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Landmarks in Boston and Cambridge Honor Politician Thomas 'Tip' O’Neill of North Cambridge

Courtesy of Boston College Photo Archives

Legendary politician Thomas P. Tip O’Neill was born in North Cambridge on December 9, 1912, the son of Thomas Philip O'Neill, Sr. and Rose Ann Tolan. His grandfather had emigrated in the 1840s during the Irish Famine. 

 Tip rose to become one of the most powerful political figures in 20th century America, delving into domestic issues as well as international ones, especially regarding Northern Ireland. 

O’Neill based his entire career on the mantra, ‘All Politics is Local,’ a phrase that bespoke the need for politicians to communicate directly with constituents and to serve the people rather than oneself. 

He entered the Massachusetts state Legislature in 1936 and in 1952 was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, winning the seat held by John F. Kennedy. He became the 47th Speaker of the House in 1977 and held the post until 1987 when he retired. 

In the 1970s through the 1990s, O'Neill was also heavily engaged in the Northern Ireland Troubles, and worked hard to mediate the Irish policy disagreements between the United States and Great Britain. 

His political memoir, Man of the House, is an engaging and honest account of his life, filled with rich anecdotes and witty stories. 

A number of landmarks in Boston and Cambridge are named in honor of Congressman O'Neill, including:

The Thomas P. ‘Tip’ O’Neill Tunnel, a 1.5 mile underground roadway from Boston’s Kneeland Street to the Lenny Zakim Bridge. The finishing piece of the Big Dig, which O’Neill helped to get funding for to complete the massive project, was opened in 2003. 

The Thomas P. ‘Tip’ O’Neill Federal Building, an administrative center for the U.S. government located in Boston’s West End, which opened in 1986. 


The Thomas P. ‘Tip’ O’Neill Library at Boston College, dedicated in 1984. BC also has an online exhibit and a photo archives devoted to Tip O’Neill, who graduated from Boston College in 1936. 

The John J. Burns Library at BC holds the Tip O'Neil Congressional Papers (1936-1994).


A mural to Tip O'Neill was unveiled on December 9, 2012 at the Mildred Anne O'Neill Branch of the Cambridge Public Library, located at 70 Rindge Avenue in North Cambridge. The mural was designed and painted by David Fichter and Joshua Winer to celebrate the centenary of Tip’s birth in 1912. 


A bronze plaque to Tip O'Neill was unveiled in 2008  in a park at 139 Causeway Street in Boston's West End. 

Congressman O’Neill passed away on January 5, 1994. He is buried at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Harwichport, Cape Cod. 

 Learn more about Irish-themed landmarks, statues and memorials in greater Boston by visiting Irishheritagetrail.com.


Research + Text, Michael Quinlin

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