Monument Square Landmark District Petition Moves Forward!

Big news for history buffs and preservation advocates in Charlestown—the Monument Square Landmark District petition, submitted by the Charlestown Preservation Society, is gaining traction! Mayor Wu has officially appointed the Monument Square Study Committee, which will soon begin holding public hearings to discuss the landmark district designation for buildings directly fronting the Bunker Hill Monument. The committee will work to establish goals and design criteria that balance historic preservation with modern updates for homeowners.

One of the standout properties in this potential new district is 19 Monument Square, a stunning example of Italianate/Second Empire architecture.

According to the Charlestown Preservation Society, this townhouse was built in 1862 for Isaac and Elizabeth (Soule) Sweetser and is steeped in Charlestown history. Isaac Sweetser was a direct descendant of Seth Sweetser, who settled in Charlestown in 1637. His grandfather, Seth Sweetser (1703-1778), was a schoolmaster who lost property when the British burned the town in 1775. Isaac himself had this stately home constructed in 1862 and lived there with his family while summering at his Gothic castle in Lynn. After his passing in 1887, the house remained in the Sweetser family before being sold in the 1910s.

Like many historic homes along Monument Square, 19 Monument Square was eventually converted into flats, allowing more families to experience a piece of Charlestown’s storied past. As the study committee begins its work, residents will have the opportunity to shape the future of this landmark district—ensuring that these architectural gems continue to stand tall while adapting to modern needs.

Stay tuned for updates on public hearings and ways to get involved in preserving the heart of Charlestown!

Image via Charlestown Preservation Society on Instagram