This page will contain external links about Boston, Massachusetts, as they become available.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston redirects here. For other uses, see Boston (disambiguation).
City nickname: "Beantown," "The Hub," "Athens of America"

Location in the state of Massachusetts
Founded September 17, 1630
County Suffolk County
Mayor Thomas Menino (Dem)
Area
 - Total
 - Water

232.1 km² (89.6 mi²)
106.7 km² (41.2 mi²) 45.98%
Population
 - City (2000)
 - Density
 - Metropolitan

589,141
4,696.9/km²
5.8 million
Time zone Eastern (UTC –5)
Coordinates
WGS-84 (GPS)
42.3604° N 71.0573° W (http://kvaleberg.com/extensions/mapsources/index.php?params=42.3604_N_71.0573_W_region:US_type:city)
www.cityofboston.gov

Boston is the capital and the largest city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city is also the county seat of Suffolk County. It is the unofficial capital of the region known as New England as well as one of the oldest and wealthiest cities in the United States, with an economy based on education, health care, finance, and high technology. Its nicknames include "Beantown", "The Hub" (shortened from Oliver Wendell Holmes' phrase The Hub of the Universe), "The City of Higher Learning" (due to the plethora of universities and colleges in the Boston area) and The Athens of America, due to its great influence on cultural, intellectual, and political matters.

As of the 2000 census, its population was 589,141. The Greater Boston metropolitan area, including nearby cities and towns such as Cambridge, Brookline, and Quincy as well as many suburban communities further from the city, has a population of approximately 5.8 million residents. Greater Boston is one of the top-ten largest metropolitan areas in the United States, the fifteenth in the Americas, and the one of the top-fifty largest in the world.

History

Main article: History of Boston

The 18th-century Old State House in Boston is surrounded by tall buildings of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Boston has an illustrious history that spans nearly four centuries. Its history is inherently intertwined with the history of the United States.

Founded on September 17, 1630, on a peninsula called Shawmut by the Native Americans who lived there, Boston is named after Boston, England, a town in Lincolnshire from which several prominent colonists originated. Early colonists believed that Boston was a community with a special covenant with God. Winthrop's sermon, "a City upon a Hill," captured this idea. These values molded an extremely stable and well-structured society in Boston. Indeed, Puritan values of hard work, moral uprightness, and education remain a part of Boston's culture.

Boston played a key role in sparking both the American Revolution and the ensuing American Revolutionary War. The Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and several of the early battles of the Revolution (such as the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Siege of Boston) occurred in or near the city. During this period, Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride.

After the revolutionary war, the city became one of the world's wealthiest international trading ports, exporting products such as rum, fish, salt and tobacco. It was chartered as a city in 1822, and by the mid-1800s it was one of the largest manufacturing centers in the nation, noted for its garment production, leather goods, and machinery industries.

Scollay Square, Boston, in the 1880s

The city has several notable "firsts." Both the first school in America, Boston Latin School (1635), and the first college in America, Harvard College (1636), were founded in the early days of Boston. During the 1800s, the first medical school for women, The Boston Female Medical School (which later merged with the Boston University School of Medicine), opened in Boston on November 1, 1848. Also, on September 1, 1897, the Tremont Street Subway opened as the first underground streetcar subway in North America. Today it is known as "The T" and is run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

On August 23, 1927, Italian anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti were sent to the electric chair after a seven-year trial in Boston. Their execution sparked riots in London, Paris and Germany, and helped to reinforce the image of Boston as a hotbed of intolerance.

Recently, Boston has experienced a loss of regional institutions and traditions, which once gave it a very distinct social character, as it has become part of the more homogenized BosWash megalopolis. Despite these losses, Boston's ambiance has improved in recent years — city streets bustle with a vitality not seen since the 1920s, crime and poverty remain low for an American city, and once again Boston has become a hub of intellectual, technological, and political ideas.

Related articles

Geography and climate

A simulated-color satellite image of the Boston area taken on NASA's Landsat 3.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 232.1 km² (89.6 mi²). 125.4 km² (48.4 mi²) of it is land and 106.7 km² (41.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 45.98% water.

Much of the Back Bay, and South End are built on reclaimed land—two and a half of Boston's three original hills were used as a source of material for the landfill. Only Beacon Hill, the smallest of the three original hills, remains partially intact.

Boston is bordered by the cities of Revere, Chelsea, Everett, Somerville, Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, and Quincy, and the towns of Winthrop, Brookline, Needham, Dedham, Canton, and Milton.

The Charles River separates Boston from Cambridge, and Charlestown. To the east lies Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands, many of which are open to the public. The Neponset River forms the boundary between the city and its southeast neighbors, Quincy and Milton.

The weather in Boston, like much of New England, changes rapidly. The summers are usually warm and humid, while the winters are cold and windy. It has been known to snow in October and get quite warm in February. The hottest month is August, with an average high of 80 °F (27 °C) and a low of 64 °F (18 °C). The coldest month is January with an average high of 35.6 °F (2 °C) and a low of 21.5 °F (−6 °C). The city averages 42 in. (1,100 mm) of rainfall a year. It also coincidentally averages 42 in. (1,100 mm) of snowfall a year, though this increases dramatically as one goes inland away from the city.

Mark Twain is quoted as saying If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes. Boston is no exception to this rule. The outer suburbs of Boston, which tend to be forested, have vibrantly-colored foliage every autumn that attracts many tourtists. In the winter, the Frog Pond at Boston Common doubles as a popular ice-skating rink.

