~ The historic William Lloyd Garrison House, located at 17 Highland Park Street in Roxbury (Boston), has a rich history dating back to its construction in the mid-19th century. Originally built around 1855 as a single-family home for Boston druggist Joseph W. Hunnewell, the house gained significant historical significance when it became the residence of prominent abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison in 1864.

Garrison, known for his fierce advocacy for the immediate abolition of slavery, lived in the house until his death in 1879. During his time there, he witnessed the ratification of the 13th Amendment and continued to fight for social reform through campaigns for prohibition, women's rights, and justice for Native Americans.

The property, affectionately named "Rockledge," remained in the ownership of the Garrison family until 1900. It then passed into the hands of the Rock Ledge Improvement Association, a group of influential members of Greater Boston's African American community who maintained and preserved the house as a tribute to Garrison's legacy.

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In 1904, the property was sold to the Episcopal Sisters of the Society of Saint Margaret. They used it as St. Monica's Home, a hospital for chronically ill black women and children. Over time, it also served as a nursing facility for elderly women and a convent before being acquired by Emmanuel College in 2012.

Today, the entire complex including the Garrison House is known as Emmanuel College's Notre Dame Campus. It opened at the start of the 2014-2015 academic year and serves as both a residence and a center for programs related to the mission of the Society of St. Margaret: retreats, reflection and prayer, spiritual direction, social justice and service learning.

Despite its age and various uses over time, the William Lloyd Garrison House remains remarkably well-preserved. The modest frame house features elements from both Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which were popular in American domestic architecture during the mid-19th century.

A study report on the William Lloyd Garrison House was recently amended on August 15, 2024. The proposed designation of the house as a historic landmark will be discussed and voted upon at a public hearing on August 27, 2024. Interested parties can find more information about the meeting in the public notices section of the relevant website.

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