Although Downtown Crossing has been Boston's primary retail area for many years, it was originally a residential district for the leaders of colonial Boston, who traded on the wharves and in shops leading from the waterfront. Their seat of government was the Old State House at the head of State Street. The Great Spring, the main fresh water source for the area is also the source of Spring Lane's name.
Much of Downtown Crossing's street pattern dates from the 17th century. Contrary to legend, cows did not lay out Boston streets, although many of the streets between Washington and Tremont were once cow paths leading to the Common. Today's Washington Street was the main road in colonial Boston and was lined with buildings at an early date.
By the mid-19th century, the semi-rural area around Washington Street began to accommodate commercial uses. The Great Fire of November 1872 destroyed more than 500 buildings in a 65-acre area. Property owners reconstructed the district within several years, often rebuilding in Victorian-era styles. Because the fire stopped at Washington Street, a number of so-called "pre-fire" buildings survive in the blocks between Washington and Tremont streets.
By the late 19th century, early skyscrapers began to make their appearance in Downtown Crossing as retail establishments evolved into major department stores and financial institutions spread into the area from Post Office Square.
Information provided by the Boston Preservation Alliance.
