Boston, Massachusetts, History

The city of Boston, with its population of around 600,000, is often referred to as the "Cradle of Modern America." Among its many other nicknames are "the Hub of the Solar System," and "Athens of America." When Boston was first settled in 1624, it was originally called Trimountain. This name referred to its location near three hills at the mouth of the Charles River. Eventually, Trimountain became Boston, after a small English town in Lincolnshire.

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Boston History continued...

Of all of its nicknames, "The Cradle of Modern America" most accurately describes Boston's relationship with the country as a whole. Boston was the first capital of the original Massachusetts Bay Colony. The colony was founded in 1630. It was also the heart of the American Revolutionary War against British rule in the 1700's. It can be said that the Boston Tea Party in 1773 ignited the war. This occurred in Boston Harbor.

Besides its historical value, Boston is also known for its fine educational institutions. Harvard College was founded in the Cambridge District in 1638. Boston is also home to Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Today, one out of every ten Bostonians is a student in one of Boston's 57 colleges, universities and research establishments.

Boston is the birthplace of many famous Americans. Writer and physician Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) was born in Boston. In fact, it was Holmes who penned the nickname "Hub of the Solar System." Of all of Boston's famous sons, the statesman, inventor, and scientist Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) is probably the most widely known. Although America is in the era of the automobile, Boston proudly proclaims itself a walking city. Anyone wanting to relive the birth of modern America can walk what is known as The Freedom Trail. This 2.5 mile stretch of the city's streets and sights is like a historical stroll through colonial Boston.

Although Boston's historical roots are deeply rooted, it is a very modern city. It hosts a vast array of sports, pastimes and cultural activities. Boston is the home to the professional sports teams: the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball, the Boston Celtics of the NBA and the Boston Bruins of the NHL. Boston was also the setting for the hugely successful television show "Cheers." The city is also the home of the Boston Pops and the rock group Aerosmith.

For all of these reasons, it is clear why some call Boston "Rome of Massachusetts," since all New England roads, physical, cultural and historical, lead to its streets.