Listed: A Boston stop on the Underground Railroad that doubled as a gambling den
The one-bed, one-bath unit, which measures 710 square feet, is perched on the third floor of the red-brick building.
These days, 2 Phillips St., Unit 4, is a stylish condo with quintessential Beacon Hill charm. But back in the day, the Greek Revival town house likely served as a safe house on the Underground Railroad and as an illegal gambling den that channeled its profits to the abolitionist moment.
Built in 1843 and designed by prominent architect Asher Benjamin, the property was known as the John Coburn House. Coburn, one of the area’s leading Black entrepreneurs and abolitionists, was an anti-slavery activist on the north slope of Beacon Hill, a hotbed for the movement. Coburn hid fugitive slaves on the property, according to the National Park Service, and was even arrested for it, tried, and exonerated. He went on to cofound and become captain of the Massasoit Guards, a black military company.
In addition to serving as his residence, 2 Phillips St. reportedly was a gambling den known as Coburn’s Gaming House. According to “The Underground Railroad: An Encyclopedia of People, Places, and Operations“ by Mary Ellen Snodgrass, Coburn used the profits from the gambling den to finance slave rescues.
The one-bed, one-bath unit, which measures 710 square feet, is perched on the third floor of the red-brick building. Filled with light and boasting lots of classic details like exposed brick and beams, there are also several skylights. The updated kitchen has granite counters and stainless-steel appliances and flows directly into the dining area and comfortable living space, where there’s a brick fireplace under a skylight. One of the most unusual features of the property is the lofted bedroom. The unit is on the market for $635,000.
“I think it’s a great pied-a-terre,” said P.T. Vineburgh, founding partner of Charlesgate Realty Group and the broker on the listing. “It’s a great first time-buyer unit or a good investment.”
See more photos of the property below:
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