After being closed for almost two years, the Dorchester Heights Monument Project taking place at Thomas Park is complete.  Thanks to attentive Caught in Southie readers notifying us, it appears that the park is back open to the public, although the National Parks website has it listed as still being closed due to renovations. But the fencing is gone and walking paths are open.  It might be worth it to take a stroll around the grounds and check it out!

Boston National Historical Park implemented a multimillion-dollar restoration of the Dorchester Heights Monument atop Telegraph Hill in South Boston with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) back in 2023.

This project restored the 115-foot-tall marble commemorative tower, which was designed by Peabody & Stearns architects of Boston in 1899 and constructed in 1901-1902. It will also replaced all hardscapes within the surrounding 5.43-acre grounds around the tower, known as Thomas Park. With completion of this project, the iconic tower and grounds will be safe and accessible for visitors and continue to serve as a landmark within the local community.

The Dorchester Heights Monument commemorates the fortification of those Heights on the evening of March 4, 1776. After months of planning, George Washington ordered continental forces and local volunteers to stealthily fortify this location with cannon. This military operation led British forces to evacuate Boston two weeks later, on March 17, 1776. Since that historic moment, Dorchester Heights has remained a significant site to the local community and the nation.

Project at a Glance: This multimillion-dollar project restored the 115-foot-tall commemorative tower, as well as replace and upgrade the hardscape of the surrounding 5.43-acre grounds known as Thomas Park so that they are safe and accessible to all.

What are the Benefits: This multi-year project renewed the Dorchester Heights Monument as a safe gathering place for visitors and the local community. By addressing the deteriorated conditions of the tower and hardscape, visitors will be able to safely explore the grounds. The tower observatory will be accessible for special events and as staffing allows. In the observatory, visitors will be able to survey the commanding views of the city and Boston Harbor, which made this site a decisive factor in Washington’s first victory in the nation’s War for Independence.

Project Purpose and Goals

There are two aspects to this project: restoration of the commemorative tower and reconstruction of the surrounding hardscapes. Each play an integral role in making the park a safe place for visitors. This work includes:

• Restoration and structural upgrade of the tower, including dismantling and reconstructing the Belfry, Lantern, & Spire levels.
• Installation of new roofing, flashing, & bird control systems on the tower.
• Exterior and interior tower masonry restoration and cleaning.
• Restoration of the tower’s interior steel staircase.
• New lighting & ventilation systems in the tower and associated electrical upgrades.
• Restoration of the tower entrance gate & fencing, bronze entry door, and Observatory viewing doors.
• Hardscape reconstruction, including walkways, stairs, accessible ramps, handrails and retaining walls.
• New, deep micropile footings to reach stable soil to correct movement of walls. These footings are foundation support elements that will be used here to provide structural stability to the walls and slopes.
• Upgrading site stormwater drainage system.
• Monitoring and protecting of the ground’s archeological resources.
• Refurbishment of exterior lighting with new energy efficient fixtures.

Bring on the 250th Anniversary of the Birth of America on July 4th, 2026!