B-N 7 - Corner of Boston, Suffolk Co. and Newton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts - U.S. Historic Survey Stones and Monuments on Waymarking.com

In Boston, on the campus of Boston College, is a stone post that marks the boundary between the cities of Boston and Newton, as well as between Suffolk and Norfolk Counties.

The stone post is located in a treed area on an embankment above Campanella Way, and near two dormatory buildings. The marker is about halfway up and at a curve in the road. The post is about four feet tall and about 12 inches square. A center punch hole is at the top. On the north side is the letter 'N,' and on the south side, facing the road, is the letter 'B.'

This marker is similar to the post described in the Massachusetts Historic Atlas (link below). The marker in the atlas was placed in 1874, when Brighton was merged into Boston and the border was moved along the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Thus, the date below reflects this. The marker does not look new, so there is a good chance this is the same marker from that time.

The area around the marker has changed tremendously. The atlas has drawings that show that Campanella Way was once where Chestnut Hill Drive was located. Immediately to the east was the Lawrence Basin, which is now underground, and the campus performing arts building, the football stadium and athletic fields. In fact, none of the buildings in the immediate vicinity appeared to be from 1904 when the atlas was made. I also could not find similar corner markers on either side of this marker. It appears that landscaping and buildings have replaced these markers. There is a whiter monument to the south that may be a corner marker, but there are no letters on the marker, and it is in a position that does not align with any of the positions in the atlas.

The post is in good condition. There is some moss on the surface, but, otherwise, the letters are legible.

Monumentation Type: Stone post Monument Category: County/Municipal boundary marker Accessible to general public: yes Historical significance: Originally, the border was between Brighton and Newton before Brighton was annexed to Boston in 1874. The border shifted slightly that time over the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. Monument Website: [Web Link] County: Boston, Suffolk County and Newton, Middlesex County USGS Quad: Newton, Mass. Approximate date of monument: 01/01/1874 Monumentation Type (if other): Not listed Monument Category (if other): Not listed Explain Non-Public access: Not listed NGS PID: Not listed Other Coordinates: Not Listed Other Coordinates details: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
1. A closeup photo of the monument is required.
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2. A 'distant' photo including the monument in the view is highly recommended. Include the compass direction you faced when you took the picture.

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