Boundaries:
North: the Mystic River
East: Boston Harbor
South: Boston Harbor and the Charles River
West: Caldwell Street, Crescent Street and the Inner Belt Industrial Park

Originally settled in the early 17th century, Charlestown did not become a part of Boston until 1874. It was already a thriving harborside community by the time of the American Revolution. A naval shipyard was established there in the early 1800s, generating a mixture of industry and port-related activities as well as large sections of tenement housing for workers. As waves of working class Europeans arrived to work in the shipyard, many of the wealthy old Charlestown families began to move out.

With World War II placing a heavy demand on the shipyard, many of the neighborhood’s homes were converted into rooming houses to accommodate both workers and ship crews. The resulting concentration of immigrants, sailors, and laborers gave Charlestown a reputation that did not encourage investments in building single-family homes, businesses, or support services. During the post-war depression, the area began a decline which did not begin to reverse until the urban renewal efforts of the 1970s. This urban renewal process, now nearing completion, was part of a larger revival and rebuilding initiative that has help restore the community, perpetuating further growth and improvement. Central to this growth has been the redevelopment of the Charlestown Navy Yard for office and residential uses.