Despite being one of the most well-known cities in America, there are still many facts about Boston that might surprise you. From historical pubs to the beginnings of our country’s library system, Boston is a place full of unique quirks. Check out these Boston facts and discover what makes Beantown the beloved city it is.
1. Central Park’s Architect Also Designed Boston’s Emerald Necklace
Img: Wikipedia
A park system of 9 green spaces linked together throughout many Boston neighborhoods, also known as the Emerald Necklace, was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park design.
The idea was to create a system of parks and parkways that would give Bostonian’s outdoor space to get away from the pollution and congestion of city life. Today, the 6-mile-long Emerald Necklace is on the National Register of Historic Places and provides residents and visitors ample space for relaxation, recreation, and much more.
2. Boston Public Library Paved The Way For The U.S. Library System
Among all Boston facts, this one has perhaps been the most influential to other U.S. cities. The Boston Public Library, now located in the Back Bay neighborhood, opened in the 1800s and was the first library to allow its citizens to borrow books, completely revolutionizing the way libraries operated. It was also the first library to establish a branch system when it opened 21 branch libraries throughout Boston between 1872 and 1900. It is recognized by the National Park System as the first outstanding example of Renaissance Beaux-Arts Classicism in America and is visited by more than 3 million people annually.
3. It Has America’s Oldest Continuously Operating Tavern
Img: Flickr
Although not the oldest bar in America, the Bell in Hand was built in 1795 and, outside of Prohibition, has remained open, making it the country’s oldest continuously operating tavern. Its two-story floor plan features five different bars where you can order a pint, just like the Founding Fathers did.
If you want a bar with even more history, check out the Green Dragon Tavern, just around the corner from the Bell in Hand. It’s here that Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty held meetings, and it’s conveniently located along the 2.5-mile long Freedom Trail, a free Boston attraction that literally tours you around the city. Grab a drink at each bar and enjoy a historical day in Boston.
4. Boston Is Actually A College Town
Img: Wikipedia
A bustling metropolis like Boston may not seem like a college town, but with 35 colleges, universities and community colleges, that’s exactly what it is. Amazingly enough, students manage to find housing and apartments every year, with the Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood leading the way as the most popular. Boston University, Northeastern, and Boston College, are some of the better known schools in the city, but Suffolk, Berklee College of Music, and Emerson also contribute to the 250,000 students who call Boston home every year. And that doesn’t even include those schools across the Charles River, including Harvard and MIT. With so many colleges in one area, there’s always something fun to do in Boston.
5. The City Layout Is Unique
Img: Flickr
Visiting or moving to Boston brings the excitement of exploring a new place, and Boston’s streets are perfect for wandering around aimlessly. That’s because the layout is nearly the complete opposite of any typical city grid. Boston’s streets are twisted, curvy, and their geographical layout seems to have to be no rhyme or reason, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll, but not so great if you need to get somewhere in a hurry. Check out this colorful map to get a feel for how different Boston streets look compared to other major cities.
6. Boston Sports Teams Are Legendary
The greater Boston area is one of the few in the U.S. that plays home to all four major professional men’s sports teams. The Bruins, Red Sox, and Celtics all play within Boston city limits, and both the New England Patriots and New England Revolution play just outside the city in Foxborough. Catching a sporting event nearly all year round is just one of the many things to do in Boston. This city has, arguably, one of the most intense love affairs with its sports teams. To really put it into perspective, Boston has hosted 10 championship parades in the last 15 years; these are just any teams, they’re some of the best in the world.
In addition to being full of fun facts, Boston is a very walkable city. Each neighborhood is full of fun things to do and places to explore. Check out all the different Boston apartments for rent and decide which neighborhood works best for you.
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