History Around Us

Milton is a great town to live in with easy proximity to the city, beautiful open spaces, great schools and so much more.  But one thing particularly impressive about the town is the history around us.

Wakefield Estate which includes 22 acres of formal gardens, orchards, woodlands and wetlands is home to the Isaac Davenport Mansion as well as other buildings. Owned originally by Mary "Polly" Wakefield, the estate offers educational opportunities, tours, presentations, workshops, hands-on training, internships and other programs covering a variety of subjects, including local history, ecology, horticulture, agriculture, archival work and historic preservation.  Dogwood Days, which takes place in June, highlights the beauty of the estate with all the blooming dogwood trees.

The Eustis Estate is a stunning historic mansion that embodies late 19th century architecture and design, sitting on 80 acres of land that abuts the Blue Hills. The property originally comprised more than 250 acres of fields, woodland, and gardens, with four original buildings built between 1878 and 1902.  The Eustis mansion was the first building constructed and was designed by preeminent architect William Ralph Emerson.  Beautiful stain glass windows, woodwork and other ornate touches adorn the house.  In addition to classes and tours offered, the grounds are also lovely for walking or picnics.  

The Suffolk Resolves House is the site where the Suffolk Resolves were signed in September of 1774 and then carried by Paul Revere to the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia.  The Suffolk Resolves were a declaration made by the leaders of Suffolk County, which rejected the Massachusetts Government Act and resolved to boycott imported goods from Britain unless the Intolerable Acts were repealed.  The resolves were considered a major development in colonial unrest in what eventually led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  The house is now the home to the Milton Historical Society.

The Forbes House was built in 1833 for Margaret Perkins by her children (including Captain Robert Bennett Forbes) who were part of an American family involved in the China Trade.  Built in a Greek Revival style, the house has many nautical elements incorporated into the design.  A cupola was built at the top of the house, from which ships arriving in Boston Harbor could be seen.   The Forbes House holds tours and special events throughout the year.

The Bradley Estate, once a colonial farm, was transformed in 1902 into a beautiful country estate owned by Dr. Arthur Tracey Cabot, who hired Charles Platt, a well-known architect to design a great house, landscaped grounds, and farm and estate buildings. The estate has manicured lawns, a walled garden, and a brick-edged garden.  In 1945, Cabot's niece Eleanor Cabot Bradley acquired Cherry Hill Farm and lived there with her husband until its bequest to The Trustees of Reservations in 1991. Mrs. Bradley made some notable additions to the property, including a greenhouse and a studio. There are many fun events scheduled there throughout the year, especially at the holidays.

If you want to explore locally, these local gems are a good place to start!