street Bridge 284
K Street
286
286
East Broadway, east from I Street East Broadway, at extreme l'oint 287
282
Mt. Washington Avenue Bridge . Summer Street Extension Bridge (over C Street)
Federal Street Bridge 282
282
Gaston School
Marine Park and Pleasure Bay, show- ing Farragut Statue
PAGE
Daniel Simpson (portrait) 228
x
İILLUSTRATIONS.
PAGE
SS. Peter and Paul's Parochial School 352
St. Agnes Parochial School 353 ·
St. Augustine's Convent 353 ·
St. Augustine's Parochial School .
354
German Primary School . .
3.54
South Boston Art School . 354
CHURCHES - Phillips Congrega- tional Church 356
Rev. C. A. Dinsmore (portrait) 356
414
Phillips Chapel 357
South Baptist Church 359
Rev. F. M. Gardner (portrait) 359
St. Augustine's Chapel 361
Episcopal Church Home .
420
Suffolk County House of Correction Col. John C. Whiton (portrait) .
422
William A. Witham (portrait)
422
Municipal Court
Richard J. Monks (portrait)
428
Masonic Building and South Boston Savings Bank 429
Thomas Hills (portrait)
429
Officers of the Mt. Washington Co- operative Bank 430
Police Station 6
4,36
Capt. Dennis Donovan (portrait) 436 . Lieut. William Fottler (portrait) 436
436
Rev. John A. Donnelly (portrait) 375
375
377
Sergt. James E. Hickey (portrait)
440
Sergt. Thomas F. Busby (portrait)
440
Sergt. James E. O'Brien (portrait)
440
Chemical Engine 8
446
St. Matthew's Episcopal Church ·
379
Hook and Ladder 5 .
446
Engine 43
446
Engine 15
446
Engine 2
448
Engine 38 39
.
448
Combination Truck 4
.
448
Engine I
Horseless Engine 38
448
Dorchester Street M. E. Church
386
Asst. Chief John A. Mullen, B. F. D. (portrait) 450
District Chief Edwin A. Perkins (portrait) .
450
Hersey Manufacturing Co. 456
Jenney Manufacturing Co. 457
S. A. Woods Machine Co. 458
Frank F. Woods (portrait) 459
Murphy's - Bethesda Building 460
William H. Murphy (portrait) . 460
460
Falvey Building 461 .
J. H. Corney & Co.'s Store .
461
John P. Quigley (portrait) 462
James E. Pray (portrait) . .
462
South Boston Yacht Club 400
Commodore Simon Goldsmith (portrait) 400
Mosquito Fleet Yacht Club
40I
Commodore Charles P. Mooney (portrait) ·
401
Commodore Joseph E. Doherty (portrait) 403
John H. Means (portrait) . 404
City Point Catholic Association .
406 406 Joseph A. Lyons (portrait) . Michael J. Carroll (portrait) 407
Dahlgren Memorial Hall .
408
Maj. George F. H. Murray (portrait) Carney Hospital .
Carney Hospital Emergency Station Perkins Institution and Massachu- setts School for the Blind 417
421
SS. Peter and Paul's Church 364
Bishop John J. Brady (portrait) 364
St. Augustine's Church .
.
Residence of Monsignor D. O'Calla- ghan
366
St. Monica's Chapel . 366 367 369
Monsignor D. O'Callaghan (portrait) Gate of Heaven Church and Rectory New Gate of Heaven Church
370 371 37I
St. Vincent's Church 373
Rev. George J. Patterson (portrait)
373
Lieut. Frederick J. Smith (portrait) Police Station 12
439
Capt. Otis F. Kimball (portrait)
439
Rev. W. S. W. Raymond (portrait) Rev. Albert B. Shields (portrait) .
380
380
. Rev. William H. Dewart (portrait) . Grace Episcopal Church . Church of the Redeemer (Episcopal) Rev. W. A. Mayo (portrait) .
383 385
City Point M. E. Church .
385
Centenary M. E. Church (1840) 387
387
Broadway Universalist Church Rev. A. J. Cardall (portrait)
389
Hawes Unitarian Church
390
Rev. James Huxtable (portrait) 390
Fourth Presbyterian Church .
392
Rev. J. Kirkpatrick (portrait) 392
Hawes and Union Cemetaries .
394
St. Augustine's Cemetery and Gate 395
Columbia Yacht Club 400
Puritan Canoe Club . 400
Boston Yacht Club . 400
P. F. Carey's store .
462
Murray & Tregurtha Launch
463
Dedication of the Dorchester Heights Monument 477
portraits of " Men of the Time "
.
482
415
Bishop Cheverus (portrait) 361
366
424
Rev. Robert J. Johnson (portrait) St. Eulalia's Chapel .
