Roxbury Highlands Fort

    Roxbury's history is prevalent today in it's rich culture and historic architecture. The story of Roxbury began in 1700's when the founding fathers were still forming the basis of our nation. Boston was an integral location in the Revolutionary war, beneficial because of it's steep hills and plethora of soldiers. Roxbury at the time was still developing, just on the cusp of the industrial revolution that would lead to it's economic success. When the British invaded Massachusetts, Roxbury High Fort (Now Roxbury Highlands Fort), protected the American soldiers and led to the first success for General George Washington and his men.

Our group trekking through the park! Anthony, Leah, and Celie loved this fountain!

    As our group trekked up the hills of Roxbury, we noticed the Timothy Baptist Church, a beautiful building with ecclesiastical architecture. When we arrived at the fort, we learned that the original building was destroyed in the construction of a water pipe in 1889. Frederick Law Olmstead, our favorite park designer, reconstructed the park and the building. Although the original fort was destroyed, the building there now has many of the same characteristics that helped the revolutionary soldiers defeat the British on March 17, 1775.
    The fort was designed with battle in mind, since it is sitting on a hill overlooking Roxbury and Boston and has long windows. These windows are important because it was easy for the American soldiers to shoot out and see the oncoming British, but the English couldn't shoot into the windows easily.  The design is simplistic, but sturdy at the bottom and gets slightly more intricate as you reach the highest point. The top is crowned with a green steeple and 4 windows, one facing each direction. Down the sides of the tower there are four levels of windows, evenly spread apart and circling around the circumference of the building. The base of the fort looks as though it had 4 windows originally, but now are closed off.  

Anthony, Leah, and Celie learning new things at the plaque!!!! 

     Sadly, the original fort no longer stands. The fort was eventually destroyed and was supposed to be replaced by a water tower. However, during construction it was deemed unnecessary, so while finishing the renovation, it was built to look similar to the original fort and now serves as an observation deck. In memory of the original fort there was a plaque erected in 1877. The tablet gives design credit to Henry Knox and Josiah (John) Waters and commemorates The siege of Boston along with the American soldiers who built the original structure. Regardless of it's current state, this fort was an incredibly helpful location in the Revolutionary war and will hopefully be visited by many in order to preserve it's importance.