Douglas D. Schumann Library & Learning Commons: CIVE 3800-01: Engineering Boston: Mill Dams

Boston and Roxbury Mill Dam

Back Bay Land: North Side of Beacon between David G. Mugar Way and Charlesgate East
Provides historical and locational information on the Mill Dam and Cross Street Dam.
The Boston and Roxbury Mill Corporation (1818)
In this pamphlet Uriah Cotting advocated for the building of a causeway and mill dam that would provide water power for Boston grain mills
Building The Mill Dam
A short account of the Mill Dam; a causeway built between 1818 and 1821 to supply water power for industrial use.
Creating Boston's Back Bay (Video)
Boston historian Anthony Sammarco talks about the building of the Mill Dam and subsequent land filling (4:50).
DPLA: Materials on the Mill Dam
Maps and engraved illustrations from the Digital Public Library of America.
MHC: Boston's Mill Dam
An online archaeological exhibit on the Mill Dam and on artifacts uncovered at its site.
Report of the Joint Committee on Public Lands in Relation to the Public Garden (1850)
Provides a history of Boston Common and the Mill Dam. It also weighs the question of constructing a Public Garden or of selling the newly filled land.
Report on the Tidal Flats of Back Bay (1853)
A report on the ownership of tidal flats cut off by the Mill Dam.
Third Report of the Commissioners on Boston Harbor and the Back Bay (1855)
Discusses property rights of the Boston & Roxbury Mill Corporation. See pp. 11 and 13 for maps of the Mill Dam's location.