Here is the starting point of the revolution and the battleground between Irish settlers and British Redcoats for the freedom on the North American continent. It has its own very unique flavor inspired by the 'Tea Party' which signified the start of the war and the Constitution's creation. Today, the city is an example where the old and new have perfectly created an entity filled with Irish pride, temper and Italian charm. Words are not enough - you must come and experience it on your own....
History
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States, founded on the Shawmut Peninsula in 1630 by Puritan settlers from England. It quickly became the political, commercial, financial, religious and educational center of the New England region. The American Revolution erupted in Boston.
Early Boston was a hilly peninsula originally inhabited by the Massachusetts tribe of Native Americans who have lived in the area since 2400 BC. The tribe called the area Shawmut and the nearby river, which is now known as the Charles River, the Quinnebequi.
By 1618, more than two thirds of the Massachusetts Indians living in the area were wiped out by yellow fever and small pox brought by European traders. Only 25,000 Indians survived. Reverend William Blackstone, an Anglican clergymen, moved from Weymouth to Shawmut in the area that is now Beacon Hill. This made him the first settler to live in Boston.
In September of 1630, the colonists officially named their new town Boston after their hometown in England.
More Puritans continue to immigrade from England and in 1632, Boston was officially named the capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
While the Native American population declined, the number of settlers flourished. By 1676, Boston had 4,000 residents. More than two-thirds of inner Boston’s modern land area did not exist when the city was founded, but was created via the gradual filling in of the surrounding tidal areas over the centuries.
Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail winds its way around the city, connecting 16 historically significant sites with more than 250 years of history along the red line.
The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, buying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.
The Freedom Trail usually starts in Boston Common, where British troops camped during the 1775 Boston Occupation and goes to sites including the Old State House where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, Faneuil Hall where many pre-war protests took place, to the place where the Boston Tea party was started, Old South Meeting House and to the site of the Boston Massacre of 1770.
Boston Harbor
Boston Harbor is a natural harbor and estuary of Massachusetts Bay, and is located adjacent to the city of Boston. It is home to the Port of Boston, a major shipping facility in the northeastern United States.
It has been an important port in American history. It was the site of the Boston Tea Party as well as almost continuous backfilling of the harbor until the 19th century.
The Tea Party was the culmination of a resistance movement throughout British America against the Tea Act, which had been passed by the British Parliament in 1773.
Boston Common Park
The Common was used as a camp by the British before the American Revolutionary War, from which they left for the Battle of Lexington and Concord. It was used for public hangings up until 1817, most of which were from a large oak which was replaced with a gallows in 1769.
Charles Lindbergh promoted commercial aviation; Anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies were held, including one led by Martin Luther King, Jr.; and in 1979 Pope John Paul II gave Mass to a gathered crowd. Today, Boston Common is still open for all to enjoy.
Beacon Hill
According to the Boston Preservation Alliance, 'Buildings in this style link the ancient democracy of Greece with the civic ideals of the young American republic.'
The famous Boston Brahmin neighborhood of red brick sidewalks, cobblestoned streets, elegant townhouses and gas street lamps.
These three types of structures characterize Beacon Hill in early period: Freestanding mansion with large plots of land surrounding a large public square; Pairs of houses symmetrical in design; Row house multiple attached houses with the same design.
These three types are built mostly in the Federal and Greek Revival Style. According to the Boston Preservation Alliance, the Federal Style is known for classical columns, three-part windows, and flat facades. The State House is a typical example of this style. Greek Revival is known as a simpler version of Federal Style. Buildings are often constructed with Quincy granite or brick.
Boston Demographics
In 2016, the median age was 30.8 years: 21.9% at age 19 and under; 14.3% from 20 to 24 ....and only 10.1% who were 65 years of age and older. People of Irish descent form the largest single ethnic group in the city, making up 15.8% of the population, followed by Italians, accounting for 8.3% of the population. People of West Indian and Caribbean ancestry are another sizable group, at 6.0%, about half of whom are of Haitian ancestry
A new report from Oct 26, 2022 shows that Boston is now the second most expensive city in the U.S. for renters. Zumper’s report, has Boston’s 1-bedroom median rent price at $3,060, behind only New York at $3,860.
Recreation & Sport
Boston has teams in the four major North American professional sports leagues plus Major League Soccer, and has won 37 championships in these leagues. As of 2017 it is one of four cities (along with Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York) to have won championships in all four major sports. The city's professional sports teams have won ten championships since 2001: Patriots (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, and 2016), Red Sox (2004, 2007, and 2013), Celtics (2008), and Bruins (2011). Bostonians simply love to spend their time outdore - permited by weather. There are several public parks just ideal for walking, running etc..
Food
Every city you're traveling to is famous for certain kind of foods or has a special dish that is known for. Boston is no different. There are several type of food you should try and not always what other likes may have the same taste for you. Here is the list of some of famous restaurants in Boston and per the bostonmagazine.com: Alden & Harlow; Area Four; Asta, B&G Oysters; The Bancroft; Banyan Bar + Refuge; Bar Mezzana; Bistro du Midi; Bergamot.... If pizza is your favorite food then try Regina pizzeria...
Cool Facts about Boston
♦As of 2012 and according to U.S. Census Bureau data, 15.1% of Bostonians walked to work - the highest percentage among the major U.S. cities.
♦Bostonians get the weather from a skyscraper - old John Hancock Tower. The colored lights options are: solid blue: clear day; flashing blue: cloudy day; solid red: rain; flashing red: snow is coming.
♦The biggest art theft to date occurred in Boston on March 18, 1990.
♦Boston is home to the first U.S. public beach
♦The first U.S. subway was build here
♦Boston was home to the first U.S. chocolate factory
♦'Happy Hours' are against the law
♦Boston is home to the oldest public park in the U.S
Chinatown Neighborhood in Boston
Downtown Boston’s Chinatown is the cultural heart of the Chinese community and a lively late-night hub. Asian eateries range from dumpling houses and dim sum palaces to seafood spots and upscale lounges. Bakeries, food markets and gift shops dot the area. At the entrance to the neighborhood, contemporary Chinatown Park features a river-inspired fountain, plants native to Asia and a square that draws chess players.
