Chickatawbut Observation Tower
Approximate location: the National Park Service places this pin arbitrarily within the property, not at a surveyed point (stated accuracy ±12 m).
Why it's listed
Chickatawbut Observation Tower is a square lookout of native granite near the summit of Chickatawbut Hill in Quincy, Massachusetts. Built around 1930 to 1940 for the Metropolitan District Commission, it measures roughly 20 by 20 feet and rises about 60 feet. Its walls are uncoursed, cut-face rubble, and it has a slate roof. Visitors using the Blue Hills Reservation can enjoy a 180 degree panoramic view toward Boston. The tower was listed because it repeats the materials and design of the Great Blue Hill Observation Tower. Together with that observatory and the Commission's Blue Hills Headquarters Building, it forms a distinctive group of structures in the Reservation. These buildings blend into their surroundings and strengthen the educational and recreational character of the Blue Hills. The tower was part of a larger multiple resource area covering the Blue Hills and Neponset River reservations. Records describe its condition as good and its use as recreation, unchanged since it was built.
Significance in brief: The tower offers a 180 degree panoramic view toward Boston and repeats the materials and design of the Great Blue Hill Observation Tower. With the Observatory and the Blue Hills Headquarters Building it forms a special group of structures in the Reservation. The buildings blend into the landscape and add to its educational and recreational value.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 80000652, listed September 25, 1980. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Chickatawbut Rd., Quincy |
|---|---|
| County | Norfolk County |
| Listed | September 25, 1980 |
| Reference number | 80000652 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Areas of significance | Entertainment/Recreation |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition is described as good; present use is recreation. |
| Coordinates | 42.22500, -71.06082 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 80000652.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5096211
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.