Boston is one of the largest cities in the United States and the capital of Massachusetts. The region where the city is located I call New England. It is one of the oldest and richest areas in the country. The exquisite architecture of ancient buildings will attract lovers of intellectual, leisurely walks and interesting excursions here. But you shouldn't think that Boston is an exceptionally calm city, suitable only for intellectuals and lovers of contemplation. There are a lot of things to do here for today's youth. In addition to the fact that the area is home to many prestigious educational institutions, various festivals are also regularly held here.
City `s history
Major milestones in the history of the city of Boston (Massachusetts) in the United States:
- 1630 g. - the British colony Massachusetts Bay Colony is created, the city of Boston becomes its capital;
- 1635 g. - the city becomes one of the most innovative, the Boston Latin School opens here (the first free school in the USA);
- 1636 g. - one of the most significant events in the history of education not only of a city or country, but also of the world: the opening of the great Harvard. Then he became the first university in the United States;
- 1704 g. - the first newspaper of the colonies is published;
- 1795 g. - organization of the first American trade union;
- 1897 g. - the opening of a new type of public transport - the metro, which had not previously existed in the country.
Boston USA became the starting point in the struggle for the independence of the state, here the first African American regiment was formed to take part in the civil war.
For reference! In the middle of the 18th century. the war of immigrants from Ireland poured into the city, and at the beginning of the twentieth century. - from Italy. Thanks to this, the city acquired some European features.
History of molasses flooding
One of the most unique world events in modern history is the flooding of Boston with molasses. This is not particularly large-scale, it did not claim a large number of victims, but one of the most original disasters. Where exactly in Boston did this happen, when and how it is described below.
June 15, 1919 at 12 noon in the northern part of the city there was an explosion of a giant tank of molasses. Molasses is one of the by-products of sugar production. Everyone is accustomed to seeing only white crystallized grains, but to get them, it is necessary to "squeeze out" the dark brown, thick, slightly bitter syrup.
Spilled more than 9 million liters sweet, thick molasses, somewhat reminiscent of syrup. It was like a sweet tsunami. In the state of Boston, because of this incident, he died an agonizing death 21 people.
In America, this event is considered legendary, it is inscribed in large letters in the history of the country, however, in Russia almost no one remembers it.
Interesting! In the United States, molasses is used commercially as a sweetener because it is both tasty and healthy. It contains various substances, most of all calcium. An excellent example of waste-free production.
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During the explosion of the tank with this product, at first everyone heard a loud rumble, similar to an explosion. After that, a noise was heard, which was comparable to the sound of a train, then resounding blows began, comparable to machine-gun bursts.
Of course, not everyone understood what was happening and some were confused. Unfortunately, it cost them their lives. A huge, eight-meter wave swept along the square and the Commercial Street, which runs directly from it. Due to the concentration of the substance, it gave off a sweet, suffocating odor. The movement speed of molasses is about 60 km / h.
This wave destroyed part of the buildings in its path, it was so powerful. The survivors were flooded to a height of at least 1 m. Not only wooden buildings were destroyed, but even part of the metal structures of the railway. One carriage was thrown off the tracks.
But the worst thing is human losses. The more people tried to get out, the more they were drawn into this viscous slurry. For four days after the disaster, rescuers tried to remove the bodies from the liquid, eliminate all the consequences, and provide assistance to the victims. In addition to the dead, there were also people who received injuries of varying severity (150 people). But this is only visible, physical damage.
For reference! It was not possible to calculate the total number of residents who breathed in harmful vapors. The enterprise was closed after the tragedy.
The causes of the tragedy were established much later:
- high speed of construction of the tank, due to which due attention was not paid to its quality;
- the tank was not ready for the pressure that was in it;
- the walls of the barrel were 2 times thinner than necessary;
- the steel was too brittle because there was not enough manganese in it.
Interesting! Similar steel was used in the construction of the famous Titanic.
How to get there
Having answered the question of where and in which country Boston is located, it becomes clear that getting there will be quite simple. After all, the United States is a developed country, so there are no transport problems there. You can get there from Russia only by plane. Moreover, there is a direct flight Moscow-Boston, which will take a little over 8 hours.
Boston coordinates - latitude, longitude: 42.3584, −71.0598, height above sea level: 15 meters, postcode - 02150.
Aircraft
Directly in the place where Boston is located is the excellent Logan International Airport. It provides all the necessary services, transportation is carried out both domestically and internationally. The organization of the process is excellent.
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Buses
You can get to the city by intercity bus. There are a huge number of them, all run by one company. This is a very convenient way to travel, the transport has everything you need for the comfort of passengers. It is worth choosing which state from Boston you want to go to and the problem will be solved.
Interesting!For 2019, a ticket from Boston to New York costs only $ 15. You can buy a bus pass and not worry about how much it costs.
Trains
Traveling by train will be more expensive than traveling by bus, but it will be more comfortable. There are special high-speed trains. They go to almost anywhere in the United States.
