Roxbury Heritage State Park
Urban Heritage State Park in Boston’s Historic Roxbury Neighborhood — Dillaway-Thomas House Museum Built in 1750, Revolutionary War Headquarters During the Siege of Boston 1775–1776, Exhibits on Roxbury History From Colonial Era Through Abolitionist Movement and Civil Rights Era, Panoramic Views of the Boston Skyline From Elevated Park Grounds, Landscaped Green Space in an Urban Setting, Free Admission Year-Round, Managed by Massachusetts DCR, Near Dudley Square and the Roxbury Cultural District, Roxbury Suffolk County Boston Massachusetts
Roxbury Heritage State Park is a history-themed urban state park in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The park features the Dillaway-Thomas House — a colonial-era structure built in 1750 that served as headquarters for both American General John Thomas and British forces during the Revolutionary War Siege of Boston (1775–1776), museum exhibits on the rich history of Roxbury spanning colonial times through the abolitionist movement, the Great Migration, and the Civil Rights era, panoramic views of the Boston skyline from the elevated park grounds, landscaped green space with walking paths and benches in an urban neighborhood setting, free admission year-round, seasonal interpretive programming and educational events, and proximity to Dudley Square and the Roxbury Cultural District.
The Dillaway-Thomas House is a remarkable survivor of 18th-century Boston — built in 1750, it was used as headquarters by General John Thomas during the Siege of Boston (1775–1776). From nearby Dorchester Heights, Thomas helped oversee the fortification that forced the British evacuation of Boston — a pivotal moment in the American Revolution.
Roxbury Heritage is one of Massachusetts’ most unique state parks — a tiny urban park that packs enormous historical significance into a compact, walkable site in one of Boston’s most culturally vibrant and historically significant neighborhoods. The views of the Boston skyline from the elevated grounds are surprisingly dramatic.
What to See
- Dillaway-Thomas House — 1750 colonial museum
- Revolutionary War — Siege of Boston HQ (1775–76)
- Boston skyline views — panoramic from elevated grounds
- Roxbury history — colonial to civil rights exhibits
- Free admission — year-round
- Nearby — Dudley Square, Roxbury Cultural District
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Roxbury, Boston, Suffolk County, MA |
| Type | Urban heritage park — day-use |
| Historic Site | Dillaway-Thomas House (1750) |
| Admission | Free — year-round |
| Camping | ❌ No — urban day-use only |
| Managed By | Massachusetts DCR |
| Coordinates | 42.3283° N, 71.0867° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dillaway-Thomas House at Roxbury Heritage State Park?
The Dillaway-Thomas House at Roxbury Heritage State Park in Boston is a colonial-era house built in 1750 that served as headquarters for General John Thomas during the Siege of Boston (1775–1776) — a pivotal episode in the American Revolution. Now a free museum with exhibits spanning Roxbury’s history from colonial times through the abolitionist movement, the Great Migration, and the Civil Rights era. The urban state park managed by Massachusetts DCR features landscaped grounds with panoramic Boston skyline views. Located near Dudley Square in the Roxbury Cultural District.
Last updated: May 2026
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