Showing posts with label North End. Show all posts
Showing posts with label North End. Show all posts

A brief history of the North End

The North End area of Fallout 4 contains several marked and unmarked locations, including: 

Madden's boxing gym on Salem Street in Fallout 4, near the Old North Church.
Screen capture by Jewelsmith

An actual photo of the corner of Salem and Prince Streets in Boston's North End neighborhood, with a green building similar to Madden's boxing gym in Fallout 4, and an Italian bakery. (Image from Google maps street view)

The Massachusett people inhabited the area until Europeans arrived, then they were decimated by disease (I've read estimates of 75-90% population loss) and further displaced by religious conversion and racism. 

English colonists settled there in the 1600s, and by the mid-1700s, just before the American Revolution, the North End was a hub of activity. 

But the North End changed after the Revolutionary War. Around 25% of the population (presumably Loyalists) moved to England or Canada, and wealthy merchants moved to the West End or Beacon Hill. Many homes (including Paul Revere's house) became warehouses and sailor boarding houses. 

The land itself changed during the 1800s. The North End and other areas of Boston expanded through land reclamation projects, as shown in the diagram below. 

Map of the peninsula from Fallout 4 (left), with a green icon to indicate Swan's Pond in the Boston Common area, and a 1903 diagram (right) showing Boston Common and the actual shape of the original Shawmut Peninsula in black, with reclaimed land in gray. 
Fallout 4 map courtesy of Fallout4map.com 
Diagram from "Boston: A Guide Book" (public domain)

The Irish had been in Boston since the American Revolution. Patrick Carr of Ireland was shot by British soldiers during the Boston Massacre of 1770, and General George Washington even used the password "Saint Patrick" as a secret code with his Colonial troops. 

When tens of thousands of Irish immigrants arrived during and after the years of the Irish potato famine in the 1840s and 1850s, many settling in the North End. Disease was rampant in the impoverished and overcrowded neighborhood. A cholera epidemic hit the North End hard in 1849. 

“Children in the Irish district,” wrote Bostonian Lemuel Shattuck, “seemed literally born to die.” 

An area known as the "Black Sea" along Ann Street (now North Street) was estimated to have 227 brothels, 26 gambling dens and 1,500 establishments that sold liquor. It was described as "squealing with fiddles" and populated with criminals. 

In the 1870s, Jewish and Italian immigrants arrived. Salem Street and the blocks around it became a busy shopping district filled with Kosher butchers, bakers, delicatessens, tailors and food markets. 

A pizza place in the post-apocalyptic North End of Fallout 4 
(Screen capture by Jewelsmith)

Inside the Fallout 4 pizza place are an espresso machine and two fireplaces set up to look like pizza ovens (Screen capture by Jewelsmith)

Just like now, immigrants had to deal with a lot of discrimination, like this jerk Samuel Adams Drake who wrote about the North End in 1871: 

“Nowhere in Boston has Father Time wrought such ruthless changes, as in this highly respectable quarter, now swarming with Italians in every dirty nook and corner. In truth, it is hard to believe the evidence of our own senses, though the fumes of garlic are sufficiently convincing.” 

By 1895, the North End was 1/3 Irish, 1/3 Jewish and 1/3 Italian. But by the 1920s it was mostly Italian, and in the 1930s there were 44,000 Italians living in an area less than one square mile in size. 

The North End was also the location of the 1919 Great Molasses Flood, aka the Boston Molasses Disaster or Boston Molassacre. A large storage tank burst at the Purity Distilling Company and the resulting wave of molasses killed twenty-one people and injured one hundred and fifty more. 

In the aftermath, residents filed one of the first class-action lawsuits in Massachusetts. 

The disaster occurred on Commercial Street, and the area is now a park near Copps Hill Burying Ground, the burial place of Shem Drowne. 

Yes, Shem Drowne is a real person, not just a character in Fallout 4. In the game, Shem Drowne is buried in North End Graveyard, across the street from Mean Pastries. 

Additional sources: 

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The Freedom Trail: North End Graveyard & Shem Drowne

The North End Graveyard is an unmarked location in Fallout 4, across the street from Mean Pastries, west of Pickman's Gallery and east of Cabot House. Players may end up there during the Gilded Grasshopper quest, in which case they can dig up the grave of Shem Drowne for some loot. 

Shem Drowne was a real person, not just a video game story, and he really did make a gilded grasshopper weathervane (read more about that in my Faneuil Hall section). Though whether or not he's actually buried with a radioactive sword or with bars of copper, silver and gold, I have no idea. 

