Dorchester was annexed to Boston 151 years ago

Our Dorchester, the largest and most diverse neighborhood in New England, was known formerly as the Town of Dorchester, founded in 1630, several months before Boston.

One hundred fifty-one years ago, on January 3, 1870, Dorchester was formally attached to the city of Boston, following a referendum held on June 22, 1869.

Portions of the original Dorchester were ceded to Quincy, and other parts became Hyde Park, Milton, and Stoughton.

Dorchester is the first place where the traditional town meeting government was held in America.