DYK? In 1916, four 22-ft wide clocks were added to the tower. | Photo by @its_me_rainershine
Today, we’re zooming in on one of Boston’s beloved landmarks: The Custom House Tower. Located in McKinley Square, The Custom House once sat on the edge of the Boston Harbor. At the time of its construction, the harbor was a central hub of international trade + the building provided the federal government with a place to monitor and enforce that trade.
Timeline
📜 1835 — Congress authorized construction
🏗️ 1837 — Construction began
🗝️ 1847 — Opened to the public
🏛️ 1973 — Added to the National Register of Historical Places
The Building
Ammi Burnham Young, a 19th century federal architect, was the chief designer. The building was constructed in Greek Revival style which emphasizes ornate friezes, columns, and symmetrical shapes.
49 years of being the tallest building in Boston (1915-1946)
The Tower
By the 1900s, the Custom House was too small for the volume of trade in the harbor. Architect firm Peabody & Stearns, which designed many Bostonian buildings — including the Brunswick Hotel — proposed adding a tower to the building.
Completed in 1915, the tower has copper-sheathed couplet windows + is clad in granite to match the building.
By the numbers:
3 years of construction
496 ft tall
371 ft over the building code’s limit at the time
Present Day
Now, the building is home to the Marriott Custom House, a hotel and timeshare. You can visit its maritime museum on the ground floor or check out the observation deck on the 26th floor, which provides a birds eye view over the city and harbor.
Hotel guests can access the deck at any time, while other visitors can see the deck by registering for a tour, which takes place at 2 p.m. every Sunday-Thursday — call 617-310-6300, Opt 4, to book your spot.
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Museum of Bad Art Reopening | Tues., Sept. 6 | 6-8 p.m. | Dorchester Brewing Co., 1250 Massachusetts Ave. | Free | Join the brewery in welcoming the Museum of Bad Art at this reception with bad art and great beer. 🎨
Wednesday
Bruno Mars | Wed., Sept. 7 | 8 p.m. | MGM Music Hall | $275+ | Doors open at 7 p.m. to see the “Locked Out of Heaven” singer.
Thursday
Movie Night | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 5-9 p.m. | Copley Square Park | Free | Bring your favorite blanket and folding chair to enjoy a screening of “Hairspray” + grab a bite to eat from local vendors.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
The State Primary. It’s time to vote for our Governor, Representative in Congress, State Senator, and District Attorney, among other positions. Voting is open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Check your voter registration status + find your polling location. 🗳️
Drink
There’s a brand new IPA coming from Portland, ME-based Allagash, one that’s available year-round (translation: this beer’s a big deal). Hop Reach IPA went through 17 iterations, tastes light, fruity, and bitter, and will hit stores early next year. 🍺 (Boston.com)
Will this ice cream give you wings? J.P. Licks is unveiling two new Red Bull ice cream flavors. There’s a tropical pineapple coconut flavor + a blueberry sorbet. Sample for free on Fri., Sept. 16 from 2-2:45 p.m. at Assembly Row and from 3:15-4 p.m. at Davis Square.
Ranked
No. 5. That’s where Boston ranked in a recent Preply study of the rudest cities in America. Residents ranked their own cities across common rude behaviors — our worst offenses? Not slowing down around pedestrians + not acknowledging strangers. How rude.
Community
Take your love for BOStoday to the next level by joining our new membership program. Support local journalism while enjoying perks like: exclusive birthday deals, shoutouts on our member wall, discounts from our online shop (Six & Main) + more. 🎉
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Geography
Boston, meet Boston 🤝
Cities around the world also named Boston
That’s a lot of Bostons. | Map via Proxi
Listen, we like to think we’re special, too — but did you know that there are at least 28 other cities named Boston in the world?
With 16 Bostons in the US alone, plus 12 more across 8 countries, we are far from alone. Question: Do you think these other Bostonians also chug Dunkin like it’s water?
Here are a few notable Bostons:
Boston, United Kingdom. Located in Lincolnshire, England, this Boston is a port town (twins) home to the largest church in England. It’s no coincidence our city shares the same name — emigrants from this city went on to establish Bostons all over the world, including good old Boston, MA.
Boston, Ohio. This Midwest town was actually renamed “Helltown” — the town has a bizarre and tragic history that runs the gambit from toxic chemical pollution to rumors of a mutant python. The town still celebrates “Python Day.” Makes you kind of grateful for our Boston, doesn’t it?
Today’s edition was written by Multi-City Editor Sarah.
Editor’s pick: Good news for my fellow nature + hiking lovers — Breakheart Reservation is partially reopened after the recent wildfires in the state park. Any wildfire news is devastating, but there’s something we can do to help — brush up on your wildfire prevention 101. 🌲
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