The real-life grave marker of Shem Drowne (right) and his wife Katherine, at Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston. 
Photo by Diane Blair via FindaGrave.com

Shem Drowne's grave and headstone in Fallout 4, after digging up his coffin during the Gilded Grasshopper quest. 
PS4 screen capture by Jewelsmith

With the cemetery's location relative to the Old North Church and other landmarks in Fallout 4, and the existence of Drowne's grave there, North End Graveyard seems to be based on Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston. 

Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston
Photo by Rhododendrites via Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

North End graveyard as seen in Fallout 4, based on Copp's Hill Burying Ground in Boston 
PS4 screen capture by Jewelsmith

In use for about two hundred years, from 1659 until the mid-1800s, Copp's Hill is the final resting place of more than 10,000 people, including: 

  • Shem and Katherine Drowne
  • Cotton Mather and his father Increase Mather, two Puritans who were associated with the Salem witch trials 
  • Prince Hall, leader of the free black community of Boston in the 1700s 
  • Robert Newman, the guy who put the lanterns in the Old North Church steeple for Paul Revere 
  • Edmund Hartt, builder of the USS Constitution 

During the Revolutionary War, British troops used the hill to fire artillery onto Charlestown during the Battle of Bunker Hill and possibly used the gravestones for target practice. 

Copp's Hill Burying Ground, with Skinny House across the street, and Old North Church in Boston, courtesy of Google maps

Across the street from Copp's Hill Burying Ground in modern-day Boston is an unusual building called Skinny House, while across the street from North End Graveyard in Fallout 4 is an unmarked bakery called Mean Pastries. 

I didn't think there was any connection between the two locations until I read that Skinny House is a "spite house" built to anger its neighbors. 

Maybe that's why the pastry shop in Fallout 4 is "mean" - because it's spiteful? 

The front of Mean Pastries bakery in Fallout 4, across the street from North End Graveyard, and with the green, white and red bunting seen throughout the North End area of the game. Inset map shows the location of the bakery (indicated by the arrow) as well as Pickman Gallery, the Old North Church and Railroad HQ. 
PS4 screen capture by Jewelsmith, map from Fallout4map.com

While Copp's Hill Burying Ground is a stop on the Freedom Trail in Boston, in Fallout 4 the "Road to Freedom" quest ends at Old North Church.

However, there are still pieces of the red brick line that can be followed to North End Graveyard and Bunker Hill in the video game, without seals to mark them as official sites because they're not needed to decode the password for Railroad HQ. 

A red brick line can be seen by North End graveyard, but there's no seal to mark it as a stop on the Freedom Trail in Fallout 4 - PS4 screen capture by Jewelsmith

Check out my other articles and return for updates or follow me on YouTube, Twitter or Patreon for more information.

~ Jewelsmith (aka JLHilton)

Sources:

TheFreedomTrail.org

Boston.gov 

Wikipedia 

Ghosts & Gravestones of Boston 

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The Freedom Trail: Old North Church

The Old North Church in Boston's North End neighborhood is the 13th marker on the Freedom Trail, followed by Copp's Hill Burying Ground, the USS Constitution and the Bunker Hill Monument. 

In Fallout 4, the red line of the "Road to Freedom" ends at the Old North Church - gateway to Railroad HQ. Players who get past a few ghouls, enter the catacombs, solve a code and open a secret door will meet Desdemona, Glory, Drummer Boy and Deacon here. 

The Old North Church and Paul Revere equestrian statue (left) as they appear in the video game Fallout 4, and a photo of the IRL statue (right) for comparison.
Screen capture by Jewelsmith, photo from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

Built in 1721-1723 (sources vary), the real Old North Church is a national historic landmark and the oldest standing church in Boston. An active Episcopal congregation of about 150 parishoners still hold services there every Sunday. 

Its steeple was the location of the famous "One if by land, two if by sea" signal to Paul Revere in April 1775, which sent him on his midnight ride ahead of the Battles of Lexington and Concord at the start of the American Revolution. 

The steeple of the Old North Church, as seen in the video game Fallout 4 (left) and as it appears in real-life Boston, Massachusetts (right). 
Screen capture by Jewelsmith, photo courtesy of the National Park Service 

In honor of Paul Revere's historic ride, two lanterns may be found in the steeple of the Old North Church in Fallout 4. Screen capture by Jewelsmith

Two lanterns illuminate the Old North Church steeple at night, as seen from across the rooftops in Fallout 4 - PS4 screen capture by Jewelsmith

The original steeple of the Old North Church was destroyed by a hurricane in 1804 and a replacement steeple, designed by Charles Bulfinch (see the Faneuil Hall article for more about him), was toppled by another hurricane in 1954. The current steeple is based on both the original and Bulfinch versions. 

This video shows the Old North Church and tells the story of a modern bell ringer. (Click here to watch on YouTube)


A statue by sculptor Cyrus E. Dallin, commemorating Paul Revere's ride, stands in the Paul Revere Mall near the Old North Church. This can be seen in the game, too, though the mall is much smaller in Fallout 4. 