Demographics

Beacon Hill and the Longfellow Bridge seen from Cambridge.

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 589,141 people, 239,528 households, and 115,212 families residing in the city. The population density is 4,696.9/km² (12,165.8/mi²). There are 251,935 housing units at an average density of 2,008.5/km² (5,202.5/mi²). The Irish are the largest ethnic group in the city of Boston. Boston is the capital of "Irish America". The racial makeup of the city is 54.48% White, 25.33% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 7.52% Asian American, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 7.83% from other races, and 4.39% from two or more races. 14.44% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. These figures become less reliable due to the large undocumented Brazilian population, estimated by some studies to approach 250,000 in Massachusetts. Census data does not account for this significant segment of the community because of confusing terminology, as Brazilians speak Portuguese and often do not consider themselves Hispanic or Latino.

There are 239,528 households out of which 22.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.4% are married couples living together, 16.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 51.9% are non-families. 37.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 3.17.

In the city the population is spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 16.2% from 18 to 24, 35.8% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $39,629, and the median income for a family is $44,151. Males have a median income of $37,435 versus $32,421 for females. The per capita income for the city is $23,353. 19.5% of the population and 15.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.6% of those under the age of 18 and 18.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

The city is divided into many neighborhoods (http://www.cityofboston.gov/neighborhoods/), including: Allston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Fenway/Kenmore, the North End, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, the South End, Chinatown, Bay Village and West Roxbury. Each of the neighborhoods has a distinct character. Allston/Brighton, for example, is populated mostly by students from nearby Boston University and recent graduates. The Back Bay, west of the Public Garden, is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States—it includes the shops and restaurants on Newbury Street and the two tallest skyscrapers in Boston. The South End, south of the Back Bay, is populated by gays, artists, yuppies, African Americans, and Hispanics—it is noted for its restaurant scene and bohemian atmosphere. Roxbury and Mattapan, located south of downtown, are populated largely by African Americans and Hispanics, as well as middle-class families priced out of more expensive neighborhoods. Dorchester is probably the most diverse Boston neighborhood being populated with every ethnic group. Boston is notable for having one of the most attractive and livable urban cores in the country; rents and housing prices are correspondingly high.

Law and government

The Massachusetts State House

Boston has a "strong mayor" system in which the mayor, Thomas Menino, is is vested with extensive executive powers. The mayor is elected to a four-year term by plurality voting (see List of Mayors of Boston, Massachusetts). The City Council is elected every two years. There are nine wards or neighborhood seats, each elected by plurality voting by the residents of that ward. There are four at-large seats. Each voter casts up to four votes for at-large councilors; no more than one vote per candidate. The top four vote-getters are elected. The President of the City Council is elected by the Councilors from within themselves. The School Committee is appointed by the mayor, as are city department heads.

In addition to city government, numerous state authorities and commissions play a role in the life of Bostonians, including the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (water and sewer) and the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation, formerly known as the Metropolitan District Commission (some parks and most beaches). The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority runs the "T", Boston's public transport system. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston's Logan International Airport.

Boston is also the United States federal government center for New England. Properties include the John F. Kennedy Federal Office Building and the Thomas P. O'Neil Federal Building. The National Archives has a regional center in nearby Waltham. The city also serves as the home of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit as well as the headquarters of the 1st District of the Federal Reserve Bank.

Colleges and universities

See also: List of colleges and universities in Massachusetts.

The Boston area is well-known for its colleges and universities.

Boston College was the first institution of higher education to be founded in Boston. However, it moved from the city's South End to then-rural Chestnut Hill to escape Boston's rapid urbanization in the late nineteenth century.

Harvard University, the nation's oldest university, was founded in Cambridge, where it maintains its main campus, though the bulk of its current land holdings lie in Boston. Cambridge is also the home of the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The greater Boston area is home to over 100 colleges. Other schools in Boston proper include Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, the Boston Architectural Center, Boston University, Emerson College, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, the Massachusetts College of Art, the New England Conservatory of Music, Northeastern University, Simmons College, and Suffolk University. Surrounding cities host Babson College, Bentley College, Brandeis University, Hellenic College, Lesley University, the Longy School of Music, Merrimack College, Pine Manor College, Regis College, Tufts University and Wellesley College, among others.

Arts and entertainment

Boston is considered to be a highly intellectual city. Mark Twain once wrote of it, In New York they ask "how much money does he have?" In Philadelphia, they ask, "who were his parents?" In Boston they ask, "how much does he know?" It is also considered one of the most culturally impressive cities in the world. The Theater District, south of Boston Common, contains a number of ornate theatres, including the Cutler Majestic Theatre and The Wang Center for the Performing Arts. Avant garde theatres are scattered throughout the city, especially along Huntington Avenue. The Boston Ballet is a world-renowned classical dance company. The Boston Globe Jazz and Blues Festival takes place each June; the Boston Early Music Festival takes place every odd-numbered year. The Boston Film Festival is held annually in early September. The weekend following Labor Day, the boutiques on Newbury Street close as over thirty art galleries spill out onto the street, providing unlimited access to their contents during Art Newbury Street.

Boston is also home to a wide array of musical talent from bands like Boston, Godsmack, and Aerosmith, to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, the Boston Philharmonic, the Boston Lyric Opera Company, and the Handel and Hayden Society (the oldest choral company in the U.S.) among many others.

