Topic: Yankees & Brahmins
Early settlers of New England, Boston Brahmins, wealthy persons not officially in the Brahmin class, others typically identified as Yankees
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 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 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 & 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 was the owner of a rope walk in the West End, on the land of descendants of Sir John Leverett.
Charles Chambers was a West End landowner and a judge on the Court of Common Pleas from 1719 to 1739.
Reverend James Allen Reverend James Allen was the Congregationalist pastor of First Church in Boston from 1668 to 1710. The church is now located on 66 Marlborough Street. Allen was born in Hampshire, England in 1632 to the town’s minister. He graduated from Emmanuel College (BA) and Oxford University (Masters) and held religious and academic…
John Staniford was a New Fields (now West End) land owner and decon who lived from 1678 to 1752. He built Staniford Street and Lynde Street, and is the namesake of the former.
