About Boston
Boston is the capital of New England and one of the oldest cities in the US. It sits on the Eastern Seaboard, North of New York. It is a major shipping port and manufacturing area supporting over 4.5 million people.
History of Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, having been founded by British colonists in 1630. Those colonists were Puritans, a religious group who, along with the Pilgrims, settled the country in the 17th century.
The name, Boston, came from the town in England of the same name, where many of the Puritans came from. Much like many of our place names, the early Europeans simply copied the names of their homes and used them here.
Boston played a significant role in the American Revolution, being the site of the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Lexington, Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. The Tea Party was a significant act that contributed to the Revolution, which also started near Boston.
Early Boston gained much of its wealth from trade, but interruptions to that as a result of The Tea Party and embargoes during the 19th century forced the city to complement its income elsewhere. That’s where the manufacturing base of the city originated. Until the beginning of the 20th century, Boston was one of the most productive cities in the country.
What to Do
Boston is a large, vibrant city with a huge variety of cultures. It is the heart of New England with a voracious appetite for culture, arts and entertainment. The religious roots of the city have given it a significant footprint with over 300 parishes within the great Boston area.
Arts and Culture
The art and culture of Boston is largely influenced by the mix of people who live here. The large Irish and Catholic population has ensured a rich and vibrant interest in both the arts and culture. Highlights include: Cutler Majestic Theater, Boston Opera House, Citi Performing Arts Center, the Colonial Theater, and the Orpheum Theater.
Music and Entertainment
Boston has a lively music scene and is credited with being one of the birthplaces of punk and ska. Some high quality venues that call Boston home include: Boston Symphony Orchestra, Boston Opera House, Wilbur Theatre, Wang Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion and the Lyric Stage Company.
Heritage
As you would expect from a city with our history, Boston likes to celebrate its heritage. We play host to a number of fine museums and historical monuments, including: Boston Children’s Museum, Boston Fire Museum, Commonwealth Museum, French Cultural Center, Isabella Gardner Museum and the Museum of African American History.
