The 18th-century excavation that paved the way for one of Boston’s most expensive neighborhoods

The construction of the State House in the 1790s spurred change in the area.

Beacon Hill between Hancock & Temple Streets. Boston Public Library via Digital Commonwealth

June 4, 2015

2 minutes to read

Beacon Hill attracted Boston’s richest right from the start.

The first house built on the hill, according to the 19th-century history Sentry, Or, Beacon Hill: The Beacon and the Monument of 1635 and 1790, belonged to Thomas Hancock, John Hancock’s uncle and one of the wealthiest merchants in the city.

Beacon Hill from Derne Street in the 19th century. – Boston Public Library via Digital Commonwealth

That was in 1737, back when Beacon Hill was a serious hill, topped by an observation and warning post, or beacon.

A view of the beacon in present day Beacon Hill. – Kelly O’Brien/ Boston.com

There were a few other homes on the hill, but it was scarce and most were large estates.

Beacon Hill, with Mr. Thurston’s house, from Bowdoin Street. – Boston Public Library via Digital Commonwealth

But things changed after the “new’’ State House was built in 1798 by Charles Bulfinch, the leading architect in Boston at the time.

The hill was dug out until it was level with the State House, and a column celebrating the Revolutionary War, which had replaced the original beacon, was moved to its current location beside the building.

Beacon Hill between Hancock & Temple Streets. – Boston Public Library via Digital Commonwealth

The excavation made the area flatter and easier to building on. Soon after the State House was built, residential development began in the area, spurred by the Mount Vernon Proprietors, made up by six wealthy citizens.

Historian Lawrence W. Kennedy wrote in his book, Planning the City Upon a Hill: Boston Since 1630, “The proprietors’ foresight and ability to influence events was crucial to their success, for the land was not automatically valuable once the hill was chosen for the State House.’’

Airship view of State House and Beacon Hill. – Boston Public Library via Digital Commonwealth

The Mount Vernon Proprietors first used the land for their own homes, “in an attempt to promote the area as a fashionable district and to encourage others to purchase land.’’

Ideally, Bulfinch had wanted to keep some of the land’s rural charm, but in the end this did not happen, as the other proprietors wanted to maximize profit and make the homes closer together. Sound familiar? Here are a few properties that might not exist if Beacon Hill hadn’t been dug out.

71 Hancock Street, Boston, MA 02114

This four-bedroom, four-bathroom, 4,449-square-foot home is being sold for $3,900,000. It has 12-foot ceilings, a double parlor, and an additional family/game room.

6 Walnut St #B1, Boston, MA 02108

For $649,000, you can get a one-bed, one-bathroom, 687-square-foot condo right near the Boston Common. It has a private patio and exposed brick inside.

30 Pinckney Street #8, Boston, MA 02114

This 444-square-foot condo with one bedroom and one bathroom is listed at $459,000 and is on the top floor of the building. There is a common patio and laundry in the building.