Boston History

Boston, the capital of Massachusetts and the seat of Suffolk County, is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Situated on the Shawmut peninsula between Massachusetts Bay and Back Bay, the city was originally restricted in size by the surrounding wetlands. However, aggressive land reclamation efforts throughout the 18th and 19th century more than tripled the peninsula's size. Many of Boston's hills (including the top of its celebrated Beacon Hill) were leveled and used to fill in the mud flats, marshes, and gaps along the waterfront, which allowed the Puritan settlement to expand into a global city that now serves as the cultural and economic hub of New England.

In 1625, the Reverend William Blaxton came to Shawmut (as it was called by the Algonquin natives) and built his solitary cabin on what would later become Boston Common and Beacon Hill. John Winthrop and his Puritan settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony arrived in Charleston in 1629. Unhappy with the settlement in Charleston, Winthrop began looking for another location. At Blaxton's invitation, Winthrop led 800 Puritans to Shawmut and established the permanent settlement of Boston (named for Winthrop's hometown in Lincolnshire). Winthrop believed that the Massachusetts Bay Colony had a special covenant with God, and that the eyes of the world would be on their "city upon a hill." It was important for the Puritans to live above reproach, so that their New World colony would serve as a shining example to the decadent folks in the Old World. This led to a particularly strict society, where even the smallest sins were severely punished. Church attendance and marriage were mandatory, and living alone was forbidden as it might lead to temptation. The Puritans espoused the virtues of hard work, morality, and education. However, there were some who found the Puritan society too harsh and intolerant. One such dissident was Reverend Blaxton, who eventually sold the rest of his land to Winthrop and left for Rhode Island.

The emphasis on education led to the founding of Boston Latin School in 1635 and Harvard College in 1636. Boston's excellent harbor (easily defended and conveniently located) made it the leading commercial center in the colonies, with a booming economy based on trade with Europe, the Caribbean, and the Native Americans. Mills began to spring up along the rivers for logging, forging iron, and processing wool.

Despite their problems with the Anglican Church, the people of Massachusetts had always considered themselves loyal British subjects. However, this began to change in the 1760s, when Britain increased the colonists' taxes to replenish its own treasury (which had been depleted, in part, by the French and Indian War). Dissent began to grow in the colonies, sped along by the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts of 1767, as well as Britain's increasingly heavy military presence. When an angry mob took to the streets of Boston in protest in 1770, British troops responded by firing their muskets into the crowd, killing 5 and wounding 6 others. This violent act, dubbed the Boston Massacre, galvanized the colonists and turned dissension into open rebellion. The Tea Act of 1773 led to the Boston Tea Party, where a group of patriots calling themselves the Sons of Liberty dressed as Native Americans and threw 342 crates of tea from the East India Company ships into Boston Harbor. Britain responded by sending more troops and closing the ports.

By 1775, the revolution was inevitable. The British troops stationed in Boston prepared to march on Lexington and Concord to arrest John Hancock and Samuel Adams and seize the weapons stores. Paul Revere and William Dawes made the famous midnight ride to warn the militia, who were lying in wait when the British finally arrived. The "shot heard 'round the world" was fired as the sun rose on Lexington, and the Revolutionary War was begun in earnest. Outnumbered, the British troops retreated to Boston, where they were surrounded by the Continental Army. The British fought furiously to end the Siege of Boston, but after suffering heavy losses at the Battle of Bunker Hill, realized further attempts would be futile. British General William Howe sent a message to General George Washington, promising to withdraw his troops peacefully from Boston if the Americans would refrain from firing on them or the British ships. Washington agreed, and the British set sail for Nova Scotia. March 17, the day of the British withdrawal, is celebrated each year in Suffolk County as Evacuation Day.

Boston has accumulated a number of nicknames over the past few centuries. The numerous colleges and universities there (including Harvard University, MIT, Boston College, and Boston University) have led to it being dubbed "City of Higher Learning," while its role in the American Revolution earned it the title "Cradle of Liberty." Other prominent nicknames include "The Hub" (from Oliver Wendell Holmes' quote about Boston being "the Hub of the Solar System") and "The City on the Hill." By far, the most prolific of these nicknames is "Beantown," from the regional dish of beans slow-baked in molasses.

Boston today is an intriguing mix of old and new - sleek and modern, yet ever mindful of its heritage. Boston National Historical Park preserves a number of historical sites, such as the Bunker Hill Monument, the Old North Church, and the Old State House. A red brick path, known as the Freedom Trail, runs through downtown Boston between a number of these sites. On the third Monday in April, the people of Boston observe Patriot's Day, a holiday held in honor of Lexington and Concord. The Boston Marathon is run on this day every year. Independence Day is celebrated in grand style as well, with the weeklong Harborfest featuring music from the Boston Pops and fireworks on the banks of the Charles River.

Boston is an avid sports city. In addition to the Boston Marathon, the city is home to the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the Boston Bruins (NHL). Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox (MLB), also serves as a venue for musical concerts. Other popular attractions in Boston include the Boston Opera House, the Bull & Finch Pub (made famous by the TV show Cheers), and the New England Aquarium.