Paul’s Bridge a neighborhood entrance stands as one of the Commonwealth’s oldest bridges. Readville in Boston a place steeped in history welcomes you. From its origins as Dedham Low Plains in 1655 Readville transformed. It was renamed in 1847 after James Read a prominent cotton mill owner. James Read a remarkable figure himself left school at 14. He became a successful dry goods merchant and mill owner. He even owned a Charles Bulfinch-designed home.
Readville’s story unfolds alongside the bustling tracks of the MBTA Commuter Rail. Readville station serves as a vital transportation hub. It sits on the original Route 128 alignment. A part of this route later became a discontinued section of Route 135. The station’s history is rich. Passenger service began in 1834 with the Boston and Providence Railroad. The neighborhood and station received their current name in 1847.
During the Civil War Readville played a significant role. Camp Meigs a training camp for Union soldiers stood here. Famous regiments like the 54th Massachusetts Infantry trained here. Their story is immortalized in the film Glory. The 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry also trained at Camp Meigs. Half of this regiment was recruited in California. They were sent by sea to Readville before heading to Virginia. Plaques and monuments at Meigs Field commemorate this history. Camp Massasoit another training camp was established in 1861.
Readville’s demographic landscape evolved over time. It was once an Irish-American and Italian-American stronghold. Today it’s a diverse community with many African-American Hispanic and Latino residents. The Blue Hill Community Church a non-denominational church holds a special place. Phillips Brooks preached his last sermon there. His Christmas carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” premiered here. Samuel Francis Smith first read his poem “America” within those walls. It later became the beloved hymn “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”. St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church serves as the local parish. Longtime Readville residents include former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and State Representative Angelo Scaccia.
The neighborhood was also home to Readville Trotting Park a prominent harness racing facility. This was replaced by a Stop & Shop warehouse and later a multi-use warehouse. Readville offers stunning views of Great Blue Hill and the Blue Hills Reservation. The Neponset River flows nearby. It also features a wetlands area known as Fowl Meadow. The massive New York New Haven & Hartford Railroad Locomotive and Car Shops were once here. They closed in 1960. Today CSX Railroad operates a portion of the Readville Freight Yard. The MBTA Commuter Rail has a passenger car facility just outside Wolcott Square. Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor also runs through Readville.
Readville a place of contrasts blends its rich history with modern life. Its past echoes in its streets its present thrives in its diversity. As we leave Readville let’s carry the memory of its resilience and its vibrant spirit.