Winthrop Square in downtown Boston is the intersection of Devonshire Street and Otis Street at the heart of the commercial district. The square is named for the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Winthrop, in very close vicinity to where his home was located during the founding of the colony.

Beebe's Block which dominated Winthrop Square on Devonshire Street from 1867 until the building was destroyed during the fire of 1872.

Looking north on Devonshire Street from Winthrop Square. On the right is the Cathedral Building which stood at the corner of Franklin Street and Devonshire Street, destroyed during the Great Fire of 1872.

The Cathderal Building on the corner of Devonshire Street and Franklin Street, so named because it replaced the Holy Cross Cathedral in 1868.

The Cathedral Building at the corner of Devonshire Street and Franklin Street ca. 1870