Beacon Hill, Boston’s former red-light district

Boston’s former red-light district. When the parliament building became too small at the end of the 18th century, architect Charles Bulfinch was commissioned to build the State House on Beacon Hill. Part of the hill was leveled for the elegant new building.

At the time, cows still grazed around the new parliament building. Gradually, a residential district of tall townhouses, also designed by Bulfinch, was built around it. A number of well-heeled figures moved into this smart quarter and, as demonstrated in Louisburg Square, housing is as expensive as it has always been. The influence of blue-blooded residents is reflected in the local shops – middle-class designer clothes are sold in boutiques next to row upon row of antique shops.