Roxbury,
Massachusetts
A drive
through Roxbury is both a history lesson and a tour of a modern
urban neighborhood. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Boston,
Roxbury has long thrived thanks to its proximity to downtown,
while also retaining its unique character and neighborhood qualities.
Home to a great number of parks, schools and churches, a visitor
can see Boston's history in the architecture and landmarks of
the neighborhood.
From
the beginning, farming was the basis of Roxbury's economy, but
changes in the early 19th century, prompted by developments in
transportation brought industrial development along with denser
residential development. Roxbury became a manufacturing center,
which generated jobs not only for local residents but also for
residents of other parts of the city. Roxbury's rapid growth demanded
more municipal services; Boston subsequently annexed the neighborhood
in 1868.
Dudley
Square has long been Roxbury's commercial hub, dating back to
1901 when the Elevated Railway established Dudley Square as it
southernmost stop. Today the rail line is part of the MBTA system
and is known as the Orange Line. Roxbury is experiencing a significant
revitalization, evidenced by the 2001 opening of the Grove Hall
Mall, making the Grove Hall section of Roxbury another commercial
center of the neighborhood.
Boston Redevelopment Authority -
From
the City of Boston - Boston Redevelopment Authority website
The
Roxbury area population according to the 1990 census is comprised
of approximately 59,000 persons and 20,000 households (10% of
the City of Boston population). According to the 1990 census figures,
Roxbury consists of 76% Black (including people of African, Haitian,
Caribbean, and Cape Verdean descent), 10% White, 1% Asian, and
other races. (These figures still classify Latinos as "other" and
undoubtedly classify some Latinos as "white"). Approximately
205 of the population are Latinos, including people of Puerto
Rican, Dominican, Cuban, Mexican, and Central American descent.
Total
income for the Roxbury trade area is estimated at $540 million.
The 1990 retail buying power of residents within the Roxbury trade
area is estimated at 172.8 million. Total sales in Dudley Square
were estimated at $35-40 million in 1990. Approximately 22% of
the retail spending power is spent in Dudley Square. Approximately
$133 million of the retail buying power in the Roxbury trade area
is spent outside of Dudley Square.
From
the BRA Dudley Square Task Force Master Summary Report - 1992
A Brief history of Roxbury Massachusetts