Major annual events

Boston in film, television, opera, and theatre

See also: List of television shows set in Boston

Boston in fiction

See also: An annotated bibliography of fiction set in Boston (http://www.cas.suffolk.edu/richman/Boston/bosbib.htm) (external weblink)

Economy

Boston's colleges and universities have drawn high-tech industries to the city, including computer hardware and software companies like EMC Corporation (headquartered in Hopkinton) and Akamai (headquartered in nearby Cambridge), as well as biotechnology companies like Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Biogen Idec. Other important industries include financial services, especially mutual funds and insurance. Boston headquartered Fidelity Investments helped popularize the mutual fund in the 1980s, and has made Boston one of the top financial cities in the United States.

Shoe and athletic apparel maker Reebok is headquartered in nearby Canton. Raytheon has its global headquarters in nearby Waltham while Novell also has its corporate headquarters there. Boston Scientific is located in Natick, and Gillette is headquartered in Boston. Teradyne, one of the world's leading manufacturer of semiconductors and other electronic equipment, has its corporate headquarters located in Boston.

The Port of Boston is the largest and busiest seaport in Massachusetts. It is also a major seaport along the United States east coast.

Health and medicine

As the home to some of the world's most respected research hospitals, Boston enjoys an international reputation in the medical field. One such hospital is the Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General), which is affiliated with the Harvard Medical School. Rated as one of the best in the world, Mass General is the third oldest general hospital in the U.S., and the oldest and largest in New England. Another hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical is Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Other medical institutions include Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Lahey Clinic, and Children's Hospital. The New England Medical Center is affiliated with Tufts University while the Boston Medical Center is the primary teaching facility for the Boston University School of Medicine.

Media

See also: Media in Boston.

The Boston Globe, owned by the New York Times Company, and The Boston Herald are Boston's two major daily newspapers. A local edition of The Metro, a free paper, is also available. The Boston Phoenix, The Improper Bostonian, and the Weekly Dig are weekly newspapers. As of October 2004, the Weekly Dig is owned by Boston Magazine. Spare Change is a bi-weekly paper. The Boston Independent Media Center (http://boston.indymedia.org/) provides alternative views. Just Rentals and Just Property are exclusive to Real Estate and are bi-weekly. The Improper Bostonian (http://www.improper.com/) is a biweekly "what's happening" guide to the Boston area.

Boston has the largest broadcasting market in New England, with the Boston radio market being the ninth largest in the United States. Several major AM stations include talk radio WRKO 680 AM, sports/talk station WEEI 850 AM, and news radio WBZ 1030 AM. A variety of FM radio formats serve the area as well as NPR stations WBUR and WGBH.

The Boston television DMA, which also includes Manchester, New Hampshire, is the fifth largest in the United States [1] (http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html). The city is served by stations representing every major American network including:

The city is also served by several Spanish-language television stations including those of Univision (WUNI channel 27, licensed to Worcester), TeleFutura (WUTF channel 66), and Telemundo (WNEU channel 60, licensed to Merrimack, New Hampshire, and simulcast on WTMU-LP channel 32). Most Boston television stations have their transmitters in nearby Needham and Newton.

Other television stations broadcasting in the Boston market are:

Sites of interest

See also: Sites of interest in Boston

Image of the North End, Boston neighborhood. The Old North Church is at center, a Big Dig vent building is near the bottom, and the green Tobin Bridge over the Mystic River is at the top.

Due to the city's prominent role in the American Revolution, several historic sites relating to that period are preserved as part of the Boston National Historical Park. Many are found along the Freedom Trail, which is marked by a red line or bricks embedded in the ground. Such sites include:

Aerial view of the Back Bay and Cambridge

Once a shallow lagoon, the Back Bay district now includes many prominent landmarks and sites of interests such as the Christian Science Center, Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Newbury Street, and Trinity Church. Back Bay is also the home of two of New England's tallest buildings: the John Hancock Tower and the Prudential Center. Other notable districts/neighborhoods include Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Downtown Crossing, North End, and South Boston.

The Charles River, with long stretches of parks along its banks, is a major recreation site for many Bostonians. It is also the site of the Esplanade where the Boston Pops Orchestra play their annual Fourth of July concerts to large crowds.

Boston is home to several world-renowned museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Museum of Science. The University of Massachusetts campus at Columbia Point houses the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library. The New England Aquarium as well as the Franklin Park Zoo are located within the city.

Other sites of interest include Castle Island and Kenmore Square. There are also two self-guided walking tours: Harbor Walk (http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/), which is designed to allow people the walk the entire shore of Boston Harbor, and the Black Heritage Trail. Many of the Boston Harbor Islands are part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area that is run by the National Park Service.

Sports

The 100th running of the Boston Marathon, 1996

See also: U.S. cities with teams from four major sports

The TD Banknorth Garden near North Station is the home of two major league teams:

The Celtics have the distinction of having more World Championships than any other NBA team with 16 championships from 1957 to 1986.

The baseball team Boston Red Sox is a member of the American League of Major League Baseball. They play at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in active use in the United States. After eighty-six years, the Red Sox became the World Series Winners (World Champions) in 2004. Boston was once the home of the National League baseball team Boston Braves as well as the site of the first World Series in 1903. The game was played between the Boston Pilgrims (currently the Boston Red Sox) and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Nearby Foxboro is the home of the New England Patriots (National Football League), Super Bowl Winners in the 2001, 2003, and 2004 seasons; and the New England Revolution (Major League Soccer). Both teams play at Gillette Stadium.

Another major league team is the lacrosse team Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. The team plays at Boston University's Nickerson Field.

