Back Bay

Back Bay is a neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts, that was created through extensive landfill in the 19th century. Originally a tidal basin, it was dammed in the early 1800s to create mill sites. However, these basins never fully developed as intended.

In the 1850s, plans were made to fill the area, leading to the creation of streets like Commonwealth Avenue, designed to resemble Parisian boulevards. The Back Bay was largely filled and built up by the end of the 19th century, characterized by uniform architecture and strict building regulations. Today, it retains much of its historical architectural character, though many buildings have been repurposed for modern uses. The area is also part of the Emerald Necklace park system, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.12