North End

The North End has the distinction of being the city’s oldest residential community where people have continuously lived since it was settled in the 1630s. Though small, only 0.36 square miles, the neighborhood has nearly one hundred establishments and a variety of tourist attractions. It is known as the city’s Little Italy for its Italian American population.

Increase Mather, the minister of the North Meeting House, was an influential and powerful figure who attracted residents to the North End. His home, the meeting house, and surrounding buildings, were destroyed by a fire in 1676. The meeting house was rebuilt soon afterwards. The Paul Revere House was later constructed on the site of the Mather House. Part of Copp’s Hill was converted to a cemetery called the North Burying Ground. The earliest grave markers located in the cemetery date back to 1661.

The North End became a fashionable place to live in the 18th century. Wealthy families shared the neighborhood with artisans, journeymen, laborers, servants, and slaves. Two brick townhouses from this period still stand: the Pierce-Hichborn House and the Ebenezer Clough House on Unity Street. The Christ Church, now known as the Old North Church, was constructed during this time, as well. It is the oldest surviving church building in Boston.

In the early stages of the Revolution, the Hutchinson Mansion, located in North Square, was attacked by anti-Stamp Act rioters on the evening of August 26, 1765, forcing then Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson to flee through his garden. In 1770, 11 year old Christopher Seider was part of an angry crowd that attacked the home of a Customs Office employee, which was located on Hanover Street. The employee, Ebenezer Richardson, fired a gun into the crowd, hitting and fatally wounding Christoper Seider. During the Siege of Boston, the North Meeting House was dismantled by the British for use as firewood.

Today, approximately one-third of the North End’s residents are Italian or Italian Americans. The remainder is composed of young professionals, college students, empty-nesters, or business owners. The politics of the neighborhood are still dominated by Italian Americans, and the area continues to be considered Boston’s “Little Italy.”

Travelling to or from the North End? For business or leisure? Need a ride to or from the Airport? We provide North End Airport Transportation, North End Car Service, North End Limo Service and just about any other service you can think of!