Florida

The state of Florida's climate is humid subtropical in the northern and central areas, and tropical in the southern region. Florida is known for it's tropic thunderstorms, humidity and rainfall.  

In Boston, the weather is somewhat predictable. The coldest month is January, reaching as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The hottest month is July, which is typically around 73 degrees Fahrenheit. The city averages 43.7 inches of rain per year, and 45.1 inches of snow. Much like Florida, fog and humidity is fairly common, and the occasional tropic thunderstorm does occur. 

Southern Atlantic...

In the Southern Atlantic region, there is a variety of popular foods. Barbecue is a very popular style, with sauces, corns, potatoes, meats, and much more. In Boston, there is a large emphasis on seafood and dairy products. Clam Chowder is a city favorite, along with fish and chips, lobster, and fried clams. 

One historic restaurant in Boston is The Union Oyster House which has been serving customers since 1826. It is the oldest restaurant in the United States, and was listed a National Historic Landmark in 2003. 

The Union Oyster House

Recently, Boston has also started to showcase more Asian cuisine, with several upcoming restaurants in tow. 

Appalachia...

The Appalachian Region is a region in the eastern United States that stretches from the southern part of New York to the north part of Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia.  According to the 2010 census, it is occupied by 25 million people. Below is a map displaying the Appalachian Region. 

Boston does not have a region like the Appalachian Region, but it does have an area called Greater Boston. Greater Boston is the area of the commonwealth of Massachusetts that surrounds the city of Boston.  Greater Boston contains many historic sites and artistic venues.  It has a huge emphasis on culture, finances, education, and tourism. 

 

Downtown Details...

Boston is known for having a complex, vivacious area known as Downtown Boston. This is the heart of Boston. Here, many companies have their headquarters stationed, and City Hall and the State House are both located in Downtown Boston as well. In Downtown Boston, the streets are filled with street performers, historic sites, and the public transit system.  

The Downtown Boston BID is also located in the city. The Downtown Boston BID is the first Business Improvement District in Boston, which is one of the last major cities in the United States to form a BID. BID was created due to hundreds of interested stakeholders committed to achieving downtown's destination to thrive.  In October of 2004, the city of Boston launched the Downtown Crossing Economic Initiative, whose mission was to restore downtown's culture, including the coordination of events, holiday decorations, etc. 

Boston's Geography...

The city of Boston expanded two ways, which were by landfills and the adding of several neighboring cities. The map above is a census map illustrating landfill and annexations up until the year 1880. By 1890, the city had tripled it's size due to land fill. Marshes and gaps between wharves along the waterfront were filled.  In 1807, the crown of Beacon Hill was used to fill a 50 acre mill pond that later became the Bulfinch Triangle. The Bulfinch Triangle is a historic district which is bounded by canals, markets and streets in Boston. On top of Beacon Hill, is the Massachusetts State House.

Massachusetts State House

During the mid to late 19th Century, the filling of the Back Bay occurred. This was the biggest project that took place, which included almost six hundred acres of Charles River marshlands that were filled with gravel that was brought from the hills of Needham Heights.  Below is a photo of the land fill history in Boston.

Bostonians...

Boston is both the capital of Massachusetts and the largest city in the state. It is the 21st largest city in the United States. The population density of Boston is estimated to be about 13, 143 people per square mile. 

Approximately 5% of the population in Boston is under the age of 5, while about 10% of the population is 65 years and older. About 52% of the population is female, while the other 48% is male. The most prominent race in the city of Boston is white, which makes up a little less than half the entire city's population. African Americans make up the second largest racial group, which is around 24% of the population, while Hispanics make up around 18%, and Asians make up close to 9% of the population.

Boston residents are distinctively referred to as "Bostonians".  Some residents may also use the term "New Englanders".  Boston has a huge sense of community and Boston natives have a lot of pride when it comes to their hometown. 

An Increasing Population...

There are nearly 700,000 residents of Boston, with the population increasing every year.  The city is growing faster than it's suburbs and faster than any urban area northeast of New Jersey.  It is observed that the closer New England cities are to Boston, the faster they are growing. This growth began in 2000 - 2010. During those years, Boston grew faster than the rest of New England for the very first time in more than a century. 

The History of Boston...

Boston was named by European colonists after Boston,  Lincolnshire, England in 1630. European settlers were on a mission to find clean water when they discovered what is now known as Boston. The Massachusetts Bay Colony's first governor, John Winthrop, signed the Cambridge Agreement in 1629.  which was the official document stating the founding of the city. 

John Winthrop

Boston has also played a very important part in American history. Several events of the American Revolution happened in or near Boston. The Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre, and the battles of Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill. During these conflicts, the British were forced to leave, which decreased the population by two thirds in 1770. In 1880, after the American Revolution, the city had recovered and became the main area of transportation for the New England region, which included railroads and both medical and educational facilities. Boston soon became one of the most wealthiest international ports.  Below is a picture of the Boston port.

Boston is home to over 600,000 people. It contains many institutions of higher education including some of the world's finest inpatient hospitals, and professional sports organizations

Interesting Fact: America's first public school was founded in Boston in 1635. 

Boston looks like...

To some, Boston may look a little like New York City at first glance.  Bright lights, strips of land reaching into the water, and tons of people.  Although it may draw some similarities, Boston is a very unique city with interesting characteristics. 
Boston has an area of 89.6 square miles. 48.4 square miles of that is land, and 41.2 square miles of  that is water. It is surrounded by two bodies of water, which are the Atlantic Ocean and Charles River. The city's official elevation is at 19 ft above sea level.   Boston is located in the eastern part of the state on Massachusetts Bay, and the population of Boston is a little under 700,000.

Below is a photo of the Boston skyline and the Charles River.

Boston is often called the "city of neighborhoods", due to it's diversity. Buildings include businesses, churches, homes, government buildings, and much more. Downtown Boston and it's immediate surroundings consist of many low-rise masonry buildings. Smaller areas consist of single-family homes and brick multi-family row houses.  Boston is also known for it's open space and vast greenery. 

There is also a section of freeway in Downtown Boston, known as John F. Fitzgerald Expressway. This freeway is highly conducive to commuting and travelling throughout Boston. It was built in the 1950's and was part tunnel, part elevated. Today, it is constructed almost fully of underground tunnels. It is known as the Central Artery to Boston locals. Below is a video of what the John F. Fitzgerald expressway looks like. 

Welcome to Boston! Here, I will be sharing information about the capital and largest city of the state of Massachusetts. Hope you enjoy!