Louisburg Square

Louisburg Square is a historic residential square in Boston’s Beacon Hill, surrounded by Greek Revival townhouses and a small grassy park behind an iron fence. Developed in the 1830s as a shared private preserve, it remains a quiet place to admire the architecture from the public perimeter. The houses have ties to literary figures including Louisa May Alcott, who lived and died at No. 10. Pair the walk with nearby Acorn Street, and look for the brick facades, iron gates and glimpses of greenery.

A private green framed by townhouses

Louisburg Square was developed in the 1830s as a shared private preserve. Its small grassy center belongs collectively to the owners of the surrounding homes and is enclosed by a wrought-iron fence. Public access to the green is limited, but you can walk around the perimeter and view the architecture from the street.

The square’s Greek Revival townhouses and iron gates give this stretch of Beacon Hill a distinct character. The residential setting is quiet, so keep to public areas and be considerate of people who live here.

Literary connections and nearby walks

Louisa May Alcott lived at No. 10 Louisburg Square and died there. The houses have also been associated with author and critic William Dean Howells, who lived at Nos. 4 and 16.

Acorn Street is nearby, making it easy to include both spots in a Beacon Hill walk. The square is also a popular place to stroll during Halloween weekend. Spring and fall are suggested seasons for exploring the neighborhood on foot.