John Bigg
The Early Settlers of the West End (1630 – 1645): John Bigg, Artillery Officer
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Topic: Yankees & Brahmins
Early settlers of New England, Boston Brahmins, wealthy persons not officially in the Brahmin class, others typically identified as Yankees
Alexander Beck
The Early Settlers of the West End (1630 – 1645): Alexander Beck, Laborer
How the West End Shaped U.S. Contract Law
The West End played a key role in defining the U.S. jurisprudence surrounding the execution and maintenance of contracts set out in the U.S. Constitution in two major cases: Charles River Bridge v. Warren Bridge & Fletcher v. Peck.
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was the Union’s first free Black regiment of the Civil War. The Massachusetts Black regiments were all deeply linked to the West End, from which they were advocated for, recruited, and organized. The 54th is memorialized in a bas relief on Boston Common, and in the 1989 film “Glory”.
Quincy Adams Shaw
Quincy Adams Shaw was a Brahmin who was born in West Boston. After youthful travels, he became a major donor of artwork to the MFA, a successful businessperson, and a notable philanthropist.
Charles Bulfinch
Charles Bulfinch is regarded as the first American-born architect. He rose to prominence designing public buildings, including the Boston State House and US Capitol Building, and was a West Boston native whose designs still dominate the historic portions of the West End today.
Harrison Gray Otis and Sally Foster Otis
Harrison & Sally Otis Harrison Grey Otis was a major political and business figure in Boston during the Federalist Period. He is best known as a supporter of Charles Bulfinch, as Boston’s third mayor, and as a leader of the Hartford Convention. His wife, Sally, was a skilled socialite and hostess, who provided significant support for…
James Barton
James Barton was the owner of a rope walk in the West End, on the land of descendants of Sir John Leverett.