history

Prior to South Boston’s annexation to Boston, Andrew Square was known as “little Neck” due to its thin, natural passageway, which was once the only gateway into Boston from the south. It was a rural area throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, with large farmsteads and Greek revival homes scattered along the main route of Dorchester Avenue. Eventually, businesses thrived and “Little Neck” became a bustling town with a blend of office, retail and beautiful row homes.

After 1850, “Little Neck” changed is name to Washington Village in honor of Colonel George Washington’s victory at Fort William and Mary (today named Fort Independence) located on Castle Island, just off the Boston Harbor. During this time, South Boston was predominantly an industrial area; particularly, the western side of South Boston, along the borders of Dorchester throughout the main thoroughfare of Dorchester Avenue in South Boston. Iron foundries, machine shops, a tallow factory, and carriage manufactory pushed the industrial dominance into Andrew Square and many beautiful homes; gardens and parks were pulled down to make room for the ever-expanding industry. Today, Andrew Square’s industrial history lingers, but the city of Boston and private developers are putting forth major efforts to change its industrial persona back into the perfect blend of business and retail.