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11 Interesting Facts About Boston, Massachusetts | EP. 5

When you think of Boston, what probably comes to mind is the city of Boston’s central role in the American Revolution. Well, that would be better than its touristy “Beantown” nickname, which I’m sure most locals don’t think is OK and would rather have it vanish into the ether.   

But what you may not realize is that the city has an impressive number of other achievements and innovations, too. From the Freedom Trail to Fenway Park, there’s no shortage of iconic landmarks, which we talk about in our Visit Boston article over on Road Trip Ontario, but the real magic of Boston lies in the lesser-known details. 

By the way, the term OK has its roots in Boston first coined in 1839), as does ether,  first used as an anesthetic in surgery in 1846. But when I learned that the chocolate chip cookie (one of my absolute favourite treats) was accidentally developed by Ruth Graves Wakefield in 1930 and included in her cookbook “Toll House Tried and True Recipes”, published in 1936—motivated by food, I had to learn more! 

Get ready to fall in love with Boston! Whether you’re a history buff, a sports fanatic, or just someone who appreciates good food, “The Hub” has something for everyone. Whether it’s quirky traditions, legendary food, or hidden stories behind its famous sites, Boston offers a fascinating mix of old-world charm and modern innovation. Ready to uncover some fun and unexpected facts about this legendary city? Here are a few interesting facts about Boston that show why Boston is one of a kind!

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Samuel Adams Statue + Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Boston is Home to Many of America’s Firsts

Boston is the birthplace of many of America’s most important institutions. It is home to the country’s first public park, Boston Common, which opened in 1634. Boston also boasts the first public school, the first public library, and the first American subway system.

Harvard University is situated in Cambridge, part of the Greater Boston region. It claims the title of being home to the first black woman doctor in America, Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, who graduated from New England Female Medical College in 1864.

Listen to our podcast where we dive deeper into Boston’s historic firsts, featuring interviews with locals and fascinating stories of America’s Black history, education, and innovation! 

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The Boston Tea Party Helped Spark the American Revolution

One of the most famous events during the American Revolution was the Boston Tea Party of 1773. The protest was fueled by the colonists’ growing frustration with British taxes. Especially the Tea Act

Boston was already a hotspot for resistance against British rule and the Sons of Liberty were a key group in organizing protests. And so, one cold December night, about 100 men boarded three ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water. Resulting in a loss worth around £10,000 at the time (millions today). 

The consequences were that the British government shut down the harbor until the colonists repaid the loss. But the moment was pivotal in America standing up against the British. 

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Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

The City’s Streets Are Famous for Being Confusing

Those who have visited Boston before might already know how easy it is to get lost in the streets. The city’s roads are infamously difficult to navigate because the roads evolved from old cow paths (allegedly) and don’t follow a grid pattern—like other US cities do. 

These narrow, winding roads twist and turn unpredictably, often leading to confusing intersections or sudden changes in direction. Locals are pretty much used to this way of life, but that can make driving for visitors quite a bit harder. 

The Boston Marathon is the World’s Oldest Annual Marathon

Every year since 1897, people from all over the globe have gathered in Massachusetts to run the Boston Marathon. Held on Patriots’ Day, this marathon is the oldest of its kind—in the world! Only while the world was navigating the pandemic did the marathon change in all of its 120+ years (in 2020, the race was held virtually in September, and in 2021 it was held in person in October, rather than April). 

The 26.2-mile run has some fascinating history behind it, besides being in existence for so long and being the first in the world. In 1966, Bobbi Gibb became the first woman to run the marathon, though women were not officially allowed to enter until 1972. Her brave act of defiance helped pave the way for gender equality in the sport. In 2018, Desiree Linden became the first American woman to win the marathon in 33 years, in one of the coldest and wettest marathons on record

The Boston Marathon legacy is also shadowed somewhat by the 2013 bombing, although in the years following the tragedy, the marathon was seen as a symbol of the city’s strength. 

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Boston is Home to the Famous Freedom Trail

Boston’s renowned 2.5-mile Freedom Trail winds past 16 iconic sites, starting in Boston Common and going past Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.

One of the most gripping stops is the site of the Boston Massacre, where tensions between colonists and British soldiers erupted in violence, sparking revolutionary fervor. You’ll also visit Faneuil Hall, a meeting place where fiery speeches ignited the push for independence.