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary ·
Rev. John Chmielinski (portrait) . Church of Our Lady Czestochowa 377 Lithuanian Church 378 378
Rev. Joseph A. Gricuis (portrait)
380
381
448
St. John's M. E. Church . Rev. George Skene (portrait) 387 389
James J. Murphy (portrait) .
PAGE
409
INTRODUCTION.
At various times, toward the close of the 19th century, the idea of publishing a complete history of South Boston was considered and discussed by leading citizens of the district.
The publication of Simond's History, in 1857, had been the only effort ever made. This, however, was incomplete, and said to be inac- curate. Then, again, much history had been made in the twenty-five years that followed, the busiest in the history of South Boston; and thus some were led to consider the matter carefully and to make plans for such a history. A few even began work on such a project, but the undertaking was of such great magnitude that none had the time or patience to complete it.
For a long time prior to 1896 John J. Toomey had given the sub- ject considerable thought, and when, in October of that year, the South Boston Historical Society authorized Mr. Toomey, its secretary, " to consider the advisability of publishing a History of South Boston, and if, after such consideration, he favors the idea, that he make such plans and proceed to carry them out as he deems best," a very im- portant step had been taken toward the consummation of this idea of years.
More than a year was then consumed in giving the most careful consideration and thought to the matter as to what form the history should take, what it should include, and how deep to enter into the in- cidents and events of the district. Multitudinous details had to be considered, and finally, early in 1898, the foundation was ready, plans were made, the form had been decided upon, and the general work was commenced. It was decided that the history should not only be a narration of events of the past, of the district itself, but Castle Island, so closely associated with South Boston, owing to its connection with the park system, should be given space. To show the result of a century's work in the advancement of South Boston, it was decided to devote a section to " South Boston of the Present," referring to the dis- trict in 1901. With such magnificent achievements in a century serving as a shining example, and in order to stimulate sufficient pride and ambitions for still further progress in the years to come, the idea of " South Boston of the Future" was conceived, and thus the thought and advice of leading men was obtained, and the articles in that section were written.
To the men and women of our beautiful district, the men and women of all decades, is due the credit and the praise for the work ac- complished. Whether by public interest or action, by word or deed, by honest business dealings, by the establishment of large business concerns
xii
INTRODUCTION.
in the district, by every honest endeavor, or by their manifesting an interest in electing to public office only men of the highest type of character, our citizens have ever displayed their pride and loyalty. In order to perpetuate the memory of some of the prominent builders of our district and also to further carry out the ideas of chapter 8 on page 47, of chapter 14 on page 97, and of chapter 28 on page 225, the " Men of the Time," the fifth section of this volume, was planned.
After devoting many months to a careful study of leading books of authority (337 volumes in all being consulted), Mr. Toomey was joined in his undertaking by Mr. Edward P. B. Rankin, a most valuable co- worker, who has given much of his time and labors to " The History of Castle Island " and to " South Boston of the Present."
In carrying out the ideas thus formulated, the authors owe a debt of gratitude to the many who so willingly aided in this great work. Considerable space would be required to name the individuals who so willingly assisted and encouraged the authors throughout their task, and again some few might be overlooked, but mention must be made of Mr. William Cains, a life-long resident of South Boston, and one of its most devoted and loyal citizens, who furnished, through personal interviews, most valuable information concerning the appearance of the district at various periods after 1820 and the important events during his 87 years as a resident of South Boston. Born in 1814, he has always lived in the district. To Mr. Francis E. Blake, a former resident, descended from the first Blake family of Dorchester Neck, author of the book " Dorchester Neck," and who, himself, once contemplated writing a His- tory of South Boston, is due the thanks and appreciation of not only the authors, but the citizens of the district, for valuable information, rare cuts and maps. Permission to reproduce the portrait of Gen. John Thomas (on page 75) was granted by G. P. Putnam's Sons, of New York, publishers of Irving's "Washington." It is the only portrait of that famous general in existence, having been taken from a photo- graph in the possession of his descendants. Permission was also granted by George W. Armstrong for the reproduction of cuts of the old Hawes School and the school masters, in chapter 27.
In completing the undertaking the authors feel that no important event or incident has been omitted, and that any question concerning the past or present of South Boston may be answered in these pages. The desire has been to tell the story of the history of South Boston in as pleasing a manner as possible, and to make the book of value as a work of reference as well as for entertainment. That South Boston is rich in historic substance, and should be honored in song and story, is the burden of the tale told herewith. If it makes any inhabitant of this glorious little community any prouder of his home and his sur- roundings, the task set the authors has been achieved. If it can per- suade any man, woman or child in this sea-washed district to wear a higher head, because of the facts herein described, then the reward of the task will be secured.
SOUTH BOSTON OF THE PAST.
By JOHN J. TOOMEY.
CHAPTER I.
PRIOR TO 1630 - BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW ENGLAND, UNITED STATES.
