Atop Savin Hill stands a park a testament to persistence. Savin Hill Park in Dorchester Boston boasts a rich history. Centuries ago the Neponset Indians a part of the Massachusett tribe summered here. Then came the Puritans in 1630. They initially named this area Rock Hill. Their settlement near Grampian Way and Savin Hill Avenue marked the beginning of a long and fascinating story.
The name Savin Hill emerged much later. In 1819 Joseph Tuttle a local innkeeper who established a luxurious hotel near the intersection of Savin Hill Avenue and Tuttle Street coined the new name. He was inspired by the abundant red juniper trees also known as Savin trees that graced the area. This name stuck transforming Rock Hill first and Olde Hill later into the Savin Hill we know today.
The 19th century saw significant changes. The Worthington family owned much of the land. They sold house lots after the Civil War resulting in the construction of many Victorian homes that still line the hill. The arrival of the Shawmut Branch Railroad in 1872 improved transportation connecting Savin Hill to downtown Boston. This spurred further development. Savin Hill Station joined Boston’s rapid transit network in 1927 further cementing its accessibility.
The creation of Savin Hill Park itself is a story of community perseverance. James Stark a local resident campaigned tirelessly for decades to convince the city to acquire the land for a park. It took the combined efforts of the Dorchester Historical Society and several mayors finally culminating in the park’s establishment. The park’s existence today is a tribute to their unwavering dedication and community spirit. Atop this drumlin formed by retreating glaciers a reminder of Boston’s geological past stands Savin Hill Park a place where history nature and community converge. Enjoy the view.