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Dorchester Heights Monument in Boston National Historical Park to be Restored through GAOA Funding

Image of a park under construction with vehicles and a central monument surrounded by scaffolding.
Progress photograph on November 21, 2023, showing scaffolding around monument and active construction work on the former west stairs.

NPS/E Hanson Plass

Boston National Historical Park is planning a multimillion-dollar restoration of the Dorchester Heights Monument atop Telegraph Hill in South Boston with funding from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). This project will restore 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 replace 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 will restore 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 will renew 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.

Current Status

January 2025 Updates:

Monument:

  • Contractor installed the horizontal rails and conduit for the security cameras as well as the metal guardrails in the Level 3 arched openings. Contractor ran wiring through the conduits for the camera mounts.
  • Contractor continued painting on Level 4 of the Monument.
  • Contractor installed interior handrails along the stairway in the Monument.
  • Contractor painted and installed twelve custom storm-resistant louvered panels at the top of the drum enclosure.
  • Contractor staged the doors for installation at Level 2.
  • Contractor reinstalled winter protection on the Monument Plinth walkway.

Hardscape:

  • Contractor disassembled storage shed and prepared it for demobilization.
  • Contractor reinstalled all winter protection that was affected by high winds. Contractor cleaned/plowed snow from protective blankets, roadways, and throughout the site after storm events.
  • Contractor worked offsite assembling light poles and fixtures for delivery and installation. Contractor received and installed light poles throughout the site. Contractor wired exterior lights.
  • Contractor erected forms and falsework for final section of serpentine wall connecting the West and South pile caps. Inspector investigated rebar installation in final vertical wall. Contractor placed and finished concrete in the final vertical wall section.
  • Contractor backfilled South walkway retaining wall. Contractor staged material and installed trench drains in south walkway.
  • Contractor began removal of existing catch basin in southwest edge of Upper South Road. Contractor completed reinstallation of relocated catch basin in Upper South Road.
  • Contractor began forming for concrete walk between Northeast stair landing and Monument. Contractor cleaned and prepped Northwest edge of Upper North Road for forming of concrete roadbed.
  • Contractor set up and executed corrective work at the South gate sign opening.

Project Progress

Illustration of Continental soldiers and officers in a fortification overlooking a harbor.
History of Dorchester Heights

Learn about the significance of Dorchester Heights through this historical overview. Photo: National Park Service/©Louis S. Glanzman

Dorchester Heights Monument with stage and podium in front and audience sitting on sidewalk sides.
Boston NHP Receives $25M for Restoration

Great American Outdoors Act funding will rehabilitate the iconic Dorchester Heights Monument and surrounding area.

Boston National Historical Park

Last updated: February 14, 2025