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Roslindale History

Posted: July 1, 2009 at 11:49 am

Roslindale, a community 6 miles from downtown Boston, was annexed to the city in 1873. At the time, it was an out of the way part of the expansive town of West Roxbury.

In the 1880′s, the area was called South Street Crossing because the railroad crossed South Street at the street level. However, when the community applied for a post office district of its own, it was told that “South Street Crossing” was unacceptable to the government. And so, the community renamed itself.

The name, “Roslindale”, was suggested by a well-traveled member of the community who told the assembled citizens that the area reminded him of the beautiful historic town of Roslyn, Scotland, outside Edinburgh. He thought the area was like a dale because of the hills surrounding it. Thus the combination of”Roslyn” and “dale” were submitted to the Post Office and the name “Roslindale” was formally established.

Roslindale grew residentially as a classic street car suburb. The railway, which currently serves as the Needham line of the MBTA, was built after the Civil War, and spawned a new round of commercial development. Roslindale saw steady growth in its residential population, beginning in the 1880′s, with the introduction of the horse-drawn street railway service between Forest Hills and Dedham.

By the 1920′s Roslindale Village had assumed the configuration it has today. It is beautifully laid out with well-kept Adams Park at its center. The area is convenient, walkable, and allows easy access to its rail and bus lines. Roslindale continues to grow and offer great opportunity as a commercial and residential district.

For more information and resources on Roslindale history, contact the Roslindale Historical Society.

Category: Live
Tags: historic preservation, history