Boston History

With a latest population of 589,141, Boston was founded in 1630 by John Winthrop. The name goes back to a town in England that meant home to many Puritans like Winthrop. The foundation took place on a 317 hectare peninsula, which the Indians called “Shawmut” and which lay between the Charles River and Boston Harbor. Boston was initially called Trimountaine (“Three Mountains”) by the English. In the middle of the 19th century, the city was expanded by more than 1000 hectares by backfilling the shallow waters. The material for this came from the three hills of the peninsula and from the remains of the devastating fire of 1872.

It was a fresh start on foreign territory and to this day New England is the most European part of the United States. Over time, Boston gained importance as the main seaport in New England. The stately houses with their characteristic architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries in the streets of Boston bear witness to this time.

The most famous historical event around the city in the northeast of the United States of America is probably the famous Boston Tea Party. The Boston Tea Party took place on December 16, 1773, triggered by a planned increase in the tea tax decided by the British Parliament. This was preceded by a dispute between North American traders and the British Parliament that lasted for several years. The North American traders boycotted the tea imported from England since 1770, partly because of the high tea tax.

The renewed increase in the tea tax and the attempt to stop the smuggling of tea was probably the drop that brought the barrel to overflowing. And it brought not only the Boston Tea Party, but with it also the War of Independence between England and the USA and thus ultimately the independence of the USA and the Declaration of Independence.

In the course of the Revolutionary War, Boston was besieged between June 1775 and March 1776. The War of Independence ended in 1783 with the recognition of their defeat by the British in the Peace of Paris (September 3, 1783). In 1789 George Washington became the first President of the United States of America.

After the revolution, Boston became a wealthy city. The trade in fish, salt, rum and tobacco flourished. From around 1820 the profile of immigrants changed. Until now it was mostly Protestants from England who were looking for a new home here, but now more Catholic Irish immigrants and Italians came to Boston.

There was a reorientation at the beginning of the 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, many industries migrated because labor costs had become too expensive compared to the rest of the United States. The city of Boston therefore had to reorient itself structurally. This period became known as “Urban Renewal” and included several urban development programs.

In 1940 the construction of Interstate 93 began right through the heart of the city. It was hoped that this city motorway would solve the traffic problems, but it divided the city center. The now divided inner city was tried to reunite through the “Big Dig” project. This largest road construction and revitalization project in the United States began in the 1980s and was only completed in 2007. The most-used city highway, the John F. Fitzgerald Expressway, was moved into a tunnel.

In 1970, economic growth began again for the first time, starting from the medical sector. In the longer term, this led to increases in land prices and rents, so that many Boston residents could no longer afford to live in their city. The population dropped dramatically and hit rock bottom in 1982. The number of Bostonians slowly rose again and is now almost back to the value of 1950.

Events throughout the year

A variety of events are held in Boston and the surrounding area throughout the year. For example, the following are very beautiful.

• Boston Flower & Garden Show: Every March in Boston the ” Boston Flower & Garden Show ” instead of. Here even beginners can learn everything about creating a botanical garden. Many lectures and demonstrations provide detailed insights into gardening beyond vegetables and herbs.
• Boston Marathon: The Boston Marathon is known as the oldest sporting event of its kind. It took place in 1897 for the first time. Back then the race had 15 participants – today there are around 30,000 every year.
• St. Patrick’s Day: As the largest ethnic group in Boston are Irish, will St. Patrick’s Day is also maintained here. March 17th of each year is Boston all green as people celebrate the introduction of Christianity to Ireland.
• Harborfest: The ” Harborfest “Takes place on the 6 days following July 4th of each year. The colonial past is celebrated with a boat trip, live music, exhibitions on the topic and much more.
• Boston Wine Festival: The ” Boston Wine Festival “Is one of the largest of its kind in the US. It starts in the last week of January and lasts 3.5 months. The wineries in the area present their wines and dishes on the menus are not offered repeatedly during this time.
• Boston Green Fest: A “green” festival promises that Boston Green Fest, which offers a colorful program for young and old.