About Boston's Roxbury, MA

 

Location

Roxbury is a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is located in the southwestern corner of the city, bordered by the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, the South End, and Fenway-Kenmore. Historically, Roxbury was a separate town that was annexed by Boston in 1868.

 

 

Things to do in Roxbury

Roxbury, Massachusetts, is a neighborhood in Boston that is rich in history and culture. There are many things to see and do in the area, including the following:

  1. Visit the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists: This museum, located in the heart of Roxbury, celebrates the contributions of African Americans to the arts. The museum features a wide range of exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs, as well as educational programs for visitors of all ages.
  2. Explore the Frederick Law Olmsted-designed Franklin Park: The park, is one of the largest in Boston, it includes a playground, a golf course, athletic fields, walking paths, and a zoo. It's a great place for a stroll, a picnic, or a day of outdoor activities with friends and family.
  3. Experience the Nubian Gallery: This community-based art gallery offers exhibits and art workshops and is known to showcase the works of emerging artists of color, particularly the African and Caribbean diaspora.
  4. Take a tour of the Shirley-Eustis House: This Georgian-style mansion, built in 1747, was once the home of Governor William Shirley and later, his successor, Francis Bernard. It is now a National Historic Landmark and offers tours to visitors.
  5. Shop and dine at Dudley Square: Dudley Square is the commercial heart of Roxbury, with a variety of shops, restaurants and services. You can find everything from Caribbean and African cuisine to American comfort food, trendy clothing, and household essentials.
  6. Check out the Boston Center for the Arts: This cultural center offers a variety of performances, exhibitions, and educational programs, from theater to music and dance, throughout the year.
  7. Take a walk in the Roxbury Heritage State Park: This park provides a glimpse into the history of the area through exhibits that showcase the lives of the Wampanoag people and the early English settlers. It also features walking trails, gardens, and a playground.
  8. Attend an event at the Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School: The school hosts events and performances open to the community, including plays, concerts, and art shows.

Roxbury is a neighborhood with a rich history and culture, and there is no shortage of things to see and do in the area. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's history, experiencing its cultural institutions, or enjoying the great outdoors, you'll find plenty of options in Roxbury.

 

History

Roxbury is a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts with a rich history that spans centuries. The area has been shaped by the diverse communities that have called it home over the years, and has played a significant role in the city's development.

The land that is now Roxbury was originally settled by the Wampanoag people, the indigenous people of the region, prior to the arrival of Europeans. The first English settlers arrived in the area in 1630, establishing farms and building homes. The town of Roxbury was incorporated in 1630 and was originally a rural community with a primarily agrarian economy.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Roxbury was a center of industry, with tanneries, mills, and ironworks operating in the area. The town also played a key role in the American Revolution, with several key battles taking place in and around Roxbury.

In 1868, the town of Roxbury was annexed by the city of Boston. The addition of Roxbury to the city brought a significant population boost and more land to the city's growing metropolis.

In the 19th century, Irish and German immigrants began moving to Roxbury, followed by many African Americans, Caribbean immigrants, and other people of color in the 20th century. The neighborhood has a strong African American and Caribbean heritage, with the African American community being the largest ethnic group.

Roxbury has been a hub for political and social activism for many years, with many of the movements for civil rights, anti-poverty, and affordable housing in Boston, taking place in the community.

Throughout the 20th century, Roxbury experienced a significant amount of urban renewal and redevelopment, which led to the displacement of many of the community's residents. In recent years, however, there has been a renewed focus on preserving and celebrating the neighborhood's cultural heritage and revitalizing the community through community development and affordable housing initiatives.

Today, Roxbury is a vibrant and diverse community that continues to be an important part of Boston. It remains one of the most historically significant neighborhoods in Boston, with a strong cultural heritage, a rich history, and a bright future.

 

Transportation

Transportation in Roxbury, Massachusetts, is relatively convenient and well-connected to the rest of the city. The area is served by a variety of public transportation options, including buses and subways, making it easy for residents and visitors to get around.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates a number of bus routes that run through Roxbury, providing connections to other parts of the city. The main bus lines include the CT2, CT3, 19, 22, 28, 44, 45, and 49, which serve Dudley Station, the commercial heart of Roxbury, and Ruggles Station, and Roxbury Crossing Station, which connect to the Orange Line subway, providing access to other parts of the city.

Roxbury is also well-connected to the commuter rail, the Ruggles Station is in the border of Roxbury and Fenway-Kenmore and connects the area to the regional transit system, providing connections to other cities and towns in the Greater Boston area, such as Dedham, Needham and Framingham.

For those who prefer to drive, Roxbury is served by several major roadways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) and the Southeast Expressway (Interstate 93), which provide easy access to other parts of the city and the surrounding area. In addition, there are also several major surface streets that run through the neighborhood, including Tremont Street, Washington Street, and Blue Hill Avenue.

Roxbury is also relatively bike-friendly, with a number of dedicated bike lanes and bike racks throughout the area. There are also a number of bike-sharing programs available, such as Bluebikes, which allows residents and visitors to rent a bike for a small fee, providing an easy and convenient way to get around the area.

Overall, transportation in Roxbury, MA is well-connected and easily accessible. The area is served by a variety of public transportation options, including buses and subways, providing residents and visitors with easy access to the rest of the city. And while biking, walking, or driving also offers plenty of options as well, making it easy for people to navigate the area.

 

Education

Education in Roxbury, Massachusetts, is provided by a mix of public and private schools. The Boston Public Schools (BPS) system is the primary provider of public education in the area and serves more than 53,000 students in the neighborhood.

The BPS system operates a number of schools in Roxbury, including elementary, middle and high schools. Among them Orchard Gardens K-8 Pilot School, that is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement. There's also the Phoenix Charter Academy, a public charter school that focuses on providing students with a college-preparatory education.

In addition to traditional public schools, Roxbury is also home to a number of private schools. Some of these institutions include the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science, a prestigious public exam school that focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and the Boston Trinity Academy, a Christian-based private school that offers grades K-12.

Higher education institutions are also present in the area, like The Roxbury Community College, one of the oldest community colleges in Massachusetts. The college offers a wide range of programs, including academic transfer, career training, and adult education. Additionally, The Boston University's Wheelock College of Education and Human Development, and the Northeastern University's John D. O'Bryant African American Institute are also based in Roxbury.

Roxbury has also been home to a number of community organizations that focus on providing education and enrichment opportunities for the area's youth. These organizations include the Boston After School & Beyond, that provides educational enrichment programs in area public schools, and the Roxbury Educational Development, which aims to improve educational outcomes for residents of the community by providing a range of educational resources, including tutoring and mentoring services.

In summary, education in Roxbury, MA, is provided by a mix of public and private schools, including traditional public schools, public charter schools, and private schools. Higher education opportunities are also available through community colleges and university-affiliated programs in the area. Community organizations also play a significant role in providing educational and enrichment opportunities for the neighborhood's youth.

 

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Official Link: https://www.boston.gov/