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The following are the top 10 unbelievable facts about Beacon Hill that you require to know better in case you need to take a tour of Beacon Hills;

1. Beacon Hill’s Crown Jewel- Massachusetts State House

The Massachusetts State House is usually set aside an hour for the tourists to explore the statehouse. It is packed full of art and historic displays which relate to the American Revolution, Civil War, and Boston’s role in the fight for liberty.

It is also called the New statehouse. It’s the state capital and seat of government for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It dominates the beacon hills and the surrounding area.

The building was designed by architect  Charles Bulfinch. The American revolution heroes, Samuel Adam and Paul Revere laid the cornerstones for the building in 1795 and it was completed in 1798.

Being one of the oldest capital that is still in use, it’s considered a masterpiece of architecture and among the best work by Bulfinch, it was designated as National Historic Landmark for its significance in architecture.

2. The heart of Beacon hills-Charles Street

Charles St., Boston, Massachusetts, photo by M2545 – Own work-

Charles Street is set as the heart of the Beacon Hills because its where one starts to explore Beacon Hills. Its acts as the commercial heart of the neighborhood, since it is where the residents and visitors shop and eat.

Charles Street is a Beacon hill’s bustling boutique center, where it is full of boutiques, antique stores, and wonderful places to eat. It invites you to have an experience in doing your shopping.

It’s about five or six blocks long depending on how you count and it runs across the width of the neighborhood from Beacon Street to Cambridge Street. Charles street’s compact historic setting is one of its advantages over Newbury. The electric brick neighborhood encourages the local and international artisans to choose  Beacon Hills for their stories.

3. The Black Heritage Trail

The  Black Heritage Trail is about a 1.6-mile walking tour. It explores the history of Boston in the 19th century of the African American community who lived on the north side of Beacon Hill. 

The Black Heritage Trail were the homes, businesses, schools, and churches of a thriving black community. It was organized to sustain those who faced local discrimination, national slavery, and struggling toward the equality and freedom promised in America’s documents of national liberty.

It is the largest collection of historic sites that are relating to the life of a free black community before the civil war.

4. Presence of Nichols House Museum and Otis House Museum

Nichols House Museum is a museum at 55 Mount Vernon Street on Beacon Hill in Boston. The house was designed by architect Charles Bulfinch and was built by Jonathan Mason in 1804. In 1830 it was renovated.

The museum was named after Rose Standish Nichols. She lived in the house between 1885 and 1960. She left the house to be used as a museum after her death. The museum preserves the lifestyle of the American upper class during Nichol’s lifetime.

Otis House Museum is located just across the current Beacon hill border in the west end. The house was also designed by Charles Bulfinch in17967. Later on, it was designated as a National Historic Landmark. It was designed for Harrison Gray Otis, who was not only a lawyer but also he was a mayor of Boston.

The restoration of the Otis house is based on its meticulous historical and scientific research. Otis’s House is a National Historic Landmark and the home of the Historic New England Library and Archives.  The Historic New England launched a series of digital visitor experiences that are featuring the never-before-seen videos, new -photography, oral histories, and archival material, including Otis House.

5. There is  a Vilna Shul synagogue built

Vilna Shul, Boston Massachusetts, photo by John Phelan – Own work-

In 1919, the Jewish immigrants from Lithuania built a synagogue on the North slopes of Beacon Hill, Vilna  Shul. It was the Boston’s Center for the Jewish Culture. Vilna Shul is now a historic landmark building housing a cultural center, community center, and a living museum.

However, Vilna Shul is the last of the purpose-built immigrant synagogue still standing in downtown Boston. It, therefore, represents the oldest Jewish building within the city limits whose entire history has been devoted to activities of Jewish faith and culture. The early 20th-century murals make the building special. The murals are now being restored as funds permit after being hidden for decades by layers of paint.

6. Charles Bulfinch designed the Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill was primarily designed by architect Charles Bulfinch, who helped in developing the neighborhood from pasture to what it is. The architect’s greatest legacy can be observed in some of the buildings which now serve as museums.

The neighborhood now receives a steady influx of tourists due to the picturesque buildings and lovely squares. Most of the buildings are unique. 

7. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court legalized gay marriage

It was on Beacon Hill, in2003, when the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Courts legalized gay marriage.  It was decided that the same laws and procedures that govern traditional marriage were also to apply to gay marriage. There were no special procedures to be followed.

8. Establishment of El Centro De La Raza Community service center

In 1972 the El Centro de la Raza community center was established. Primarily Beacon Hill was an Asian community. The community center was established after some white residents tried to purchase the land which was occupied by El Centro De La Raza on lease.

9. Its a filming location

Beacon hill I used it remarkably in film because of its historic backdrop and beautiful architecture. Charles Bulfinch is credited with designing many of the homes on Beacon hills.

Some of the films that were filmed in Beacon hill may include the following, Blown away, Departed, Vampire dairies, and cheer on beacon hill or  Bull & Finch Pub.

10. Boston Athenaeum oldest library in Beacon Hill

Boston Athenaeum, Boston, Massachusetts. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA-

Boston Athenaeum is one of the oldest independent libraries in the United states. The institution was founded in 1807 by the Anthology Club of Boston, Massachusetts. It is located on Beacon street on Beacon Hill.

It is a members-only Library. It has a huge rare books and art collections an boasts an impressive list of past members.