There are plenty of stories to be told along this path, so I’d suggest taking a look at the tours on offer to take advantage of the local guides and their knowledge.

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Paul Revere Statue

Boston Once Had a Molasses Flood

On January 15, 1919, Boston experienced a strange and tragic disaster known as the molasses flood. A massive tank belonging to the Purity Distilling Company burst open, releasing over 2.3 million gallons of molasses into the streets of the North End. The flood created a wave of syrup that traveled at an estimated speed of 35 miles per hour, causing extensive damage as it swept through the area.

This incident stemmed from the tank’s poor construction and its history of leaks. When it burst, it knocked down buildings, uprooted trees, and left behind a sticky mess that took weeks to clean up. Tragically, 21 people lost their lives, and many others were injured in the chaos.

In the aftermath, the flood led to numerous lawsuits and investigations into the company’s negligence. 

There’s a “Make Way for Ducklings” Statue in the Public Garden

In Boston’s Public Garden, you’ll find a charming statue known as the “Make Way for Ducklings.” This beloved bronze sculpture pays tribute to the famous children’s book of the same name, written by Robert McCloskey in 1941. The story follows a mother duck and her eight ducklings as they navigate the busy streets of Boston.

The statue was created by artist Nancy Schön and installed in 1987. It features the mother duck leading her adorable ducklings in a row, and it quickly became a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. Children (of all ages) love to pose for pictures with the ducklings.

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Waterboat Duck House

Boston’s Nickname “The Hub” Was Coined by Oliver Wendell Holmes

Boston’s nickname, “The Hub,” was coined by the famous writer and physician Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. in his 1858 essay, “The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table.” He referred to Boston as “The Hub of the Universe,” playfully suggesting that the city was the center of all things intellectual and cultural in America.

Holmes’ nickname captured the pride Bostonians felt for their city, especially with prestigious institutions like Harvard and MIT nearby. Boston was buzzing with ideas, arts, and innovation, making it a lively place for thinkers and creators.

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Draper

There Are No Happy Hours in Boston

In Boston, the traditional happy hour is a concept that simply doesn’t exist. This is primarily due to a law enacted in the 1980s that prohibits bars and restaurants from offering discounted alcoholic beverages during specific times of the day. The goal behind this regulation was to reduce excessive drinking and promote public safety, reflecting Massachusetts’ approach to responsible alcohol consumption.

As a result, Bostonians have had to get creative while socializing over drinks. While establishments can’t discount alcohol, many bars and restaurants offer special deals on food. You might find a cozy pub featuring a limited-time menu of delicious appetizers that pair perfectly with their craft beers or signature cocktails. 

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Comfort Kitchen Boston
best restaurants in boston
Comfort Kitchen Boston

You Won’t Mistake a Boston Accent

You won’t mistake a Boston accent for anything else! It’s one of the most recognizable accents in the U.S., marked by its unique pronunciation and vocabulary.

A key feature is the dropping of the “r” sound, so “car” sounds like “cah,” and “park” becomes “pahk.” Bostonians also have a distinctive way of pronouncing vowels, leading to words like “cot” and “caught” sounding the same.

With roots in various immigrant communities, the accent has evolved over the years and has become a badge of local identity.

Boston is Known as “Beantown” for Its Love of Baked Beans

Boston is affectionately nicknamed “Beantown” because of its long-standing love for baked beans. The city’s connection to this dish dates back to the colonial era when baked beans became a staple in the local diet. The dish was made using local navy beans, which were slow-cooked with molasses and pork, creating a sweet and savory flavor that residents couldn’t resist.

As Boston grew in prominence during the 18th and 19th centuries, the city’s connection to baked beans became widely recognized, and the dish even played a role in the local diet during the booming industrial age. Boston became synonymous with baked beans, with the nickname “Beantown” becoming popularized in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, the term “Beantown” is more commonly used by tourists than locals, and baked beans are not in as many Bostonian dishes as they used to be.

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Grace By Nia

Final Thoughts

From its baked beans to its revolutionary roots, Boston is a city that never stops fascinating. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local, there’s always something new to discover around every cobblestone corner. 

The blend of history, innovation, and local charm makes it impossible not to fall for Boston’s unique vibe. So next time you’re in town, remember these fun facts and impress your friends with your newfound Boston knowledge!

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