Boston's many colleges and universities field sports teams. The most well-known include Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University. The city is also the site of two major annual sporting events: the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Transportation

Main article: Boston transportation

Airports

Logan International Airport, located in the East Boston neighborhood of the city, is the major airport serving Boston. Other airports serving the city and surrounding areas include:

Roads and highways

Boston's streets appear as though they were not planned—a common fiction is that they evolved from old cowpaths. Except for the Back Bay and part of South Boston, the city has no street grid. Roads change names and lose and add lanes seemingly at random. The city also has a number of rotaries, which have confused many drivers.

Boston is the eastern terminus of I-90, also known as the Mass Pike. I-95, which surrounds the city, is also known as Route 128. US 1 and I-93 runs north to south through the city. The most infamous portion, the Central Artery, runs through downtown Boston. The old elevated highway was constantly prone to heavy traffic. Through the Big Dig, the elevated highway was replaced with a tunnel.

Intercity trains and mass transit

Intercity trains operate from two stations. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and Chicago lines originate at South Station and stop at Back Bay. Fast Northeast Corridor trains, which service New York City, Washington, D.C., and points in between, also stop at Route 128 Station in the southwestern suburbs of Boston. Meanwhile, Amtrak's Downeaster service to Maine originates at North Station.

The MBTA operates bus lines, commuter rail, subways, and water shuttles within the city and surrounding region.

Notable Bostonians

Main article: Notable Bostonians

Several people who were instrumental during the American Revolution and the early days of the United States hail from the Boston area. They include Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. John Adams and John Quincy Adams were early U.S. Presidents.

Prominent Boston area politicians include members of the Kennedy family, such as John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for President in 2004, maintains a home in Boston.

The Boston area has also produced several actors including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Leonard Nimoy, and Mark Wahlberg. Boston area musicians include Aerosmith and the rock band Boston. Other notable Bostonians include writers, inventors, and businesspeople such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Edgar Allan Poe, Samuel F. B. Morse, Alexander Graham Bell, and Sumner Redstone.

Fictional people from the city

Sister cities

Boston is a sister city (that is, a twinned town) of these municipalities:

References


This page about Boston, Massachusetts includes information from a Wikipedia article.
Additional articles about Boston, Massachusetts
News stories about Boston, Massachusetts
External links for Boston, Massachusetts
Videos for Boston, Massachusetts
Wikis about Boston, Massachusetts
Discussion Groups about Boston, Massachusetts
Blogs about Boston, Massachusetts
Images of Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is a sister city (that is, a twinned town) of these municipalities:. Punters. Morse, Alexander Graham Bell, and Sumner Redstone. Kickers. B. Safeties. Other notable Bostonians include writers, inventors, and businesspeople such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Edgar Allan Poe, Samuel F. Cornerbacks.

Boston area musicians include Aerosmith and the rock band Boston. Linebackers. The Boston area has also produced several actors including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Leonard Nimoy, and Mark Wahlberg.
Defensive Tackles. John Kerry, the Democratic candidate for President in 2004, maintains a home in Boston. Defensive Ends. Kennedy, Sr. Centers.

Prominent Boston area politicians include members of the Kennedy family, such as John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, and Joseph P. Guards. Presidents. Tackles. John Adams and John Quincy Adams were early U.S. Tight ends. They include Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Paul Revere. Wide Receivers.

Several people who were instrumental during the American Revolution and the early days of the United States hail from the Boston area. Fullbacks. Main article: Notable Bostonians. Runningbacks. The MBTA operates bus lines, commuter rail, subways, and water shuttles within the city and surrounding region. Quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Amtrak's Downeaster service to Maine originates at North Station. The revelation led to Reynolds being fired from his position, and sparked harsh condemnation of the club from the local media, who instantly dubbed the scandal "Videogate." Ironically, the story broke on the same day that the identity of "Deep Throat" from the Watergate scandal was made public (the 49ers story receiving priority over it in the San Francisco Chronicle) — and even more ironically, an anonymous source (widely thought to be recently-fired 49ers general manager Terry Donahue) "leaked" the story by sending a copy of the video to the media.

Fast Northeast Corridor trains, which service New York City, Washington, D.C., and points in between, also stop at Route 128 Station in the southwestern suburbs of Boston. The video contained unflattering stereotypical characterizations of numerous ethnic and other groups, including Chinese-Americans, lesbians, strippers and homeless persons — and worse yet, was meant to be used for "sensitivity training" purposes. Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and Chicago lines originate at South Station and stop at Back Bay. On May 31, 2005, it became public knowledge that a controversial video production, intended to be viewed by the players only, had been made the previous August under the supervision of the team's public relations director, Kirk Reynolds, who also appeared prominently in it. Intercity trains operate from two stations. Expectations are hopeful that the new coach and quarterback tandem will bring renewed success to a faltering franchise. Through the Big Dig, the elevated highway was replaced with a tunnel. It was a pick predicted by many, though some had the 49ers selecting local product Aaron Rodgers of the University of California, Berkeley.

The old elevated highway was constantly prone to heavy traffic. In his inaugural draft as head coach, Mike Nolan selected with the first pick of the draft quarterback Alex Smith of the University of Utah. The most infamous portion, the Central Artery, runs through downtown Boston. He is the son of former 49ers coach Dick Nolan, who led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances in the early 1970's. US 1 and I-93 runs north to south through the city. After an extensive coaching search, the 49ers announced the hiring of Mike Nolan, former defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens as their head coach to lead the team into the 2005 season. I-95, which surrounds the city, is also known as Route 128. The 49ers would finish that season with a record of 2-14, their second consecutive losing season (and finishing last in the NFC West for the first time since 1979, ending what had been the NFL's longest active streak for not finishing in last place in a division), with the worst record in the NFL for the season, which secured them the first crack at the first round pick in the spring NFL draft, and also resulted in the firing of head coach Erickson and GM Terry Donahue.

