I run everywhere in Somerville and today's course was through the monument. Nice view during the run. Grass area someone was working out which was nice as well. Good hill training. read more

AN ABSOLUTELY MUST DO! A FREE EVENT & FREE PARKING! I LOVE CASTLES! This is one of the Secret Hidden Gems of America that most people have never heard about or been to before. The Prospect Hill Monument is a stone structure in the shape of a mini Castle & is located in Somerville, Massachusetts just outside of Boston. This is a residential area with homes. It is also a historic site & provides panoramic views of Boston & surrounding cities. There is also a small park in this neighborhood here with green grass, park benches & a good spot for picnicking & relaxing. It's great place to visit Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall with a changing natural New England landscape. BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK OTHERWISE YOU MAY GET A TICKET. Park only at the signs where it says it's OK to Park; it's a residential area. You can also visit here by Mass Transit too. This site is only a few blocks away & up the hill from the bustling heart of Union Square. There are a lot of local businesses & eateries there. The medieval fortress tower was constructed out of stone & steel. It was built in 1903 to commemorate the site's military importance during the Revolutionary & Civil Wars. The Tower stands 4 stories tall. Climb the stairs to the the first outdoor open deck, & you'll see great views of Boston, Somerville, & Cambridge. The inside of the tower & top were open pre-pandemic periodically at various times. Check the website for current info & updates. Be sure to go all around the tower on the ground level. There are plaques with lots of detailed info all around the tower. Also check out all the signs throughout the Park telling you even more info about this spot & how it was instrumental in uniting the colonies. On January 1, 1776, General George Washington himself who would later become the first President of the United States, during the Revolutionary War hoisted the very first national flag of America on this very spot. It was called the Grand Union Flag & predates The Famous Betsy Ross Flag. Our current red & white Stripes with 50 Stars flag is not flown here. Lots of people miss this. Zoom in with your camera & you will see the First Flag of America. The Grand Union Flag is still flown here on top of the tower. It has red & white stripes but with the blue British Union Jack in the corner instead of the Stars. It's Pretty Cool that they still fly our very first national flag here. To make it worth your trip be sure to visit the extremely popular Union Square Donuts which has Great Donuts & is only a few blocks away. It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget! read more

This monument rocks. It's the site of the first ever American flag! Go up to the base for a panoramic view of Boston. You can't get all the way up (rumor is you can twice per year--on New Year's eve and on the afternoon of the midsummer neighborhood block party, but the latter proved false), however I have heard there is an annual event at which locals hug the monument. read more

Prospect Hill Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

See all

Thanks to Yelp I planned a nice evening run for myself to this strange little turreted tower with a GREAT view of the Back Bay skyline. You get a warm sense of achievement from running up the hill and stairs from Union Square down below and being greeted by the friendly faces of Mr John Hancock and Mrs Prudential. And as well as the view there is the great bonus of the 2nd coolest flag ever! It's the stars and stripes but without the stars bit and with a UK flag in that spot. Apparently it is the 'Grand Union Flag' and it was one that George Washington quite liked. As a Brit it's nice to see this old-school mash-up flag of the UK and USA together. Only Hawaii's flag is cooler. read more

Prospect Hill Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

Very walkable nice great for sunset watching amazing to watch the 4th of July fireworks

This is an satisfying little historical landmark that's easily visible from Union square, but also easy to miss while driving by it each day. The size of the Prospect Hill Monument is deceiving. When I saw it from below, it looked like a very large walk up to the viewing area. In fact, there's a road directly behind it with local permit parking (I wasn't able to find guest parking in my quick search). From the road, it's just two short staircases up, and then a full view of the surrounding area. You won't be able to go inside the huge wooden doors to the tower, which leaves some mystery. (Read other comments on accessibility twice a year.) I wouldn't visit here for the typical Boston skyline view, as it's a bit in the distance - however the panoramic view of Everett and Somerville are enough to satisfy. I just looked around for 5 minutes because, why not? We walk past these beautiful pieces of history each day and don't stop to breathe. When you come here, read the Wiki! The American history is fascinating, and it adds depth to what would otherwise be a quick trip to a local landmark. read more

Prospect Hill Monument - You can only climb halfway up, but it's a cool little structure! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

We caught sight of this monument from the streets below, and just climbed up in that direction. You have some partially obscured but impressive views of the Boston skyline after a quick steep stair climb. Once you are up on the stone monument, there's not much more to see. Park itself is very small, and you can't go inside the structure. I wonder if you could see Fourth of July/NYE fireworks from there? Probably good for a picnic. I think I would have been disappointed if I'd made a whole trip out of this place but it was a great detour on our way to downtown Somerville. read more

