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Boston Stone
Artist:
Unknown
Location:
Union Street
Location
Union Street
United States
See map: Google Maps
Neighborhood:
Downtown
Type:
Architectural Element
Year:
1737
Medium:
stone
Collection:
Funders:
Description:
The Boston Stone, attached low on a wall near Ye Olde Union Oyster House, is said to have been put in place in 1737. Historically, it served as the starting point for measuring travel distances from Boston. Though the stone’s convex surface is now worn and chipped, in its earlier life the stone was imported to the city in 1700 and used to grind pigments for making paint. Because of its early association with paint making, the stone has from time to time been honored by ceremonies conducted by The New England Paint, Varnish and Lacquer Association.