Mile Marker to Boston
2 Burbank Road
Both the marker and a land easement were deeded to the Sutton Historical Society, Inc. in 1998 by the Hutchinson Family for the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and displaying the marker.
The Society moved the marker from behind the stone wall to its current location.
(photos courtesy of David Pizzi)
The Society moved the marker from behind the stone wall to its current location.
(photos courtesy of David Pizzi)
This stone mile marker, officially known as the Boston Post Road Stone Highway Marker, has the inscription "M46 to B", marking it as 46 miles to Boston.
This marker dates back to 1771 when Ben Franklin was the first Postmaster General.
At that time, Ben Franklin was responsible to personally survey and have "measured mile markers" installed along principal roads leading from Boston to New York City.
The Sutton Town History Volume II page 172 records the following:
Fred L. Batcheller of the Milestone Farm tells this story about Postmaster General Franklin who laid out the Post Road from New York to Boston through Sutton in 1771.
"It seems he spent the night at this farm (Grey Bear Farm - currently 435 Boston Road) on his stay here and the family gave him a fine, turkey supper, lodging and breakfast. As he was to continue on his journey, he asked what his bill was for the good service. "There is no bill. It has been a great pleasure, Mr. Franklin, a great pleaseure, and come again." The Postmaster General was so overcome, his only answer was, "Well! Well! You are a most beautiful lady! May I kiss your hand." As he walked away, he commented, "This event caps my whole work. I never in my life got so much for so little expense. Thank you and good-bye.""
Additional Markers in Sutton
These are not owned by the Historical Society. Some may have been placed by property owners.
