How did a cider barrel change the destiny of a hill? Right here before you stands Parker Hill now known as Mission Hill. This isn’t just any hill. It’s a place steeped in history. From orchards to breweries to a bustling residential neighborhood Parker Hill’s story unfolds before you.
Imagine the 18th century. Wealthy Boston families owned grand estates here. The Parker family held significant land. Peter Parker married Sarah Ruggles. Her family’s land made up much of what became Parker Hill. Tragedy struck when a barrel of Peter’s cider crushed him. This event is still commemorated with an annual cider press event in the nearby park.
The orchard gradually gave way to development. The hill hosted Boston’s reservoir. Many apple trees remain. They’re likely descendants of the Parker family’s originals. The eastern side had a puddingstone quarry. Merchants owned large parts of it. This quarry provided the stone for many 19th-century houses.
The neighborhood’s transformation accelerated in the mid-1800s. The first brewery appeared in the 1820s. By the 1870s beer production dominated. Breweries lined Stony Brook. Prohibition and changing tastes impacted the industry. Many brewery buildings now house condos.
In 1870 the Redemptorist Fathers built a church. A larger puddingstone structure replaced it in 1876. Dual spires were added in 1910. The church became a basilica in 1954. It’s still known as Mission Church even by its parishioners. Senator Edward Kennedy’s funeral was held here in 2009.
The Mission Hill Triangle is a landmark district. It’s a mix of houses built by early landowners. Traditional brick row houses are prevalent. Iconic triple-deckers are abundant. Many are now condos but some single family homes remain.
The hill’s location is significant. It’s near the Longwood Medical Area. This area contains hospitals and universities. Brigham Circle is the main commercial area. It has shops restaurants and a major grocery store. Kevin W Fitzgerald Park offers stunning views. This park was a quarry until around 1910. It was later renovated and opened in 2002.
Today Parker Hill or Mission Hill boasts a diverse population. Students from nearby colleges add to its vibrant feel. It is a place where the past present and future intertwine. It’s a hill with a story to tell. A story you have just witnessed. A story that continues to be written.