A Historic Tour of Canton, MA

For those with a passion for history, the little town of Canton, Massachusetts offers a plethora of interesting sites and stories. Nestled just twenty five miles south of Boston, the town's newly restored main street, variety of retail shops, and nature preserves beckon tourists and residents alike to experience all the area has to offer. Tour the town of Canton and you'll find tales of patriotism, ghost stories, and more.

Start your travels into the past with a visit to The Little Red House at Pequitside Farm on Pleasant Street. This house is perhaps one of the oldest homes in Canton, dating back to the early 1700's. Its bright red walls and neatly trimmed lawn reminds visitors of a bygone time. Candles grace ancient panes of glass in each window; as if the home's one-time occupants are still waiting inside, welcoming you to an afternoon tea.

Continue your tour with a drive down Turnpike Street, past the Plymouth Rubber Company. Here you will find the original site of Paul Revere's copper rolling mill, one of the patriot's final endeavors. Canton is said to have held a special place in Revere's heart and is where he spent his final days.

Take a turn onto Neponset Street and you will be greeted with one of the world's most unique structures - the Canton viaduct. The viaduct, built by the Boston & Providence Railroad Corporation, opened in 1835 and is one of the oldest surviving railroad bridges of its kind, still in use today. Goliath stones make up the walls of the bridge and provide a stark contrast to modern cars traveling beneath the historic arches.

Our short tour finishes with a visit to Canton Junction, where, one fateful day in 1898, three men lost their lives in one of the most devastating train crashes of the day. As the Boston Bound Mail train approached the junction on August 8, 1898, it slammed off the track, killing three and injuring fourteen. The Junction is still used by hundreds of commuters traveling to and from Boston each day.

Throughout the year, one will find a bounty of artifacts, interesting stories, and events at the Historical Society's offices on Washington Street. From American heroes to ghosts of the past, Canton truly is a history buff's dream. The sites visited here are only a mere sampling of what one can find in this quaint New England town. So, the next time you're in the Boston area, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and visit Canton for a captivating glimpse into New England's past.