c. 1860
Maker: Colton.
Antique hand-colored map of Boston, Massachusetts, published by Colton, c. 1860. Includes the Back Bay area before the fill was complete but with lightly rendered streets that indicate the plan was in the works, Charlestown, East Boston, South Boston, Roxbury, East Cambridge, and parts of Somerville. In 1814, the Boston and Roxbury Mill Corporation was chartered to construct a milldam, which would also serve as a toll road connecting Boston to Watertown, bypassing Boston Neck. The dam prevented the natural tides from flushing sewage out to sea, creating severe sanitary and odor problems. With costs higher and power lower than expected, in the end, the project was an economic failure, and in 1857 a massive project was begun to "make land" by filling the area enclosed by the dam. Present-day Back Bay itself was filled by 1882; the project reached existing land at what is now Kenmore Square in 1890, and finished in the Fens in 1900. Also shows South Boston before the waterfront was created, although there are two hypothetical avenues in the harbor. Shows outline of city blocks, names of major streets, railroads, and points of interest. Very good overall antique condition with some mild toning throughout, very mild foxing. Vibrant original color. Measures approximately 14.5" x 11.75" to the neatline.
Item Number: TOW431