Boston

Within the United States’ Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Boston is the capital and most populous city. Boston, which is the financial and cultural hub of the Northeastern United States‘ New England, is a city full of modern relevance yet rich in past events. With a 48.4 square mile (125 km²) population of 675,647 as of the 2020 census, it ranks third in the Northeast among cities after New York City and Philadelphia. With a population of 4,919,179 as of 2023, the Greater Boston metropolitan statistical area—which comprises and encircles the city—is eleventh-largest in the nation and the largest in New England.

Puritan immigrants founded Boston on the Shawmut Peninsula in 1630; the city was named for Lincolnshire, England. The early history of the city is closely entwined with the American Revolution; it hosts many important events including the Boston Massacre in 1770, the Boston Tea Party in 1773, Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride in 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, and the Siege of Boston from 1775 to 1776. These incidents were fundamental to the revolution and the later Revolutionary War. Boston remained especially important as a port, manufacturing base, and center of education and culture after American freedom from Great Britain. By annexing nearby towns and filling in land, the city grew much outside its original peninsula. Among the firsts in the United States Boston boasts are the first public park (Boston Common, 1634), the first public school (Boston Latin School, 1635), and the first subway system (Tremont Street subway, 1897).

Boston is now acknowledged as the biggest biotechnology center worldwide and a national leader in higher education and research. In science, law, medicine, engineering, and business, the city leads nationally as well. Boston, with almost 5,000 startup companies, is regarded as a worldwide innovator and entrepreneur leader; more recently, in artificial intelligence. The city boasts a varied economy ranging from government operations to information technology to finance and professional and business services. Boston homes have the highest average rate of philanthropy in the country; the businesses and institutions in the city rank among the top in the country for new investment and environmental sustainability.

The impact of Boston goes much beyond its physical limits. Boston has molded the American consciousness for ages as the spiritual center of the New England states and the starting point of the American Revolution. Its influence is felt in everything from science and technology to education and culture. Renowned worldwide, the city’s institutions—including its hospitals, colleges, and research centers—draw talent and money from all around.

Millions of visitors annually visit the many historic sites and monuments of the city, safeguarding its rich legacy. A 2.5-mile-long route through Boston’s downtown, the Freedom Trail, winds by 16 sites important to American history. Among these are the Massachusetts State House, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church, where the well-known “One if by land, two if by sea” signal is claimed to have been emitted.

Every Boston neighborhood has special appeal and character. From the historic Beacon Hill with its narrow, gas-lit streets and brick sidewalks to the busy Back Bay with its Victorian brownstone homes and the venerable Boston Public Library, the city presents a mix of old-world elegance and modern sophistication. Whereas the North End, Boston’s Little Italy, is well-known for its Italian restaurants and events, the South End is renowned for its active arts scene and varied community.

From Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University, and Northeastern University—among other esteemed universities—the city clearly values education. Apart from supporting the local economy, these establishments help to build intellectual development and an innovative culture.

For the people of Boston, the sports teams bring pride. The Boston Red Sox (MLB), the Boston Celtics (NBA), the Boston Bruins (NHL), and the New England Patriots (NFL) all call the city home; each team has won several titles and boasts a fervent following.

Boston is a city that deftly combines modern invention and cultural vitality with its rich historical legacy. Combined with its historical importance and varied neighborhoods, its leadership in education, research, and entrepreneurship distinguishes it as a dynamic city. Boston has something for everyone whether your interests are in its historic sites, one of its world-class universities, or a game at Fenway Park.