Boston is the capital city of Massachusetts. It was incorporated in 1822. It is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is currently one of the largest. In addition to that, there are very many interesting facts about Boston that not many people know. It is the home of many firsts in America, among other things. Listed here are just a few interesting facts about Boston that you may not know.
Boston’s harbor is home to the very first lighthouse ever built in North America, Boston Light. Boston Light was built on a little island in the harbor that was known as Beacon Island at the time. It is currently known as Little Brewster Island. The original lighthouse was destroyed during the American Revolution. It was rebuilt following the war. The replacement lighthouse still graces the harbor today.
Boston is home to the very first public school system, college, public library, elementary school and public school in what would become the United States of America. Boston Latin was the first public school. It was established in 1635. Harvard was the first the college, established 1636, though it was not known as Harvard until later. Dorchester’s Mather school was the nation’s first elementary school. It was established in 1639. Boston Public Library opened in 1653.
Boston is also home to the very first subway system in North America. It is now known as the T. Today, the system is rather vast and contains many abandoned tunnels and platforms.
The first public park in the nation and the first public beach are also in Boston, Massachusetts. The first public park was the Boston Common. The first public beach was Revere Beach. It was established as a public beach in 1896.
Boston Baked beans were invented in Boston when a man decided to mix molasses with his baked beans. This popular creation lent the city its nickname “Beantown.” It is also currently called the “Bean Scene” by younger residents.
On March 17, 1737, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated for the first time and it was celebrated in the great city of Boston. Coincidentally, the day also falls on what was to become a local holiday-Evacuation Day. Roughly 600,000 people come to celebrate the holiday(s) in Boston every year.
The Ted Williams Tunnel in Boston is the deepest such tunnel in the United States. It goes as deep as 90 feet below the surface. Construction on the tunnel began during Boston’s infamous ‘Big Dig.’ It was opened in 1995. The tunnel connects I-93 to Logan Airport.
There are enough interesting facts about Boston to fill two books, but as this is not a book, these few will have to suffice for now. Being something of the home of the American Revolution and being one of the most visited cities in the country, Boston is bound to be interesting. It is certainly worth touring, if you ever get the opportunity.
Sources
The Central Artery/Tunnel Project-The Big Dig, retrieved 3/27/10, massdot.state.ma.us/Highway/bigdigmain.aspx
Interesting Facts About Massachusetts, retrieved 3/27/10, house.gov/Capuano/about/didyouknow.shtml
Coastal Massachusetts and Rhode Island, retrieved 3/27/10, tripcart.com/usa-regions/Coastal-Massachusetts-Rhode-Island,Fun-Facts.aspx#guide