Boston is the eastern terminus of I-90, also known as the Mass Pike. Larry Ellison and former quarterback Steve Young have been the names most commonly rumored as potential buyers. The city also has a number of rotaries, which have confused many drivers. During the 2004 season, rumors that the Yorks might sell the team began spreading. Roads change names and lose and add lanes seemingly at random. The 49ers had several chances to score in the fourth quarter, but an interception and a fumble recovery sealed their fate in this game. Except for the Back Bay and part of South Boston, the city has no street grid. The last shutout had been 27 years ago in 1977 — they were defeated 7-0 by Atlanta at what was then known as Candlestick Park.

Boston's streets appear as though they were not planned—a common fiction is that they evolved from old cowpaths. On September 26, 2004, the Niners were shut out 34-0 by the Seattle Seahawks, their first such loss in 420 regular season and 36 playoff games, a league record. Other airports serving the city and surrounding areas include:. Although they finished the 2003 season with a losing record of 7-9, Erickson was retained as coach for the 2004 season. Logan International Airport, located in the East Boston neighborhood of the city, is the major airport serving Boston. The period since the 2001 season has been disastrous for San Francisco, hampered by injuries and poor defense. Main article: Boston transportation. Following the season, Steve Mariucci, the coach, was fired and replaced by Dennis Erickson.

The city is also the site of two major annual sporting events: the Boston Marathon and the Head of the Charles Regatta. This would be, to date, the last post-season appearance for the 49ers. The most well-known include Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, and Harvard University. They lost their subsequent game to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Boston's many colleges and universities field sports teams. In 2002 they produced the second greatest comeback in NFL playoff history by coming back from a 24 point deficit (38-14) and winning 39-38 against the New York Giants behind amazing games by then 49ers Jeff Garcia and Terrell Owens. The team plays at Boston University's Nickerson Field. As a part of the fallout, he transferred controlling interest in the team to his sister and brother-in-law, Denise and John York.

Another major league team is the lacrosse team Boston Cannons of Major League Lacrosse. DeBartolo later pleaded guilty to a failure to report a felony charge. Both teams play at Gillette Stadium. In the late 1990s Eddie DeBartolo was involved in a corruption investigation regarding Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards and one of his Mississippi riverboat casinos. Nearby Foxboro is the home of the New England Patriots (National Football League), Super Bowl Winners in the 2001, 2003, and 2004 seasons; and the New England Revolution (Major League Soccer). That has led to some of their stars finishing up their careers with other teams. The game was played between the Boston Pilgrims (currently the Boston Red Sox) and the Pittsburgh Pirates. There are many others as the team has had a policy of releasing star players a year too early rather than a year too late.

Boston was once the home of the National League baseball team Boston Braves as well as the site of the first World Series in 1903. Some other famous 49ers include Steve Young, Ronnie Lott, Dwight Clark, Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, Fred Dean, Eric Wright, Dwight Hicks, Deion Sanders, and Ricky Watters. After eighty-six years, the Red Sox became the World Series Winners (World Champions) in 2004. Later they became dominant in all aspects of the game. They play at Fenway Park, the oldest ballpark in active use in the United States. The former coach of Stanford University made excellent draft picks, picked up key free agents or players released by other teams and is known as the creator of the 'West Coast offense'. During their first Super Bowl run the team was known for its short passing game and the play making ability of young quarterback Joe Montana. The baseball team Boston Red Sox is a member of the American League of Major League Baseball. The team was led in its turnaround from late 1970s doormat by new owner Eddie DeBartolo and head coach Bill Walsh.

The Celtics have the distinction of having more World Championships than any other NBA team with 16 championships from 1957 to 1986. During that decade, the team neglected to make the playoffs only twice — in 1980, and again in the strike-shortened 1982 season which saw them go 0-5 at home and 3-1 on the road — the only time in NFL history that a team went winless at home while winning more than half its away games in the same season. The TD Banknorth Garden near North Station is the home of two major league teams:. They won XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, and XXIX. cities with teams from four major sports. The 49ers won five Super Bowls, four in the 1980s, and are considered The Team of the Eighties (the team had never won an NFL or Super Bowl championship prior, and had never even won a division title until 1970). See also: U.S. It is the only name the team has been affiliated with and San Francisco is the only city in which it has resided.

Many of the Boston Harbor Islands are part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area that is run by the National Park Service. The team earned its name from the surge of goldminers to the San Francisco area during 1849, thus the nickname the San Francisco 49ers. There are also two self-guided walking tours: Harbor Walk (http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/), which is designed to allow people the walk the entire shore of Boston Harbor, and the Black Heritage Trail. The San Francisco 49ers have the distinction of being the first major-league professional sports franchise on the West Coast. The 49ers entered professional football in 1946 and matured, nationally and locally, when the club was granted a National League franchise in 1950. Other sites of interest include Castle Island and Kenmore Square. The team's headquarters and practice facility are located in Santa Clara, California. The New England Aquarium as well as the Franklin Park Zoo are located within the city. They tie the Dallas Cowboys with the record for most Super Bowl victories (5).

