5 Fun Facts about Boston, MA

As one of the oldest cities in the U.S., Boston has a rich history dating back to before the nation’s founding. Whether you’re new to the Boston area or you’ve lived here your entire life, there’s always something to learn about this coastal capital city. Here are five fun facts about The City on a Hill.

The Boston Red Sox Patented Monster Green Paint

America’s favorite pastime is more than a hobby in Boston — it’s a way of life. The city’s love for its Boston Red Sox is proof of its passion for the sport, and Bostonians take pride in both their team and their stadium. The Red Sox have called Fenway Park their home since 1912, and it’s become known for its many distinct features since then. A fan favorite is the Green Monster, the nickname for the stadium’s 37-foot-high scoreboard wall in the left field that’s been a special shade of green since 1947.

That year, team owner Tom Yawkey decided to remove the advertisements that once graced the wall and paint it green instead. He collaborated with the California Paint Company in Andover, Massachusetts, and Monster Green paint was born. The organization loved the color so much that they patented it as Fenway Green, and it’s been a hallmark of Fenway ever since. The Red Sox later partnered with paint company Benjamin Moore, which announced a limited-edition release of the paint to the public in 2014. Loyal fans snatched it up for a whopping $54.99 per gallon.

The Witch Hunts Didn’t Start in Salem

You’ve probably heard of the Salem Witch Trials, but have you heard of the Boston Witch Hangings? These lesser-known persecutions took place before the events in Salem and involved the deaths of three women over a 40-year period. The isolated persecutions gave colonists a glimpse of the growing fear of witchcraft — whether real or perceived. If you’ve ever wondered why we refer to politically motivated investigations that prey on paranoia and fear as “witch hunts,” events like these are your answer. These three women died in Boston Witch Hangings:

• Margaret Jones: Accused after she gave her patients medicine that didn’t heal them (1648).
• Ann Hibbins: Accused for disrespecting her husband’s authority by suing carpenters who overcharged her (1656).
• Ann “Goody” Glover: Accused after having an argument with a family who later got sick (1688).

The Puritans Banned Christmas for 20 Years

In 1659, the Puritans who left England and made their way to the Massachusetts Bay Colony were none too pleased with the Christmas traditions in what would soon become Boston. They started their campaign against Christmas by opening schools and businesses on Christmas Day and closing churches to prevent celebrations. In fact, they were so serious about their disdain for the holiday that those found observing it in any way received a five-shilling fine. Believing the law should prohibit any behavior not condoned explicitly in the Bible, they enacted these and other Blue Laws to enforce piousness through legislation.

According to the Puritans, the Bible’s own lack of Nativity celebrations made Christian celebrations baseless and worldly. They also condemned the holiday’s roots in the pagan celebration of Saturnalia, which involved drinking, feasting, and other activities they considered dishonorable. Pressure from the monarchy to relax some of their most stringent laws or lose the protection of their rights under the crown led the Puritans to overturn the ban in 1681. Although it was no longer a law, the Puritan majority still refused to celebrate, and Christmas didn’t become an official holiday in Massachusetts until over 150 years later in 1856.

Boston Is Home to Some Famous Graves

As a hub of colonial America, it only makes sense that Boston is home to the graves of several prominent historical figures. Many of these politicians, activists, soldiers, and public figures found their final resting place at the Granary Burying Ground, the third-oldest cemetery in Boston. The city established the Granary in 1660, and although it has half as many grave markers, historians believe it could contain up to 5,000 burials.

If you’re familiar with the foundations of American history, you’re bound to come across at least a few familiar names on a visit to this Tremont Street landmark. Make sure to look for John Hancock, Robert Treat Paine, and Samuel Adams, three of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Some other notable residents of the Granary Burying Ground include:

• Paul Revere: Founding Father and Revolutionary War patriot who took part in warning patriots of the incoming British troops.
• Crispus Attucks: The first American and only African-American killed in the Boston Massacre, he rests in a common grave with the four other victims of the tragedy.
• Wendell Phillips: American abolitionist, lawyer, and advocate for Native Americans and women’s rights.

Many of the Country’s Firsts Took Place in Boston

It’s no surprise that one of the nation’s oldest cities claims plenty of inventions and concepts you likely still use today. If the name King Gillette rings a bell, a peek inside your bathroom might jog your memory. Gillette’s disposable razor is one of many Boston inventions, which also include the microwave and the famous chocolate chip cookie recipe from the Toll House Inn. Some other American firsts that took place in Boston include:

• Public Park: Boston Common (1634).
• Public school: Boston Latin School (1635).
• University: Harvard University (1636).
• Regularly-issued newspaper: The Boston News-Letter (1704).
• Lighthouse: Boston Light (1716).
• Public library: Boston Public Library (1848).
• Telephone call: Alexander Graham Bell (1876).
• Metro system: Boston subway (1897).

Choosing five of our favorite Beantown facts was a challenge with so many fascinating facts to consider. If you’re ready to explore the history of the city in person, come visit us at Nucar VW Norwood. We offer flexible financing options to get you into the new Volkswagen that fits your budget and checks all your boxes. Stop by our showroom today at 1280 Boston Providence Highway in Norwood and find the perfect ride for your Boston excursion!

Photo Credit: The Green Monster by geoliv is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0