Tour Description
Join us to explore the rich past, present and future of Boston’s Leather District, nestled between South Station and Chinatown. Once part of South Cove and largely built after Boston’s Great Fire of 1872, this commercial district reigned as the hub of New England’s leather and shoe industries at the turn of the 20th century.
Our route takes us past handsome brick and stone buildings from this era, some sporting fanciful details honoring the cows whose hides provided the raw material for this trade. We’ll also introduce you to Boston’s first dog catcher, celebrate America’s Community Health Center movement, and salute South Street Diner, an enduring favorite of clubgoers and other night owls.
The tour begins and ends just outside of South Station, an important neighbor of the Leather District and the site of a new high-rise tower on its eastern edge.
Tour Information
Public Tour Calendar
Private Tours
This tour can be scheduled as a private tour with advance notice. Call 617.367.2345 or use our private tour webform to learn more.
Starting Location
Meet your guide outside of South Station at corner of Atlantic Ave. and Essex Street.
Finding Your Guide: All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Boston By Foot Walking Tours.”
Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: South Station (Red & Silver Lines and Commuter Rail)
Ending Location
This tour ends in the general area of Atlantic and Beach Streets.
Nearest Accessible MBTA Station: South Station (Red & Silver Lines and Commuter Rail)
