THE BOSTON HOUSE

By  Mike Miller September 11, 2025

The Boston House, also known as Cresthaven, is a historic building in downtown Fort Pierce, Florida.

Located at 239 South Indian River Drive, it was built in 1909 and  blends Neo-classical and Georgian architecture.

The three-story brick structure overlooks the Indian River. Visitors can view its exterior or explore local history nearby.

The Boston House aka Cresthaven

William T. Jones, a Florida East Coast Railway engineer, built the house in 1909. Injured in a railroad accident, he used a $6,000 settlement to fund construction.

His friend Henry Flagler shipped materials via rail. Jones served as St. Lucie County’s third sheriff from 1915. He lost the house during the Great Depression.

The McCarty family, linked to Florida’s 31st governor Dan McCarty, bought it in 1949 but never lived there.

Restored in 1984-1985, it joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. 

The Boston House is at 239 South Indian River Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34950. It is privately owned and is not available for access at this time.

Exterior viewing is free anytime. The building is in downtown Fort Pierce, near the courthouse.

Street parking is available; check signs for restrictions. Walk the waterfront nearby for views.

Guided ghost tours, like those by Treasure Coast Ghosts, include the house; call (772) 801-0342 for schedules. 

• The house’s red Georgia brick and Dade County pine floors were restored in 1984-1985.   

• A 1918 tragedy involved Jones’ nine-year-old son accidentally killing a playmate.  

• Local lore claims a ghost, Aleaceon Perkins, searches for her lost family, though Main Street Fort Pierce debunked this. 

• The house cost $6,000 to build but may have reached $15,000 due to material transport.  

• It’s one of seven Fort Pierce sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

ST LUCIE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PAGE ON THE BOSTON HOUSE