As Boston approaches its four-hundredth anniversary, it is remarkable
that it still maintains its historic character despite constant
development. The fifty buildings featured in this book all pre-date 1800
and illustrate Boston's early history. This is the first book to survey
Boston's fifty oldest buildings and does so through an approachable
narrative which will appeal to nonarchitects and those new to historic
preservation. Beginning with a map of the buildings' locations and an
overview of the historic preservation movement in Boston, the book looks
at the fifty buildings in order from oldest to most recent.
Geographically, the majority of the buildings are located within the
downtown area of Boston along the Freedom Trail and within easy walking
distance from the core of the city. This makes the book an ideal guide
for tourists, and residents of the city will also find it interesting as
it includes numerous properties in the surrounding neighborhoods. The
buildings span multiple uses from homes to churches and warehouses to
restaurants. Each chapter features a building, a narrative focusing on
its historical significance, and the efforts made to preserve it over
time. Full color photos and historical drawings illustrate each building
and area. Boston's Oldest Buildings and Where to Find Them presents
the ideals of historic preservation in an approachable and easy-to-read
manner appropriate for the broadest audience. Perfect for history
lovers, architectural enthusiasts, and tourists alike.
