Bulfinch Triangle Walking Tour

Boston is famous for its irregular street patterns, but between the rest of the winding streets of the Shawmut Peninsula lies a clear regular-sided triangle. What is it and how did its odd street pattern survive all this time?

The Bulfinch Triangle, the area of the West End between Causeway Street and the Haymarket, was once a tidal mill pond, which provided Colonial Boston with power to process grain and chocolate. It was filled in as one of Boston’s major land-making endeavors, 50 years before the Back Bay. The triangle street pattern was laid out by Charles Bullfinch, America’s first native-born architect. Over time it was home to the little known Middlesex Canal, four railroad depots, and two major commuter terminals.

Join former West End Museum curator Duane Lucia on a guided 1.5 hour walking tour of 400 years of Boston history in the Bulfinch Triangle.

Tours begin at the West End Museum.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.