The Old North Church IRL (left) and in Fallout 4 (right) 
Photograph courtesy of NewEngland.com and PS4 screen capture by Jewelsmith

Inside the IRL church, there is a bust of George Washington, completed by artist Christian Gullager during Washington's lifetime, which Layfayette said was the best likeness of the first president he had ever seen.

The Old North Church interior, Boston. Photo by Victorgrigas CC BY-SA 3.0

The post-apocalyptic Old North Church interior, as it appears in Fallout 4, with ruined chandeliers, pipe organ, pews and galleries. Screen capture by Jewelsmith

A wider view of the Old North Church interior, showing nave, organ, chandeliers, galleries, ruined pews (center) and fallen pulpit (right) in Fallout 4. Screen capture by Jewelsmith

The other end of the Old North Church interior IRL, showing the altar and pulpit.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

The other end of the Old North Church in Fallout 4, with ruined pulpit and Railroad marker.
Screen capture by Jewelsmith

The crypts beneath the church, where the Railroad operates in Fallout 4, also exist in the real world and can be toured for $5 per person. 


Inside the red brick crypts below Old North Church in Boston.
Photo courtesy of the National Park Service

On the way to Railroad HQ beneath the Old North Church in Fallout 4. 
Screen capture by Jewelsmith

The red brick crypts as seen in Fallout 4 beneath the Old North Church, on the way to Railroad HQ. Digitally enchanced screen capture by Jewelsmith (original was green and murky)

The red brick crypts beneath the Old North Church as seen in real life.
Image from WCVB-TV "Boston Underground"

Between 1732 and 1860, there were an estimated 1,100 bodies buried in thirty-seven tombs, including those of British Marine Major John Pitcairn, who died from injuries received at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and Captain Samuel Nicholson of the USS Constitution. 

The developers of Fallout 4 even copied the actual crypt doors, such as this one seen in a photograph (left) and in the game (right), reading "Shubael Bell and Robert Fennelly 1808." 
Photo courtesy of TheFreedomTrail.org, screen capture by Jewelsmith

The “Stranger’s Tomb” from 1813 was used to bury poorer citizens, including children, who had died from disease.

Stranger's Tomb beneath the Old North Church.
Photo by Aimee Seavey, courtesy of New England Today Travel

Stranger's Tomb as it appears in Fallout 4 (digintally enhanced for clarity, as the lighting, color and textures in the game make it difficult to see). The stone plaque is a different color but the writing is the same style, reading "No 14 Stranger's Tomb 1813" just like the one in the real world. Screen capture by Jewelsmith


In the area just north of the Old North Church, Fallout 4 players will find pizza signs and green, white and red bunting, the colors of the flag of Italy. This represents Boston's North End neighborhood and its large Italian population. 
  • Read more about the North End on this website (link coming soon)
A street near the Old North Church with pizza sign and green, white and red bunting, as seen in Fallout 4. 
Screen capture by Jewelsmith

I'll be writing more about Fallout 4 locations, and researching their real-world inspirations, in the months to come. Check back for updates or follow me on YouTube, Twitter or Patreon for more information.

~ Jewelsmith (aka JLHilton)

Additional information: 

OldNorth.com 

Wikipedia 

Paul Revere House 

New England Today Travel 

WCVB-TV "Boston Underground" (video) 

North End History 

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The Freedom Trail: Paul Revere House

The Paul Revere house is the 12th site along the Freedom Trail in Boston. In Fallout 4, the Paul Revere house is the 7th and penultimate stop before the red line of the "Road to Freedom" ends nearby at the Old North Church, the gateway to Railroad HQ. 

A partially destroyed Paul Revere house in Fallout 4. Note the similarities with the IRL location, including the appearance of the adjacent buildings. Screen capture by Jewelsmith

The actual Paul Revere house in Boston. Photo courtesy of Paul Revere House

Paul Revere was born in Boston in 1734 (some sources say 1735). When he was 15 years old, he earned five pennies a month ringing the bells of the Old North Church. 

He learned the art of gold and silver smithing from his father, and took over the family business at the age of 19, after his father died. He made tea sets, spoons, buttons, buckles and other items. He also provided engraving and repair services, business cards, and even dentistry on the side.  

A portrait of Paul Revere painted by John Singleton Copley. Copley was born in 1738 and grew up on Boston's Long Wharf, not far from the Revere house. The painting is dated to 1768 and remained in the Revere family until gifted to the Museum of Fine Arts Boston. 

A plaque beside the door of his house in Fallout 4 tells more of the real-life history of the location:

Built in 1680, this wooden building is the oldest structure in all of Boston. In 1770 this home was bought be famed patriot Paul Revere. 

