Surprising and Quirky Facts About Boston

If you’re moving to “Beantown,” it’s probably good to know where Boston got the nickname.

As the seat of one of the original United States, Boston’s history dates all the way back to 1630. As a result, we have a lot of rich and interesting facts about Boston. From Paul Revere’s Ride to the Boston Tea Party, there’s American history on nearly every street. Beyond history, for centuries, Boston has attracted artists, intellectuals, and scientists that have challenged norms and created new innovations.

There is a wealth of things to learn about this city. To get you started, here are some of our favorite facts about Boston:

Historical Facts About Boston

• The Boston Tea Party: In 1773, a group of Americans protested against unfair taxation by throwing tea into the sea. This event is known as the Boston Tea Party, and historians consider it the first act that inspired the American Revolution. Don’t miss the reenactment every year on December 16 at the Old South Meeting Hall. It’s a good time.
• The Declaration Of Independence: On July 18, 1776, the Declaration of Independence of the United States was first proclaimed at the Old State House by Colonel Thomas Crafts to a crowd of citizens.
• The Ether Dome: Located in Massachusetts General Hospital, the Ether Dome is a historical operating theater. The Ether Dome got its name because it was where the first successful public demonstration of surgical anesthesia occurred.
• The Sacred Cod: Cod fishing was the colonists’ first industry developed in Boston. Cod fishing was so crucial to Bostonians that a 4-foot statue of a cod hangs in Boston’s Massachusetts State House to memorialize the importance of cod fishing. Although it is not officially called “the Sacred Cod,” the name stuck.
• Paul Revere: Paul Revere’s famous “midnight ride” on April 19, 1775, warned the American militia members of approaching forces. This historical ride eventually led to the Americans winning our independence. You can take a walking tour of his last home, the oldest remaining structure in downtown Boston.

The Ether Dome

Fascinating Facts About Boston

• The Boston Subway: The Boston Subway was the first subway ever built. Constructed in 1897, it was a solution to the overcrowded streets that continually caused the city’s transportation to halt.
• The Boston Common: The Boston Common was established in 1634 as the first public park in the United States of America and is still a popular destination today. The park offers a rich history and a beautiful green escape surrounded by the skyscrapers of the city.
• Lawn On D: Not stopping at the Boston Common, Boston introduced a new type of public park in 2014. Lawn on D is an experimental, art-driven integrative playground for community members of all ages.
• The Boston Accent: Famous for dropping our R’s, Bostonians have a unique accent that has origins in our founding. Puritans founded Boston from areas like Gloucester and Lancashire, parts of Britain where they also do not pronounce the R.
• The Boston Marathon: Until the disruption of COVID in 2020, The Boston Marathon was the oldest continuously running marathon, dating back to 1897. The popular event attracts half a million spectators every year.
• The Boston Stone: The Boston Stone is an old worn paint grinding stone that became the “center” of Boston. The stone was used as a landmark for city planning for centuries.
• The Birthplace Of The Telephone: The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell and/or Elisha Grey in Boston. The first telephone call and long-distance telephone call were both made in Boston as well.

Unusual Facts About Boston

• The Great Molasses Flood: In 1919, a large tank with 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst at a factory, causing a destructive and deadly wave to flood the streets of Boston. Some people say on hot summer days they can sometimes smell molasses on Commercial Street, where the flood happened.
• The Boston Terrier: Massachusetts’ official state dog, the Boston Terrier, is America’s first purebred breed. Nicknamed “The American Gentleman,” the Boston Terrier dates back to 1870 when a Boston breeder William O’Brien bred a dog named Hooper’s Judge.
• The Skinny House: Boston is home to many styles of row houses, but no more unique than the Skinny House. The Skinny House is a less than 10-foot-wide home located on 44 Hull Road. According to Boston legend, two brothers inherited a plot of land and while one son was serving in the military, the other brother built a large home. When the first brother came back there was only a small piece of land left. This brother built the Skinny House on that plot of land which blocked the sunlight and view from his brother’s house.
• Boston Cream Pie: Celebrated on Boston Cream Pie Day, October 23, it is the official dessert of Massachusetts and was created in 1856 at the Boston’s Parker House Hotel by M. Sanzian. The Boston Cream Pie is actually considered a type of cake because back then, they didn’t distinguish between pies and cakes.

• Weird Laws: Being an older city, many bizarre and antiquated laws are still on the books in Boston. Some of these include requiring a license to wear a goatee or a doctor’s prescription to take a bath. It’s also illegal to drive around with a gorilla in your backseat. Don’t worry if you’re moving here, these old laws are never enforced.
• The Mapparium: Boston is home to the largest stained glass globe, measuring three stories in height. Built in 1935, the global remains unchanged today – outside of the addition of LEDs-though many countries have.
• The Gardner Museum Theft: Boston is home to the largest art heist in history. In 1990, over $500 million in paintings were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and never recovered.
• BeanTown: Though not always popular with Bostonians, the nickname “BeanTown” comes from Boston Baked Beans, a delicious dish that uses molasses instead of brown sugar. Boston Baked Bean recipes date back to the 1620s.

If you’re moving to Boston, these fun facts will help you explore the rich culture of our thriving city. Be sure to read our Moving to Boston blog post for more tips and advice.

We love welcoming new residents to our city and will be happy to help you with all your storage needs.