Prospect Hill Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

This is a stone structure that gives you an ok view of Boston. Pros: its free. Cons: you can't go inside and climb to the top I was expecting a great view, but all I could say was meh. Lots of couples like to come here. read more

See all

I cannot believe I missed the re-enactment of the first flag raising. That makes me feel so glum inside. Even more glum because even if I known this awesomely silly ceremony was taking place down the street, I was at WORK on New Year's. A bummer from every angle. That said, Prospect Hill Monument, as Pete says, provides one a tremendous view of the whole West-South-East-facing skyline and helped orient me when I first moved to the area. It's in the middle of a weird small triangular park that I think merits its own review (to be written... at some point), My favorite Prospect Hill Monument memory was one of my first days in Somerville, when I followed the huge crowds to a 4th of July celebration at Prospect Hill, which offered an entirely theoretical "view" of some fireworks display. From the ground, you didn't see a damn thing; the view may have been better from up above in the tower. The tower was, however, "guarded" by two policemen that night, who taped it off with "CRIME SCENE" tape (I honestly thought there had been a fatality at first), blocked it off with a squad car, and then just stood by and watched as people climbed over and under it to go up top. I thought "I love their pluck!" and I still do. read more

Wow. An amazing view, tucked away in a residential area in Somerville. This hidden gem shows Bostons superb skyline and offers a place to relax and chat. Bring a book, picnic, or just yourself on a warm breezy day! read more

We both grew up directly outside of Boston, we both spent much of our angst ridden middle school and high school years searching out any over-looked, under-appreciated views and adventures and landscapes and sights in the Boston area, but somehow, a good friend and I found ourselves scuttling up a hill at record pace tonight to identify that mysterious lit-up castle looming over Union Square, for the first time. After enough stairs to pump blood into each limb and heighten anticipation, a single, modest tower stands proud, adding complexity and small stretches of open space, amidst Somerville's unremarkable residential landscape. We expected a lingering scent of urine, litter, maybe a few homeless, or at the least teenagers doing what they do, but the site proved clean, calm, and refreshing. Seat yourself on a ledge, open your eyes, and get some perspective. All the irregular lines, idiosyncrasies built into city plans, snap into focus, aligning cultural diversity with basic urban structure. The joy of an uninhibited, plain and simple great view is understated, but seems universal. It is impossible to look out over an expanse, especially an urban one, without catching something: maybe an overlooked area, abandoned building, perfectly lush park, or shortcut through back streets. Tonight, we caught a shooting star, caught up after months apart, and caught that perfect transition from twilight to night. Take an hour, take a friend, a picnic, a bottle, a date, a notebook, a pet, or just your own pair open eyes at the ready, and see where you are. read more

I love this spot and it really does have the best view around. If you come on New Year's Day or during our annual neighborhood picnic you'll get a chance to view the metro Boston area from the top of the tower. It's very worth the wait. Even when the tower is not open you still get a great view out to Everett, Boston harbor, Harvard, and beyond. The surrounding park is nice as well and during the summer months provides a little oasis from the bustle of Union Square and the bleakness of the McGrath area. The trees planted just below the park level loom high over the houses below providing a screen from them allowing you to pretend, just for a bit, that you got away from the city. Adding additional an fun aspect you'll often come across a marching band and / or someone walking a tight rope strung between a couple trees. I mean, this is Somerville after all right? read more

Yes, there is a castle in Somerville. No one will ever believe you until they see it with their own eyes but it's true. Well, maybe not a castle, more like a tower, but you get the idea. The Prospect Hill Memorial Tower is one of the best local flavor aspects of "The City of the People." It isn't that there is much to do atop the tower or in the park save stare into the distance at Copley Square, but there is something to be said for doing just that. This is a neat place to take a lady late at night and stare at the twinkling lights of Boston, something that is actually more rare in this town than you might think but just as romantic as you might imagine. The tower is also proclaimed as having had the first American flag raised there in 1776. A nice little tidbit that adds to the ambience. Go to the tower for the history, stay for the necking. read more

Love love love this place. I can't believe I've put off trying to find it for so long, but Lucy dog and I went yesterday and it made me smile real big-like! Great view and nice "spacious" (spacious enough) grassy knoll to lay on. I can't wait to lay out there when it gets warmer!!!! read more

Every time I have visited my daughter in Somerville I would walk by the monument in the park and wonder if it was ever open. This time I was there on the right day and the right time, even if the crew was a little slow in getting it open. The views from the time were fantastic. The insides of the tower are also very interesting. This is open only on certain days during the year so plan ahead if you wish to go in it. I got lucky I was there on a day that was a scheduled open day. read more

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful spot in Somerville. A fun place to wind down and look at breathtaking views of the city. This is great place for a picnic or a solo book session. Amazing place to spend your summer nights and catch that afternoon sunset. read more

