Boston, a city where cobblestone streets whisper tales of revolution and the salty sea breeze carries a hint of history. It’s known for its passionate sports fans and prestigious universities, but there’s more to Beantown than meets the eye.
Let’s dive into some quirky and surprising facts:
- First Things First: Boston is home to several American “firsts”: the first public park (Boston Common), the first subway system, and the first public library.
- Fenway’s Green Monster: That giant green wall in left field at Fenway Park isn’t just for show, it was built to block the view from people watching the game for free outside!
- Banned in Boston: For decades, books and even certain board games were subject to censorship in Boston, earning it a reputation as a prudish city.
- Where’s the Molasses? In 1919, a giant molasses tank exploded in the North End, causing a sticky, deadly flood. You can still sometimes smell a faint sweetness in the air on hot days.
- Reverse Cheers: The TV show “Cheers” might be set in Boston, but the iconic bar it’s based on (now named the Bull & Finch Pub) was filmed in LA.
- Underground Book Exchange: Hidden beneath Copley Square is a secret network of tunnels once used to transport books for the Boston Public Library.
- Fig Newton Fame: It turns out, those tasty figgy cookies were named after a town just outside Boston – Newton, Massachusetts.
- Quirky College Tradition: MIT students have a long history of elaborate pranks, including placing a police car on the roof of their Great Dome.
- “The Hub” of the Universe? Bostonians once jokingly referred to their city as “the Hub of the Universe”, implying it was the center of everything.
- Accent Central: That famous Boston accent? It’s a mix of old school English and Irish influences that has persisted for centuries.
- Home of the Chocolate Chip Cookie: The Toll House Inn in Massachusetts is where Ruth Wakefield famously invented the beloved chocolate chip cookie.
- Curse of the Bambino: Red Sox fans blamed a decades-long World Series drought on the team trading away legendary player Babe Ruth (“the Bambino”) to the rival Yankees.
- Sing-Along in the Subway: Boston’s subway performers, or “T” musicians, are known for being surprisingly talented.
- Boston (Baked) Bean Obsession: Boston “baked” beans use molasses, giving them their signature sweet-yet-savory flavor and earning the city its “Beantown” nickname.
- Can’t Find a Parking Spot? Boston is notorious for its difficult parking situations and aggressive drivers.