The University of Massachusetts campus at Columbia Point houses the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library. The San Francisco 49ers are a National Football League team that plays in San Francisco, California. Boston is home to several world-renowned museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Museum of Science. Ricky Watters. It is also the site of the Esplanade where the Boston Pops Orchestra play their annual Fourth of July concerts to large crowds. Richard Dent. The Charles River, with long stretches of parks along its banks, is a major recreation site for many Bostonians. Garrison Hearst.

Other notable districts/neighborhoods include Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Downtown Crossing, North End, and South Boston. Tim Harris. Back Bay is also the home of two of New England's tallest buildings: the John Hancock Tower and the Prudential Center. Deion Sanders. Once a shallow lagoon, the Back Bay district now includes many prominent landmarks and sites of interests such as the Christian Science Center, Boston Public Library, Copley Square, Newbury Street, and Trinity Church. Steve Mariucci. Such sites include:. Ken Norton Jr.

Many are found along the Freedom Trail, which is marked by a red line or bricks embedded in the ground. Jeff Fuller. Due to the city's prominent role in the American Revolution, several historic sites relating to that period are preserved as part of the Boston National Historical Park. John Taylor. See also: Sites of interest in Boston. Derrick Deese. Other television stations broadcasting in the Boston market are:. Terrell Owens.

Most Boston television stations have their transmitters in nearby Needham and Newton. Jeff Garcia. The city is also served by several Spanish-language television stations including those of Univision (WUNI channel 27, licensed to Worcester), TeleFutura (WUTF channel 66), and Telemundo (WNEU channel 60, licensed to Merrimack, New Hampshire, and simulcast on WTMU-LP channel 32). Tom Rathman. The city is served by stations representing every major American network including:. Brent Jones. The Boston television DMA, which also includes Manchester, New Hampshire, is the fifth largest in the United States [1] (http://www.nielsenmedia.com/DMAs.html). Harris Barton.

A variety of FM radio formats serve the area as well as NPR stations WBUR and WGBH. Matt Millen. Several major AM stations include talk radio WRKO 680 AM, sports/talk station WEEI 850 AM, and news radio WBZ 1030 AM. Eric Wright. Boston has the largest broadcasting market in New England, with the Boston radio market being the ninth largest in the United States. Jesse Sapolu. The Improper Bostonian (http://www.improper.com/) is a biweekly "what's happening" guide to the Boston area. Charles Haley.

Just Rentals and Just Property are exclusive to Real Estate and are bi-weekly. Roger Craig. The Boston Independent Media Center (http://boston.indymedia.org/) provides alternative views. Michael Carter. Spare Change is a bi-weekly paper. Ray Wersching. As of October 2004, the Weekly Dig is owned by Boston Magazine. Jack Reynolds.

The Boston Phoenix, The Improper Bostonian, and the Weekly Dig are weekly newspapers. Fred Dean. A local edition of The Metro, a free paper, is also available. Randy Cross. The Boston Globe, owned by the New York Times Company, and The Boston Herald are Boston's two major daily newspapers. Gene Washington. See also: Media in Boston.. Len Rohde.

The New England Medical Center is affiliated with Tufts University while the Boston Medical Center is the primary teaching facility for the Boston University School of Medicine. Kermit Alexander. Other medical institutions include Brigham and Women's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the Lahey Clinic, and Children's Hospital. Ken Willard. Another hospital affiliated with Harvard Medical is Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. John Thomas. Rated as one of the best in the world, Mass General is the third oldest general hospital in the U.S., and the oldest and largest in New England. Bernie Casey.

One such hospital is the Massachusetts General Hospital (Mass General), which is affiliated with the Harvard Medical School. Dave Parks. As the home to some of the world's most respected research hospitals, Boston enjoys an international reputation in the medical field. Owens. It is also a major seaport along the United States east coast. C. The Port of Boston is the largest and busiest seaport in Massachusetts. R.

Teradyne, one of the world's leading manufacturer of semiconductors and other electronic equipment, has its corporate headquarters located in Boston. Abe Woodson. Boston Scientific is located in Natick, and Gillette is headquartered in Boston. Frankie Albert. Raytheon has its global headquarters in nearby Waltham while Novell also has its corporate headquarters there. Jerry Rice. Shoe and athletic apparel maker Reebok is headquartered in nearby Canton. 87 - Dwight Clark.

Boston headquartered Fidelity Investments helped popularize the mutual fund in the 1980s, and has made Boston one of the top financial cities in the United States. Clair. Other important industries include financial services, especially mutual funds and insurance. 79 - Bob St. Boston's colleges and universities have drawn high-tech industries to the city, including computer hardware and software companies like EMC Corporation (headquartered in Hopkinton) and Akamai (headquartered in nearby Cambridge), as well as biotechnology companies like Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Biogen Idec. 73 - Leo Nomellini. See also: An annotated bibliography of fiction set in Boston (http://www.cas.suffolk.edu/richman/Boston/bosbib.htm) (external weblink). 70 - Charlie Krueger.

See also: List of television shows set in Boston. 42 - Ronnie Lott. Boston is also home to a wide array of musical talent from bands like Boston, Godsmack, and Aerosmith, to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Boston Symphony Chamber Players, the Boston Philharmonic, the Boston Lyric Opera Company, and the Handel and Hayden Society (the oldest choral company in the U.S.) among many others. 39 - Hugh McElhenny. The weekend following Labor Day, the boutiques on Newbury Street close as over thirty art galleries spill out onto the street, providing unlimited access to their contents during Art Newbury Street. 37 - Jimmy Johnson. The Boston Film Festival is held annually in early September. 34 - Joe Perry.

