The Ropewalk Study Report

On January 10, 2024, the Boston Landmarks Commission posted an amended study report on the proposed designation of The Ropewalk in Charlestown as a Landmark under Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended.

The ropewalk at Charlestown Navy Yard is a unique historical resource. It is the single remaining masonry ropewalk in the United States, and possibly the world. Furthermore, the ropewalk has great importance in U.S. Naval history. The Navy’s decision to build the ropewalk and to produce its own rope was a controversial one which was soon justified by the quality of the rope and the financial advantage of producing it on site.

When the Navy decided to deactivate the Charlestown Navy Yard in 1973, the General Services Administration (GSA) obtained control of the property. The Boston Redevelopment Authority (now BPDA) and the National Park Service acquired the rights to occupy and develop this real estate from the GSA.

Read The Ropewalk Study Report

(Report amended as of January 10, 2024)

A petition requesting landmark designation was accepted by the Landmarks Commission for further study on September 9, 1986. A public hearing seeking feedback on the completed draft study report was held by the Landmarks Commission on June 28, 1988. The amended study report and proposed designation was discussed and voted upon at a public hearing on January 23, 2024.

Please look for the meeting notice in the public notices section of our website.