Among the oldest towns in the United States, this Massachusetts capital has a plethora of interesting stories to offer. That too happens around every corner. The tales go from witches to sticky but deadly molasses.
Facts about Boston Worth Knowing
Several factors are setting Boston apart from other significant cities as it holds such a quirky layout and has a long history of inventions.
Keep on reading to know more about this fascinating place.
1. The name wasn’t always Boston
Boston was mainly inhabited by Algonquian Tribes before the colonization, they named Boston as Shawmut Peninsula. Shawmut translates to ‘living waters’ in Algonquian.
The name Boston came from an English town. There is a town called Boston in Lincolnshire, about 100 miles to the north of London. So the Europeans gave the name after their town in England when they settled in the city.
2. Boston held the inauguration of the first American Subway
In the year 1897, the first subway known as the Boston Subway was constructed in the USA, it was at the second phase of the American Industrial Revolution.
The streets of Boston were packed with people, sellers, travelers, bullocks, and so on, in the 19th century as there was a boom in the population and immigration.
The city’s transport also came to a halt due to frequent natural calamities like blizzards and storms. City officials planned the subway as a solution for the congestion and transportation problems of the people of Boston. And so it became a revolutionary moment, not only in the history of Boston but for all of America.
3. The Boston bars do not offer a ‘Happy Hour’
All kinds of happy hour special drinks have been banned in Boston since 1984. Don’t get us wrong, it wasn’t to kill anyone’s fun. This rule was set in place because of a woman’s death as she drove under the influence of alcohol. So don’t be shocked when you don’t find any Happy Hours after hitting up a bar in Boston.
4. Boston still has several ‘Blue Laws’ in place
Also known as ‘Sunday Laws’, Blue laws are restrictions placed during Sundays to motivate worship and rest by the Puritans. They are still in place in Boston even though they were introduced in the early United States.
Some laws state ‘no selling of alcohol before 10 am on a Sunday’ still intact in the city.
5. Boston did not have Christmas for more than 2 decades
This can be counted as another Blue Law that Boston adhered to as the city prohibited any Christmas celebrations. In 1659, this ban was imposed because of the belief that Christmas came from a pagan origin and it was a ‘dishonest’ holiday. People had to pay a fine of five-shilling if they were caught celebrating this holiday. After 22 years, the ban was lifted in 1681.
6. Boston is a ‘Bean Town’, literally!
Boston has its nickname as ‘Bean Town’ and it is quite understandable why, as baked beans have been the most favored staples of the citizens in this city. The case isn’t any different to this day.
7. A Skyscraper announces the daily weather forecast in Boston
Known previously as the old John Hancock Tower, the 200 Clarendon Skyscraper has vibrant flashing lights at its top that announce Boston’s daily weather forecast. The lights flashing a dark blue shade indicate a clear sky day.
When the lights flash blue, it means you can expect a cloudy day. Solid red color says that there will be rain, and one can expect snow from flashing red signals. And to speak for Boston’s love for baseball, the 200 Clarendon also holds a unique signal for informing the citizens when a Red Sox game has been canceled.
8. Boston witnessed the Declaration of Independence of America
A spot for several great historical persons and events, Boston also witnessed the Declaration of Independence of the USA. As it was first demonstrated in the iconic Old State House. On July 18, from the balcony of the Old State House, American patriot and Colonel Thomas Crafts read the proclamation with citizens gathered in King Street as cheery audiences.
9. Boston offers a dive 90 feet underneath the Earth’s surface!
Boston houses the Ted Williams Tunnel, which is known for being the deepest tunnel of North America. Situated 90 feet underneath the surface of the earth, this tunnel has its name after the U.S. Marine air corps veteran and Boston Red Sox baseball icon Ted Williams.
10. The Salem witch Trials happened in Boston
Boston also witnessed the notorious Salem Witch Trials that occurred between February 1692 and May 1693. Many people, among which most were women, were brought to hearings and prosecuted as they bore accusations of practicing witchcraft. Such dreadful tales have been used in modern literature widely as warnings against extremism, and isolationism. There is the Salem Witch Museum situated in Boston showcasing displays and presenting this historic tragedy.
11. Boston has the oldest University in the United States
Also admired for the opportunities Boston provides various opportunities for education and institutions. The oldest university in America opened in 1636, it’s Harvard. Till present, it is known to be among the most prestigious schools in the whole world.
12. The Architecturally Pleasing Boston University Bridge
The Boston University Bridge is the only place in the world where an airplane can fly above a train going under a vehicle driving while boats keep sailing underneath.
13. The oldest Major League baseball stadium is located in Boston
This city’s love for sports, mainly baseball, does not come off as a surprise. Throughout history Boston has demonstrated its passion for baseball and hence, it’s kind of obvious that the earliest built Major League baseball stadium that is still in use is situated in Boston. In 1912, Fenway Park was introduced and it houses the iconic Boston team Red Sox.
14. The only State capital in the U.S. with a Coastline
There are more than 76 kilometers of coastline accompanying 34 harbor islands in Boston. Being the capital city of the state of Massachusetts, Boston is the sole American State capital having a shoreline.