Park Plaza Castle is built.

Architect: William Preston. Originally the Armory of the First Corps of Cadets, it is designed in the High Victorian style and located at 130 Columbus Avenue. The cornerstone was laid on October 19, 1891. The granite building has drawbridge, a six-story tower, 20-inch thick walls, and can be in communication with the State House via signal flag. According to Boston Landmarks Commission, “The volatile nature of Boston’s changing society in the 1880s influenced the decision to construct the Armory . . . designed to withstand an extended civil siege.” Subsequently used by the Massachusetts National Guard, the building is used as a Civil War museum, leased by the University of Massachusetts Boston in 1967, and purchased by the city in 1976. After serving as home for the Boston Lyric Opera, it is purchased by the Park Plaza Hotel and is today used as an event and exhibit hall.