It's all in Roxbury

Discovering the arts, history and culture of a unique community

Roxbury is the geographic center of Boston and it emanates a sense of culture that is, at once, old, new and ongoing.  Originally known as “Rocksbury” for its huge outcroppings of puddingstone, Roxbury was founded in 1630 with borders that included Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Roslindale. Growth and prosperity made Roxbury so desirable that in 1867, Boston absorbed the town “rock, stock and puddingstone.”

Roxbury still retains the feel of a highly energetic small town. The flatland bustles with modern commerce as inhabitants traverse Washington, Dudley and Warren Streets –roads that converge to become Roxbury’s commercial center in the Dudley Square Business District. The hills offer scenic vistas and more architectural styles than most neighborhoods in Boston. A vibrant art scene, a rich history and a strong and continuing tradition of activism and civic engagement all contribute to Roxbury’s unique sense of place.

Roxbury is not just a physical community.  It is a spiritual and emotional community, for current residents (mostly people of African descent) and former residents (Irish, Jewish and many others).  It is now undergoing a period of renaissance and redevelopment and is home to a lively cultural mix that includes African Americans, Cape Verdeans, people from all over the Caribbean, Africans, Latinos and European Americans. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy our businesses and cultural institutions.