Really cool to visit the castle when it's open. You can go all the way to the top and see an incredible view. It is only open during certain times of the year. There are some events that happen around the prospect hill area and a park across the street. A lot of grass area that is good for groups of people and different activities. It is a great place to come for the Fourth of July as there is a great view of the fireworks. It is better to get there early as it could get really crowded and it will make it difficult to see anything. read more

Excuse me, but what's not to love? This monument is picturesque, historic, and probably a good makeout spot. Just callin' it like I see it. This is the first place the American flag was ever flown anywhere. Every New Year's Day, the city of Somerville puts on a reenactment ceremony, replete with a George Washington impersonator, hot cocoa and cider, and a multiple gun salute. It's a really fun way to get ya civic engagement on. The other 364 days a year, the lawn is a lovely spot for picnics. From the tower, you can see the entire metropolitan skyline. It's a great place to watch the fireworks for July 4th, too! This park is in the middle of a neighborhood, so there's not much in the way of parking. On the other hand, it's just a quick hike up from the Union Square thoroughfare, so you can get your sightseeing in after you've had a drink and a snack at one of the great places in this area. read more

If you're visiting or have family/friends visiting definitely take them here. Not only is the view beautiful but it's such a great piece of history. I'm not sure if they ever really open the tower to the pubic but on a school field trip I got the rare opportunity to walk up the stairs and see the view from the top and it is even more amazing then the view the general public get. Definitely bring a camera here. If you don't you're probably going to wish you had. The view of the fireworks display was mentioned previously. I know people who have watched them from this spot but never watched it from here personally. But there are many great areas to view the display from. Just go early, lol. read more

Great spot to have a picnic! We went for the fireworks, and they were a bit hard to see because of the trees, but they were going off in different spots so we could really see a lot. read more

The view is beautiful, you can sit on a bench with this beautiful view of Boston from a distance. The area is perfect for a nice quite picnic or if your into yoga then do so. I highly recommended. read more

Prospect Hill Monument - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

THIS WAS WASHINGTON'S FIELD HEADQUARTERS -1775 TO 76, UNFORTUNATELY, IN THE LATE 1860'S IT'S TOP WAS USE AS LANDFILL. NO REMNANTS OF THE FORTIFICATION THAT 4000 TROOPS CONSTRUCTED SURVIVE. SOMERVILLE DOG IS LOBBYING FOR A DOG PARK HERE. Let no unpatriotic hand destroy this revolutionary relic, now known as Fort Washington." In the "History of Cambridge, Massachusetts 1630-1877" by Lucius R. Paige, on Page 422, "Let no unpatriotic hand destroy this revolutionary relic, now known as Fort Washington." The Erecting of the Dog Fence, approved by the Cambridge Historical Commission in 11/2005, on the 230th anniversary of the building of Fort Washington Earthworks, has in my opinion severely eroded the 231 year old Earthworks and turned the Parade ground in a frozen mud pit. Dogs borrow holes in the 231 year old Earthworks with impunity, as there is no protection for these fragile revolutionary relics, our forefathers so bravely constructed under British cannonades while suffering sickness and death in the Camps and Barracks of Cambridge. --- Read "1776" 1776: Books: David McCullough I am glad Cambridge preserved the 149 year old fence in the 1902, 1976, 1986 etc. around Fort Washington, but the Fence was built for the purpose of providing protection to the 231 year old Earthworks. Washington and his Volunteer Soldiers, who toiled so hard to build the Hundreds of Siege fortifications around Boston that, with Knox's Ticonderoga Canon on Dorchester Heights, Forced the British Evacuation of Boston on March 17, 1776. Fort Washington Earthworks are the last remaining fragile revolutionary relics of these Hundreds of Siege fortifications built, that resulted in Washington's Improbable Victory. I believe these 231 years old Earthworks deserve at least the same protection afforded the Earthworks at National Battlefields such as Petersburg. FROM PETERSBURG VA, NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK --- CIVIL WAR EARTHWORKS LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES 2 States: c. Minimize the deleterious action of natural phenomena on the earthworks, e.g., windthrow of trees, burrowing of animals, or invasion of plant species that reduce natural diversity and erosion controlling cover. I do like dogs, but as a USN Veteran, DAV, and American Legion Member, I feel this not the proper place to allow dogs to run free, just as dogs are not permitted in Mt Auburn Cemetery. BRIAN D. CAMPBELL PEARL STREET CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139 CAMBRIDGE CHRONICLE Letter: Dog park needs improvements Wednesday, February 14, 2007 - Updated: 12:36 PM EST I have been a resident of Cambridgeport for more than nine years, and I have enjoyed using the dog park at Fort Washington and respect its historical significance. In the past year, I have become increasingly alarmed at the abuse that the park has suffered. Today the site is little more than a large dirt lot. The green grass has long disappeared and the mounds are eroding. Large holes mar the site, and gravel litters the ground where grass once grew. I think it's important to have a dog-friendly dog park, and I appreciate the effort Cambridge has made by installing fences to enclose the park. However, Cambridge's magnanimous effort to help dog owners has attracted abuse, especially by dog walkers. At some times during the day, I have seen dog walkers carry 10 dogs to Fort Washington. Some dog walkers are responsible and do not allow their dogs to harm the park. However, others are not so respectful. Some dog walkers release their dogs where they wildly run into the park. Sometimes they run around with leashes dragging in the dirt. Some dogs become bored or anxious and dig large holes in the mounds or in the grass. The sheer volume of dogs (between 10 to 30 dogs) is detrimental to the space. I would like to propose that drastic measures be taken to protect the park. First, I would like to see the park closed for restoration to grow new grass and rebuild the mounds. This would include restoring topsoil that has either blown away or eroded off the site. During a restoration period, the dog walkers would have to find a new place to take the dogs. Secondly, I would propose limiting the dog park in the amount of dogs that one could take to the park. This limit would prevent or discourage dog walkers from bringing large packs to the park. I fondly remember going to Fort Washington with my dog and being able to sit in the grass, throw a ball or just enjoy a summer's day. I hope Cambridge will find a way to save this special park so that others will be able to do this in the future. George Washington once walked this ground. Soldiers stood ready to protect Boston there. Now it's our turn to protect the land that once played an important part in our country's history. CLAIRE DANIEL Cambridge BRIAN D. CAMPBELL PEARL STREET CAMBRIDGE, MA 02139 read more

