Union Wharf (Boston, Massachusetts)

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While a portion of the Union Wharf bulkhead was constructed in the late 18th century, it did not assume its present form until 1845 when merchant John L. Gardner purchased it. The wharf's construction is typical of Boston's 19th-century waterfront, which used timber cribs filled with rubble stone to form the perimeter. Earth filled the interior and granite blocks placed alongside the cribs formed a durable, protective seawall. The wharf's surface is now covered with a variety of paving materials, including granite pavers, asphalt and landscaping. Gardner expanded the wharf to the north to create a larger building site and erected a granite-faced warehouse, which is the major building occupying the wharf today.

www.nps.gov/nr/travel/maritime/uni.htm