The Stories Our Houses Tell

The core mission of the Charlestown Preservation Society is to preserve Charlestown’s historic character  – protecting historic architecture and landscapes, advocating for preservation, guiding responsible development, and educating people about the unique character of our community. 

Integral to the mission is CPS’ Historic Markers program. Each marker is a unique way to recognize a historic building and share its history. The markers include the date built and, if records allow, information such as the name of the builder or original owner.

Since its inception, CPS has approved and installed over 200 Historic Markers on buildings and homes around Charlestown. Over the past month, we’ve added another twelve homes to the collection, including:

The Abijah Goodridge House at 10 Austin Street.  Built in 1829, this property reflects Charlestown’s early 19th-century residential growth. The initial parcel was purchased for $313 from William Austin and was later divided into smaller lots for development. Ten Austin was built the year following the acquisition.

Mr. Goodridge was a merchant, and records are unclear as to whether this was a primary home or an investment property. The home changed hands multiple times between 1829 and 1893.

The Samuel T. and Polly Woodbury House was built in 1848 at 27 Mount Vernon Street. The house was built by Eli Brown, Richard C. Lawrence and Joseph E. Stickney, all of Boston, and later sold to master mariner, Samuel Woodbury. At the time, the house sold for $4000. The property’s early history underscores its role in the maritime community of Charlestown, tied to Woodbury’s profession as a master mariner.

The William Hitchborn House at 27 Trenton Street was built in 1858 according to public records. Hichborn, a ship joiner,  built the house for himself and his wife Harriet. Hichborn’s 1897 memoir, Trip of the Ancients, recounts his return to 27 Trenton Street on August 1, 1896 after a trip to London. The family retained ownership until at least 1892. 

The house reflects Hichborn’s carpentry expertise and Charlestown’s residential development. Hichborn’s long residency, documented through his memoir and directory listings, underscores the property’s personal significance. 

These are just a few of the houses that feature markers, they help remind us of our rich architecture and cultural history.   From another perspective, they help validate the importance of Charlestown as the oldest neighborhood in Boston that needs to be preserved.

If you are interested in pursuing a marker for your house, there is an application and more information available on our website. Important to note that applications are accepted through June 30, 2025.