Off the Bricks

Under Boston · STOP 11 · Boston Common / Chinatown edge

The Transit Commission's own report says ten people died in the 1897 explosion at this corner - six on the spot, four later.

On March 4, 1897, gas leaking into the subway dig at the corner of Tremont Street and the Common exploded under a passing streetcar. The Transit Commission's report counts the dead, then adds one line: 'The subway structure was not injured.' The subway opened six months later, behind a granite entrance once likened to a mausoleum. It still stands.

The scene at Tremont and Boylston after the gas explosion of March 4, 1897 (photographic print by N. L. Stebbins)
N. L. Stebbins, 'Tremont Street subway explosion,' March 4, 1897. Boston Public Library, Arts Department, via Digital Commonwealth.

This is stop 11 of Under Boston. Walk it - any two stops are free.

The plate

The Commission Counted Ten

Collected on site

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Directions

Transit, Firsts, Then and now, Underground

In these collections: Under Your Feet, Firsts (Contested)

Near Chinatown · Near Tufts Medical Center · Near Downtown Crossing · Near Park Street · Near Arlington

Sources (14)