Proud old Boston - Importance of South Boston - Discovery of Cape Cod - Capt. John Smith explores the coast - Name given to New England - Religious difficulties in England - Pilgrims and Puritans settle in Massachusetts-Capt. Myles Standish visits Squantum - David Thompson locates at Thompson's Island - Patent secured by Rev. John White -" Massachusetts " derived from two Indian words - Win- throp's fleet arrives in Salem Harbor - Boston named in honor of Sir Isaac Johnson - Origination of the "United States."
B OSTON, proudest of all the cities of a proud old Commonwealth, has no prouder section than that known as South Boston. A hilly peninsula thrust out into the beautiful harbor like the arm of a combatant on guard, it was the scene of the first and greatest military triumph of the stout-hearted rebels, so soon to take their place as a nation at the council table of the world. From South Boston heights, then called Dorchester, George Washington saw the retreating ships of King George III. sail by and out, never to return as the ships of a sov- ereign nation to a home port. By the little redoubt on these heights Washington stood and sent his mandate to a king's general, with twenty regiments of British regulars at his back, and when they and their com- mander hesitated he signified by his position on Nook Hill that the time for choice had gone and the time for obedience had come.
This evacuation freed New England from the presence of a British force and left the centre of anti-English hate for a recruiting ground for soldiers and a harbor of refuge for American privateers.
When it is remembered that Massachusetts furnished 68,000 troops to the patriot cause, more than twice as many as the next state,, Connecticut ; more than all the states south of New York ; and that pri- vateers captured and destroyed $25,000,000 worth of English merchant
· .
..
50
· 5
2
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
shipping, beside furnishing supplies, ammunition, clothing and provis- ions to Washington's sore-pressed army in the subsequent hostilities, it will be readily seen that South Boston has reason for the pride which she takes in being the first scene at once and instrument in a triumph which has had such blessings and beneficences for the nation and hu- manity at large.
The tale of New England has often been told, and will be told many a time again, for its story is the opening cantos in the epic of the American nation, and can never become dull so long as an American heart beats in an American breast.
CAPT. JOHN SMITH.
@ Brifons
Bafuble!
Salen
Talbott
Sauque
Jamnouthe Charles Town"
TheRiver CHARLES Wedi
Winnitime
Charlton
Claiborne ITE ...
To Salton fuite
Londen
Point Siutliff
Oxford ta
Point Gorge
Himoutka
Pistandish
Portion of Capt. John Smith's Map of New England.
It began in 1602, when the foot of Capt. Bartholomew Gosnold of Falmouth, England, trod for the first time the sands of Cape Cod, - the first Englishman to behold a land which should later be the scene of such remarkable triumphs and still more remarkable defeats for Englishmen.
Just twelve years later, while exploring the coast from the Penob- scot river to Cape Cod, Capt. John Smith, even then famous the world over for his explorations and discoveries, became quite familiar with the coast of that section. In his writings he refers to his arrival at a place about 43 degrees north latitude, which is the southwest corner of the State of Maine.
It is further related that Capt. John Smith, in the summer of 1614, left his vessels engaged in fishing off the coast of Maine, and in a boat with eight men entered what is now Boston Harbor.
Now to younc
3
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
It is believed by eminent historians that he landed on what is now the Dorchester shore, carried on traffic with the Neponset Indians and then proceeded in his boat along the shore to Cape Cod.
Maps that he published after his return to England make it appear that he visited at the further end of Dorchester Bay. He marked out on this map the bay which he entered, which was in the southwesterly direction and towards the Cheviots, now known as the Blue Hills.
On this map he named the country that he thus explored, New England.
MYLES STANDISH AND SQUANTUM HEAD.
It was not until several years afterward that the settlement of New England was decided upon and then the foundation of the present beautiful state of Massachusetts was laid.
At this time England was greatly troubled with religious difficul- ties. Two great divisions existed, the Roman Catholics and the Pro- testants, these latter divided into three antagonistic denominations, the Anglicans, or members of the English church, the Puritans, or non- conformists, who differed from the former in the disregard of special rites and observations, and the Independents or Separatists, who re- fused to sanction the founding of a national church on the ground that it was contrary to the law of God.
The result of the people's determined objection to the dictations of King James I., the sufferings of the Separatists and the Puritans and their flight to Holland and their desire to found a new home for
4
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
themselves in America, was the sailing of the Speedwell and the May- flower and the settlement of Plymouth in December 1620.
In 1621 ten of the Pilgrims who had landed at Plymouth, including Capt. Myles Standish, accompanied by Squantum and two other Indians, journeyed north and at night anchored off Nantasket Head. They then proceeded westward into the harbor and landed at a place now called Squantum in honor of the Indian guide. A rough stone shaft at Squantum marks where they landed.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.