High Rock was purchased in the mid-1800's by the Hutchinson Family Singers. Their songs of abolitionism attracted Frederick Douglass who joined them for a famous visit to England.

John Murray Spear believed he could channel messages from dead spirits and built the “God Machine” on High Rock in June of 1854.

High Rock

At the end of the Civil War a wooden observation tower on High Rock burned down. Most thought the tower’s burning was to celebrate winning the war. A band concert and the largest bonfire of the year was always held there on the “Night Before the Fourth.”

Mr. Hutchinson said he would give High Rock to the city if they built an observation tower on it. By 1904, the City had purchased additional land for High Rock Park and the present tower, designed by H.K. Wheeler and C. Betton of Lynn was built. Originally the granite tower had a domed observatory on its top landing, which was removed and has since been replaced.

The view from High Rock Tower around 1906.

The belfry from the Old Tunnel Meeting House was moved to High Rock. It was used as a shoe shop and would later burn down.