The Boston Globe Jazz and Blues Festival takes place each June; the Boston Early Music Festival takes place every odd-numbered year. 23 - Reyman Cua. The Boston Ballet is a world-renowned classical dance company. 16 - Joe Montana. Avant garde theatres are scattered throughout the city, especially along Huntington Avenue. 12 - John Brodie. The Theater District, south of Boston Common, contains a number of ornate theatres, including the Cutler Majestic Theatre and The Wang Center for the Performing Arts. Andy Lee.

Mark Twain once wrote of it, In New York they ask "how much money does he have?" In Philadelphia, they ask, "who were his parents?" In Boston they ask, "how much does he know?" It is also considered one of the most culturally impressive cities in the world. Kirk Yliniemi. Boston is considered to be a highly intellectual city. Cole Farden. Surrounding cities host Babson College, Bentley College, Brandeis University, Hellenic College, Lesley University, the Longy School of Music, Merrimack College, Pine Manor College, Regis College, Tufts University and Wellesley College, among others. Joe Nedney. Other schools in Boston proper include Berklee College of Music, Boston Conservatory, the Boston Architectural Center, Boston University, Emerson College, Emmanuel College, Fisher College, the Massachusetts College of Art, the New England Conservatory of Music, Northeastern University, Simmons College, and Suffolk University. Dwaine Carpenter.

The greater Boston area is home to over 100 colleges. Keith Lewis. Cambridge is also the home of the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Tony Parrish. Harvard University, the nation's oldest university, was founded in Cambridge, where it maintains its main campus, though the bulk of its current land holdings lie in Boston. Allan Amundson. However, it moved from the city's South End to then-rural Chestnut Hill to escape Boston's rapid urbanization in the late nineteenth century. Randee Drew.

Boston College was the first institution of higher education to be founded in Boston. Arnold Parker. The Boston area is well-known for its colleges and universities. Shawntae Spencer. See also: List of colleges and universities in Massachusetts.. Mike Rumph. The city also serves as the home of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit as well as the headquarters of the 1st District of the Federal Reserve Bank. Rayshun Reed.

The National Archives has a regional center in nearby Waltham. Derrick Johnson. O'Neil Federal Building. Joselio Hanson. Kennedy Federal Office Building and the Thomas P. Daven Holly. Properties include the John F. Mike Adams.

Boston is also the United States federal government center for New England. Ahmed Plummer. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston's Logan International Airport. Andre Carter. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority runs the "T", Boston's public transport system. Andrew Williams. In addition to city government, numerous state authorities and commissions play a role in the life of Bostonians, including the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (water and sewer) and the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation, formerly known as the Metropolitan District Commission (some parks and most beaches). Jeff Ulbrich.

The School Committee is appointed by the mayor, as are city department heads. Richard Seigler. The President of the City Council is elected by the Councilors from within themselves. Julian Peterson. The top four vote-getters are elected. Jamie Winborn. Each voter casts up to four votes for at-large councilors; no more than one vote per candidate. Derek Smith.

There are four at-large seats. Brandon Moore. There are nine wards or neighborhood seats, each elected by plurality voting by the residents of that ward. Saleem Rasheed. The City Council is elected every two years. Max Yates. The mayor is elected to a four-year term by plurality voting (see List of Mayors of Boston, Massachusetts). Ray Wells.

Boston has a "strong mayor" system in which the mayor, Thomas Menino, is is vested with extensive executive powers. Anthony Adams. Boston is notable for having one of the most attractive and livable urban cores in the country; rents and housing prices are correspondingly high. Ronald Fields. Dorchester is probably the most diverse Boston neighborhood being populated with every ethnic group. Isaac Sopoaga. Roxbury and Mattapan, located south of downtown, are populated largely by African Americans and Hispanics, as well as middle-class families priced out of more expensive neighborhoods. Tony Brown.

The South End, south of the Back Bay, is populated by gays, artists, yuppies, African Americans, and Hispanics—it is noted for its restaurant scene and bohemian atmosphere. Bryant Young. The Back Bay, west of the Public Garden, is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the United States—it includes the shops and restaurants on Newbury Street and the two tallest skyscrapers in Boston. Josh Cooper. Allston/Brighton, for example, is populated mostly by students from nearby Boston University and recent graduates. Marques Douglas. Each of the neighborhoods has a distinct character. Corey Smith.

The city is divided into many neighborhoods (http://www.cityofboston.gov/neighborhoods/), including: Allston, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Fenway/Kenmore, the North End, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, the South End, Chinatown, Bay Village and West Roxbury. Scott Scharff. Out of the total population, 25.6% of those under the age of 18 and 18.2% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line. John Engelberger. 19.5% of the population and 15.3% of families are below the poverty line. Chris Cooper. The per capita income for the city is $23,353. Norm Katnik.

Males have a median income of $37,435 versus $32,421 for females. Eric Heitmann. The median income for a household in the city is $39,629, and the median income for a family is $44,151. Jeremy Newberry. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.2 males. Tony Wragge. For every 100 females there are 92.8 males. Thomas Herrion.

The median age is 31 years. Justin Smiley. In the city the population is spread out with 19.8% under the age of 18, 16.2% from 18 to 24, 35.8% from 25 to 44, 17.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who are 65 years of age or older. David Baas. The average household size is 2.31 and the average family size is 3.17. Adam Snyder. 37.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.1% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. Scott Peters.

