The roar. It’s the constant hum of I-93 near Bunker Hill College a relentless soundtrack to Charlestown life. This isn’t just a highway. It’s a scar a testament to the battles fought not just on Bunker Hill itself but for the very soul of this neighborhood.
I-93 near Bunker Hill College wasn’t always there. Before the concrete and asphalt this land held a different story. This was the site of the Charlestown State Prison a formidable structure that loomed over the community for decades. It closed in 1955 paving the way for a new chapter but not without controversy.
The construction of I-93 was far from smooth. The residents many of them Italian Irish or Portuguese immigrants fought fiercely against its expansion. They saw the highway not as progress but as a physical and symbolic barrier. They envisioned a future where their voices were heard. They organized protests. They rallied. They even staged a dramatic protest at the Bunker Hill parade carrying a casket symbolizing the “burial” of I-93. But their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful.
The elevated design of I-93 near Bunker Hill College became a reality. It cleaved through the fabric of East Somerville isolating neighborhoods and creating significant health hazards. The air pollution from exhaust and the incessant noise were detrimental to residents. Studies have shown increased rates of respiratory issues and other health problems for people living near the highway. The consequences continue to be felt even today.
Imagine the children playing nearby the construction site. Tragedy struck in 1970 when two young boys Charles Harris and Craig Fletcher fell into an excavation ditch. Their lives were tragically cut short near the I-93 near Bunker Hill College. The event underscores the dangers faced by the community during I-93’s construction.
The legacy of I-93 near Bunker Hill College is a complex one. It’s a story of progress versus community of political power versus grassroots activism. The highway stands as a reminder of the battles fought and lost of the voices silenced and the scars that remain. But it’s also a story of resilience of a community that despite the challenges continues to thrive. Bunker Hill Community College a symbol of educational opportunity stands close by. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Charlestown.