About This Resource
Boston, with its colonial history and varied topography, features numerous historic staircases and pedestrian pathways. Notable areas include the narrow alleyways and stairs of Beacon Hill, stairs in Charlestown, and various neighborhood connections throughout the city. While not as extensively documented as some other cities, Boston's stairs reflect the city's pre-automobile urban design and provide important pedestrian connections. The stairs often feature historic brick and stone construction. They represent an important part of Boston's pedestrian heritage and colonial-era urban planning.