Quick Search
sign up for email updates
Submitted by rpupkin77 on Sun, 02/22/2009 - 14:17

Boston Neighborhoods - Jamaica Plain

Bookmark and Share

About Jamaica Plain

The neighborhood of Jamaica Plain is many things to many different people. But without question it is a community that is rich in history, natural resources and culture. It is unique, open, diverse and unlike any other of the neighborhoods of Boston. But, ultimately, it’s the residents of Jamaica Plain that define the true character of the community. Neighbors representing a broad range of social, racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds working and living together and sharing the common goal of looking after each other’s health and welfare and that of their beloved neighborhood.

Jamaica Plain, commonly known as JP, is a historic neighborhood of 4.4 sq. miles in Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Founded by Boston Puritans seeking farm land to the south, it was originally part of the city of Roxbury. The community seceded from Roxbury as a part of the new town of West Roxbury in 1851, and became part of Boston when West Roxbury was annexed to Boston in 1874.[1] In the 19th century, Jamaica Plain became one of the first Streetcar Suburbs in America and home to a significant portion of Boston's Emerald Necklace of parks, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. According to an official city estimate, it had a population of 38,196 in October 2003.

Neighborhood History

Jamaica Plain’s history is a fascinating study in continual social transformation that reveals a pattern of progressive change leading to cultural enrichment for the benefit of the community. As such, the history of Jamaica Plain has contributed greatly to the storied past of Boston as a whole. Evidence of these transformative social shifts goes back to beginning, circa 1650’s, when Pilgrim settlers displaced the local Massachusett Indian tribe—from whom, incidentally, it is theorized that Jamaica Plain may have gotten its name. Specifically, from a man who was the regent-to-the-chief of the Massachusett tribe known as “Kuchamakin,” or “Big Feather.” Another example of remarkable change occurred around the time of the American Revolution, when many of the “Tory” estate owners fled the country, and were replaced by the rising elite of the new Boston. And later still, more change--as the area transitioned from an agricultural community to an industrial one, ultimately leading to Jamaica Plain’s annexation to the city of Boston. There are many other such examples of extraordinary change through JP’s history, with each of contributing its’ part in defining Jamaica Plain’s unique identity and character.

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.
©2008 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21® is a registered trademark licensed to Century 21 Real Estate LLC. Equal Housing Opportunity.