Nestled right behind Back Bay lays the South End.  Established in the 1800’s in order to meet Boston’s demand for more living space, the area is known for its Victorian town houses and architecture. The South End experienced rapid growth in the 19^th century with an influx of bourgeois but suffered a decline in the 20^th century due to urban sprawl. Currently, the South End is home to boutiques, arts, restaurants, and cafes but houses many historical landmarks.

Union Park is one of Boston’s oldest gardens and enhances the beauty of the South End. Located on Union Park Street between Tremont Street and Washington Street, the park was created to entice the upper middle class to stay settled in the South End and not move to the Boston suburbs.  The Union Park Neighborhood Association, is currently in charge of the maintenance of the park.

Right around the corner from Union Park on Washington and East Berkeley is the Boston town gates. Constructed in 1630, the colonist put the town gates there to connect the new town of Boston to Shawmut peninsula. Of course the gates were built well before the South End was even considered to be a neighborhood but is still a major attraction to visit.

Also located on Washington Street is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.  Home to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, the Cathedral is the largest church in New England. Built by Patrick Kelly during the years of 1866-1875, its Gothic Revival style makes it one of the most famous landmarks in the South End. Holy Cross Cathedral is 46,000 feet long making it equivalent in size to Westminster Abby.

When admiring the Victorian era of the South End, the Allen House on Washington Street is one Boston’s elaborate Victorian houses. Built in 1859 by real estate developer Aaron Hall Allen, the house is different than other South End Victorian homes because of its brownstone exterior. The house has not been used since 1941 when it was home to Boston High School.

Traveling along Massachusetts Ave, is the home of Martin Luther King Jr. While studying Theology at Boston University, the civil rights activist resided in 397 Massachusetts Ave. During that time, the house was divided into apartments instead of a traditional house style.

The above is only a small glimpse of the history the South End has to offers. Other major historical landmarks include the Cyclorama, Hotel Abemarble, The William Porter House, The Bancroft, and Rice School, all worth visiting.  In an area combining a Victorian style with a modern feel, the South End is worth a visit.

August 14th, 2009