North End, Boston
| North End | |
|---|---|
| Neighborhood of Boston | |
Aerial view of the North End
|
|
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| County | Suffolk |
| Neighborhood of | Boston |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.366 sq mi (0.95 km2) |
| Elevation | 16.036 ft (4.888 m) |
| Population (2010) | 10,131 |
| • Density | 27,680.4/sq mi (10,687.5/km2) |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5) |
| ZIP Code | 02109, 02110, 02113 |
| Area code(s) | 617 / 857 |
| Website | northendboston |
The North End is a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It has the distinction of being the city's oldest residential community, where people have continuously inhabited since it was settled in the 1630s. Though small, only 0.36 square miles (0.93 km2), the neighborhood has nearly one hundred establishments and a variety of tourist attractions. It is known for its Italian American population and fine Italian restaurants. The district is a pending Boston Landmark.
The North End as a distinct community of Boston was evident as early as 1646. Three years later, the area had a large enough population to support its own church, called the North Meeting House. The construction of the building also led to the development of the area now known as North Square, which was the center of community life.
Increase Mather, the minister of the North Meeting House, was an influential and powerful figure who attracted residents to the North End. His home, the meeting house, and surrounding buildings were destroyed by a fire in 1676. The meeting house was rebuilt soon afterwards. The Paul Revere House was later constructed on the site of the Mather House. Part of Copp's Hill was converted to a cemetery, called the North Burying Ground (now known as Copp's Hill Burying Ground). The earliest grave markers located in the cemetery date back to 1661.
The North End became a fashionable place to live in the 18th century. Wealthy families shared the neighborhood with artisans, journeymen, laborers, servants, and slaves. Two brick townhouses from this period still stand: the Pierce-Hichborn House and the Ebenezer Clough House on Unity Street. The Christ Church, now known as the Old North Church, was constructed during this time, as well. It is the oldest surviving church building in Boston.
...
Wikipedia