Places of interest in Boston
The attractions of Boston can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of age and interests. There is really something to see here. Boston in America is not large, so it is better to leave the car and go on a walking tour of it.
North station
In terms of passenger turnover, it is somewhat inferior to the South Station. From here, trains leave for several important directions, and there are also two metro lines. Near the North Station, there are a huge number of places that have played important roles in American history.
Boston University
Boston University is famous all over the world. It was founded in 1839. Over the years of its existence, it has trained a huge number of high-class specialists. Its structure includes 18 colleges and schools. In total, more than 30,000 students are employed here, with 4,000 teachers working with them. It is interesting for tourists as a cultural monument.
Interesting! Now it is not a state, but a private educational institution.
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is the largest in North America. It may take a whole day or even more to get acquainted with its exposition. After all, his collection consists of 450 thousand exhibits. The most interesting:
- collection of paintings by French impressionist painters;
- a classic collection from a villa in Pompeii, featuring frescoes and wonderful sculptures;
- collections of the Ancient East;
- collection of Japanese ceramics.
Important! From time to time, the museum hosts unusual thematic exhibitions.
All Saints Church
This is one of the most visited places in the city by tourists. Year built 1722, and inside is a bust of George Washington.
The church is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
City garden
Date of creation of the park - 1634 g. It is made in the English classic style. There is a huge number of flowering plants, unusual hybrids, exotic plants.
Whole families like to spend their weekends in this place. Here you can walk, sit, admire the beautiful lake or ride a catamaran on it.
Salem Witch Museum
A visit to the Witches Museum will help you return to the distant 17th century, when the unfortunate girls were burned at the stake for being considered witches. In this place, more than 500 documents have been collected about the trials during which women were sentenced. Also here are the terrible instruments of torture used by the inquisitors.
Massachusetts State Capitol
The Capitol was built at the end of the 18th century. Its distinctive feature is the dome. It was originally made of copper, but in 1874 it was covered with gold leaf.
During World War II, it was repainted black to disguise the gilding. After 2 years, they washed again. Currently, the dome is periodically "gilded" so that it shines constantly.
Longfellow bridge
This bridge connects the main part of the city with Cambridge - the university campus. Its length is 539 m, width is 11 m, it simultaneously performs all functions: pedestrian, road and rail.
For reference! The very first bridge on this site was built at the beginning of the 18th century, and the current one - in 1906.
Monument to the Sparrow
This is the very first monument to a little bird. It was built in the middle of the 19th century in Boston. Interestingly, until 1860, there were no sparrows in America at all. They were brought specially from England and sent to fight against caterpillars that devoured the harvest.
By the way, the sparrows did an excellent job with the mission entrusted to them and saved Boston, and the whole country from hunger.
Old Beacon Hill and North End
These historic districts keep the memory of those events that took place at the very beginning of the city's history. They keep the whole atmosphere of that time, here you can feel a mixture of American and Italian styles. In one place, dwellings for the poor and elite houses were then collected. All traces of this remained in this place.
Beacon Hill and North End are must-sees for tourists to Boston, where you can feel the history of the country.
John Hancock Tower
The John Hancock Tower is a huge building, 241 m (60 floors) high, built in 1968-1976. This is the tallest building not only in Boston, but in all of New England. It is located almost in the very center.
Other attractions
Boston is a tourist attraction in itself, there are a lot of interesting places that are worth paying attention to. All of them cannot be listed, here are just a few of them:
- Gillette Stadium;
- Trinity Church;
- Unitary Memorial Church;
- condominium in Boston;
- Hall Symphony;
- Fort of Independence;
- Old South Church;
- South Station.
Festivals and events
As already mentioned, Boston is not only a historic city; many interesting holidays and festivals are held here, during which it is worth coming to the city to see them at the moment. It is better to book the hotel in advance.
Boston marathon
One of the most popular marathons in the country. Competitors must travel 42.2 km to Copley Sq on Patriots Day, a Massachusetts holiday celebrated on the third Monday in April.
Fourth of July
Boston hosts one of America's largest Independence Day celebrations, featuring a free Boston Pops concert on the Esplanade and a variety of fireworks, broadcast nationwide.
Feast of the patron saints
In the North End and Italian neighborhoods, patron saints are remembered on weekends. Rich tables are laid, people visit each other.
Note! This is such an unusual American tradition that is unfamiliar to the Russian people.
Head of the Charles Regatta
It is the largest rowing event and takes place during the weekend of October-November depending on the weather.
The climate in Boston is not the best, in winter it is quite cold here, strong, gusty winds blow, and bad weather. It is unstable, so it is better to visit this state of America in the warm season. The garden is in bloom, everything is beautiful. Spring and summer are ideal times for exploring the city. Those who are well oriented will not even need a map, everything can be found without it, as it is a small town.
Boston is a beautiful American city with an interesting history. Knowing that Boston is what kind of country, you might even be surprised. You shouldn't expect tall towers or incredibly developed infrastructure from it. This is a calm, measured town that will delight every guest.