Paul Revere dwelled here with his family (including his 16 children) until 1800. 

Paul Revere was living here when he made his famous midnight ride to Lexington and Concord to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that Redcoats were en route to arrest them and seize the militia weaponry. 

After the British evacuation of Boston, he served as a lieutenant colonel and commander of artillery at Castle Island - inspiration for the Castle in Fallout 4. 

The unmarked location of the Paul Revere House near the Old North Church and Railroad HQ, according to the Pipboy map in Fallout 4. Screen capture by Jewelsmith

Google map showing the location of the Paul Revere House in relation to the Old North Church, Copps Hill Burying Ground, Haymarket and Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park in Boston, Massachusetts

After Revere sold his house in 1800, it became a sailor's boarding house, then an immigrant tenement with shops on the ground floor. Over the years there was a candy store, cigar factory, bank and fruit business at the location. 

His great-grandson, John P. Reynolds Jr, bought the building in 1902 to keep it from being demolished. The Paul Revere Memorial Association was formed to preserve and renovate the building, which has operated as a museum since 1908. 

Another angle of the Paul Revere House in Fallout 4. The Freedom Trail seal and red line can be seen on the sidewalk just below the steps. Screen capture by Jewelsmith

The real Paul Revere House at a similar angle for comparison. Even the red brick buildings, behind to the left, look similar in Fallout 4. Photo courtesy of Roadtrippers.com

Today, the Paul Revere House stands at 19 North Square and is a national historic landmark, about a five-minute walk from the Old North Church in Boston's North End neighborhood. 

Paul Revere equestrian statue
by Cyrus E. Dallin
Photo from Wikipedia
CC BY-SA 3.0
A statue by sculptor Cyrus E. Dallin, commemorating Paul Revere's role in U.S. history, stands in the Paul Revere Mall near the Old North Church. 

If you follow the route of Paul Revere's historic ride, you will end up at Minute Man National Historic Park, the real-life location of the Minuteman statue and bridge seen outside of Sanctuary Hills in the video game. 

I'll be writing more about Fallout 4 locations, and researching their real-world inspirations, in the months to come. Check back for updates or follow me on YouTube, Twitter or Patreon for more information.

~ Jewelsmith (aka JLHilton)

Further reading: 

North End History 

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Unmarked location: Christopher Columbus Park, trellis, fountain & statue

Close to Old North Church, Faneuil Hall and the Custom House Tower in Fallout 4, players can find Christopher Columbus Park. 

This unmarked location is based on the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park and playground, which includes the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden, along the waterfront in Boston's North End. 

Fallout 4 fountain area and benches near Faneuil Hall with trellises in the background.
A skeleton and flaming barrel can be seen off to the left. Screen capture by Jewelsmith

The IRL fountain area, with wooden benches and trellises in the background.
Photo from Google maps street view

Both the real and video game locations feature a statue (or at least a pedestal), a playground, a fountain area surrounded by benches, and an arrangement of vine-covered trellises. 

In Fallout 4, the playground area features a flying saucer slide (left) and climbing gym (right). 
The fire barrel, skeleton and pedestal can be seen in between them. 
Screen capture by Jewelsmith

The IRL park was dedicated in July 1976, the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Indepence (y'know, that document we were asked to steal in Fallout 3). 

Google map showing the area of IRL Boston with Faneuil Hall, the Custom House and Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park with rose garden and trellis

The unmarked location of Christopher Columbus Park 
Map by Jewelsmith

In the Fallout 4 version of the park, there's a pedestal but instead of a statue it features a skeleton stretched over a fire barrel. 

A skeleton on a fire barrel, atop a pedestal, near some trellises in Fallout 4 
Screen capture by Jewelsmith

This corresponds to the real-world location of a Columbus statue that was erected in 1979. However, the statue was vandalized repeatedly throughout the 2000s and eventually removed in 2020, five years after the release of Fallout 4. 


The vandalized Christopher Columbus statue without a head, near the trellises in IRL Boston 
Boston Herald photo by Nancy Lane

Landscape arcitects Halvorson Design renovated the park for a 2003 reopening. The trellises are lit up with blue lights during the holiday season by the Friends of Christopher Columbus Park and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. 

The trellises in Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, Boston
Photo credit: Yelp/Cammie W via TimeOut.com

The trellises as seen in Fallout 4 - Screen capture by Jewelsmith

A faded street sign directs the way to "Columbus Park" in Fallout 4. The steeple of the Old North Church can be seen in the background. 
Screen capture by Jewelsmith

I'll be writing more about Fallout 4 locations, and researching their real-world inspirations, in the months to come. Check back for updates or follow me on YouTube, Twitter and Patreon for more information.

~ Jewelsmith (aka JLHilton)

Additional sources: 



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