The importanT history of the long wharf

A 23-page pamphlet written in 1841 gives the backstory of the Long Wharf and its former name T Wharf. Originally, Long Wharf extended as far into the city as Broad Street and was always known to extend out into the harbor to its present limit. On one side of T Wharf there was a passage, commonly referred to as the “barracuda” where vessels could pass in and out of. The barracuda was used to mount guns in case the shipping within the basin was threatened by looters or any outside trouble. The barracuda became a nuisance for shipping and over time was broken into two parts known as the Island Wharf. “A connection between Long Wharf and the Island Wharf to the north of it was built. The connection thus became the stem of the T and the Island Wharf formed the crosspiece of the letter, so the wharf took its name from that shape.” The Long Wharf was one of the most prominent places for boats to drop shipments in all of Boston as its head was at the foot of State Street. As early as 1768 the Long Wharf was used as a landing spot for British soldiers. Although it is now seen as one of many shipping docks in Boston, the Long Wharf’s history and tradition is a major reason as to why State Street was able to gain so much prominence in Boston.