Not only the site of the first flag raising in the union of rebellious colonies (see the re-enactment every New Year's Day at noon), but secretly one of the best views looking at the cities of Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville. Sadly, you can't get to the top of the tower, but you can ascend its base. If you're thinking of getting engaged to someone who really digs Somerville you should propose to them here. read more

A great overlook of Downtown Boston. I took a ton of pictures here: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/106657209739443184074/albums/5510784025718738401 read more

OMG. Need a romance-enhancer? Look no further than the PH Monument. Great views, good place for making out like a high schooler.

I actually got married here last summer. We had to pay a fee a nominal fee to the city of Somerville and we were able to use it for our ceremony. We rented chairs and had them set up on the grass. It was beautiful. We then took pictures at the top of the monument. Really nice place. read more

Prospect Hill has one of the loveliest views of Somerville/Cambridge. An excellent place to stop for a picnic. Walk up the monument for an even better view. read more

The view here overlooking the city is, on a perfect summer's twilight, one of Somerville's best-kept secrets. With a book in your hand or a friend by your side, you will care very little about the problems of the world when you're here. It's calm, quiet, a perfect blend of serenity and poetry. There's history here, deep as the roots in the trees that shelter you in their shade. Next time you need a moment to yourself, come up here and sneak onto the knoll beneath the tower. You'll be happy you did! read more

Every New Year's Day there's a celebration atop Prospect Hill where we reenact the flying of the first American flag here. Shooting of muskets, patriotic songs, free donuts, coffee and hot cider -- definitely the thing to do on New Year's Day. The monument typically is open this day to climb to the top. Wicked cold and breezy up there in the winter so no one stays up there for long but the view is just amazing. Check out this website by a resident on the history of the hill with fun historic postcards of the place -- http://www.muldermedia.com/prospecthill/index.html read more

Ths hidden gem is small, but has a good view of Boston skyline. It is a nice place to rest and relax in the summer months and in the spring/fall as you can enjoy the breeze, wind, tree, grass. In the winter, the snow also adds another dimension to the landscape and taking pictures, going a run, taking a nice stroll, or just looking down onto Boston and Inman Square is enjoyable. The Tower itself is locked. An imposing building, it makes quite the statement from all angles. It is a nice surprise for those not aware of it and a nice hideaway by the same factor. read more

Great views of downtown from this otherwise out-of-way spot. Perfect for a picnic or a late night stroll. Take the time to walk around the surrounding streets and check out the old mansions. read more

Actually did a Paranormal investigation there and got some great captures with our equipment and cameras . It's got a breath taking view but even more impressive history . Great place to watch a sunrise or set and even a paranormal investigation . read more

If you have a dog and live in the area, you should worship this place. If you don't and like watching the occasional happy dog or are a voyeur and like watching the occasional amorous couple, there are worse places to hang out. read more

The only reason it isn't a five is that it's only open a few days a year. Hands down one of my favorite places in Somerville.