Dorchester Heights

Boston


High above Boston Harbor, this strategic spot played a crucial role in overcoming the British occupation. The Georgian Revival tower that stands today was built in 1898 but it is not open to the public. To reach the monument, walk southeast along West Broadway from the T station, turn right onto Dorchester St and head up any of the little streets.

In the winter of 1776, rebel troops dragged 59 heavy cannons to Boston from Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York. On the night of March 4, they perched them high atop Dorchester Heights, from where the British warships in the Harbor were at their mercy. The move caught the British completely by surprise, and ultimately convinced them to abandon Boston.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Boston attractions

1. Midway Gallery

0.91 MILES

Fort Point is no longer the gritty, offbeat artists' enclave it once was, but there is still a flourishing artistic community here – which you will find…

2. Alpha Gallery

1.15 MILES

Once a Newbury St staple, this venerable art gallery is one of many that have relocated to SoWa. Presenting the work of some headline-grabbing artists …

3. Underground at Ink Block

1.16 MILES

What used to be an abandoned parking lot beneath the interstate is now an 8-acre playground and art space. The main draw is the fantastic mural project,…

4. SoWa Artists Guild

1.18 MILES

The brick-and-beam buildings along Harrison Ave were originally used to manufacture goods ranging from canned food to pianos. Now these factories turn out…

5. Fort Point Arts Community

1.18 MILES

This refurbished big-windowed warehouse is the hub of the Fort Point Arts Community, and contains a gallery featuring work from the talented collective…

6. Bromfield Art Gallery

1.2 MILES

The city’s oldest cooperative, this South End gallery hosts solo shows by its members, as well as occasional visitors, with an emphasis on New England…

7. Boston Sculptors Gallery

1.21 MILES

This unusual cooperative gallery has been going strong for over 25 years. The innovative gallery, dedicated to 3D art in all media, is run by three dozen…

8. FP3 Gallery

1.22 MILES

Located in a renovated warehouse, this gallery is part of the Fort Point Arts Community. At FP3 you will find solo shows by some of the most prominent…