National Archives at Boston "Boston... must always remain, a Building place & a place of Rendezvous for our Navy..."- Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert to President John Adams, April 25, 1800 Recognizing the strategic location and role of Boston as an active port, the United States Navy built a new navy yard on the shores of nearby Charlestown in 1800. One of the first six Navy Yards in the country, the Charlestown Navy Yard expanded into a large ship-building and repairing operation, employing first hundreds, then thousands of workers. For 174 years, Charlestown played an integral role in building and maintaining the United States Navy fleet. While it closed in 1974, the Charlestown Navy Yard still stands as a testament to this long Naval history. Today, visitors can learn more about this history at the Charlestown Navy Yard visitor center, as well as USS Constitution, USS Constitution Museum, and USS Cassin Young. 
History of the Charlestown Navy Yard
Dive into a brief history of the Charlestown Navy Yard. 
Shipbuilding and Repairs
Learn about the Navy Yard's role in building and repairing ships for the US Navy. 
Charlestown Navy Yard Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of the historic Navy Yard and how it supported the US Navy's efforts to build, repair and modernize its warships. 
Women Navy Yard Workers
Explore the stories of the women who used their talents at the Navy Yard. 
Great Migration & Charlestown Navy Yard
Learn about the Great Migration's connections to Boston and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Related Content |
Last updated: January 23, 2025