Boston Skinny House: A Surprising History Revealed

The Skinny House at 46 Hull St. in Boston, known as the narrowest home in the city, has a history that challenges popular belief. Traditionally, it was thought to have been built out of spite by a Civil War veteran who wanted to block sunlight from his brother's larger home. However, a resurfaced article from the 1920s suggests that the house may have been constructed during a land dispute in the American Revolution era, involving residents with differing political loyalties. This narrative is further complicated by historical maps indicating that the house was not built until after 1874, contradicting the spiteful origin story. An 1852 map shows empty plots at 44, 46, and 48 Hull Street, while later maps reveal that by 1874, the properties were owned by Thomas Caswell. The house likely underwent modifications between 1875 and 1888, leading to its current narrow structure. Additionally, a circa 1875 photograph from the Boston Public Library shows architectural features consistent with the Skinny House today, suggesting it was not built in isolation but rather as part of a larger development. The home measures approximately 1,165 square feet and narrows to just 9.25 feet at the rear, standing four stories tall without a front door, which adds to its unique character and historical intrigue.