There are 239,528 households out of which 22.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 27.4% are married couples living together, 16.4% have a female householder with no husband present, and 51.9% are non-families. Patrick Estes. Census data does not account for this significant segment of the community because of confusing terminology, as Brazilians speak Portuguese and often do not consider themselves Hispanic or Latino. Brendan Darby. These figures become less reliable due to the large undocumented Brazilian population, estimated by some studies to approach 250,000 in Massachusetts. Khiawatha Downey. 14.44% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. Jonas Jennings.

The racial makeup of the city is 54.48% White, 25.33% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 7.52% Asian American, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 7.83% from other races, and 4.39% from two or more races. Kwame Harris. Boston is the capital of "Irish America". Brian Jennings. There are 251,935 housing units at an average density of 2,008.5/km² (5,202.5/mi²). The Irish are the largest ethnic group in the city of Boston. Billy Bajema. The population density is 4,696.9/km² (12,165.8/mi²). Aaron Walker.

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 589,141 people, 239,528 households, and 115,212 families residing in the city. Eric Johnson. In the winter, the Frog Pond at Boston Common doubles as a popular ice-skating rink. Jason McAddely. The outer suburbs of Boston, which tend to be forested, have vibrantly-colored foliage every autumn that attracts many tourtists. Rasheed Marshall. Mark Twain is quoted as saying If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes. Boston is no exception to this rule. Marcus Maxwell.

(1,100 mm) of snowfall a year, though this increases dramatically as one goes inland away from the city. Fred Amey. It also coincidentally averages 42 in. Fleck. (1,100 mm) of rainfall a year. P.J. The city averages 42 in. Rashaun Woods.

The coldest month is January with an average high of 35.6 °F (2 °C) and a low of 21.5 °F (−6 °C). Derrick Hamilton. The hottest month is August, with an average high of 80 °F (27 °C) and a low of 64 °F (18 °C). Arnaz Battle. It has been known to snow in October and get quite warm in February. Brandon Lloyd. The summers are usually warm and humid, while the winters are cold and windy. Tony Ficklin.

The weather in Boston, like much of New England, changes rapidly. Steve Bush. The Neponset River forms the boundary between the city and its southeast neighbors, Quincy and Milton. Terry Jackson. To the east lies Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands, many of which are open to the public. Fred Beasley. The Charles River separates Boston from Cambridge, and Charlestown. Brian Johnson.

Boston is bordered by the cities of Revere, Chelsea, Everett, Somerville, Cambridge, Watertown, Newton, and Quincy, and the towns of Winthrop, Brookline, Needham, Dedham, Canton, and Milton. Maurice Hicks. Only Beacon Hill, the smallest of the three original hills, remains partially intact. Frank Gore. Much of the Back Bay, and South End are built on reclaimed land—two and a half of Boston's three original hills were used as a source of material for the landfill. Kevan Barlow. The total area is 45.98% water. Cody Pickett.

125.4 km² (48.4 mi²) of it is land and 106.7 km² (41.2 mi²) of it is water. Ken Dorsey. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 232.1 km² (89.6 mi²). Tim Rattay. Related articles. Alex Smith. Despite these losses, Boston's ambiance has improved in recent years — city streets bustle with a vitality not seen since the 1920s, crime and poverty remain low for an American city, and once again Boston has become a hub of intellectual, technological, and political ideas. Steve Young.

Recently, Boston has experienced a loss of regional institutions and traditions, which once gave it a very distinct social character, as it has become part of the more homogenized BosWash megalopolis. Dave Wilcox. Their execution sparked riots in London, Paris and Germany, and helped to reinforce the image of Boston as a hotbed of intolerance. Ronnie Lott. On August 23, 1927, Italian anarchists Sacco and Vanzetti were sent to the electric chair after a seven-year trial in Boston. Joe Montana. Today it is known as "The T" and is run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Jimmy Johnson.

Also, on September 1, 1897, the Tremont Street Subway opened as the first underground streetcar subway in North America. Bill Walsh. During the 1800s, the first medical school for women, The Boston Female Medical School (which later merged with the Boston University School of Medicine), opened in Boston on November 1, 1848. Clair. The city has several notable "firsts." Both the first school in America, Boston Latin School (1635), and the first college in America, Harvard College (1636), were founded in the early days of Boston. Bob St. It was chartered as a city in 1822, and by the mid-1800s it was one of the largest manufacturing centers in the nation, noted for its garment production, leather goods, and machinery industries. John Henry Johnson.

After the revolutionary war, the city became one of the world's wealthiest international trading ports, exporting products such as rum, fish, salt and tobacco. Tittle. During this period, Paul Revere made his famous midnight ride. A. The Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and several of the early battles of the Revolution (such as the Battle of Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill, and the Siege of Boston) occurred in or near the city. Y. Boston played a key role in sparking both the American Revolution and the ensuing American Revolutionary War. Hugh McElhenny.

Indeed, Puritan values of hard work, moral uprightness, and education remain a part of Boston's culture. Joe Perry. These values molded an extremely stable and well-structured society in Boston. Leo Nomellini. Winthrop's sermon, "a City upon a Hill," captured this idea. Early colonists believed that Boston was a community with a special covenant with God.

Founded on September 17, 1630, on a peninsula called Shawmut by the Native Americans who lived there, Boston is named after Boston, England, a town in Lincolnshire from which several prominent colonists originated. Its history is inherently intertwined with the history of the United States. Boston has an illustrious history that spans nearly four centuries. Main article: History of Boston.

Greater Boston is one of the top-ten largest metropolitan areas in the United States, the fifteenth in the Americas, and the one of the top-fifty largest in the world. The Greater Boston metropolitan area, including nearby cities and towns such as Cambridge, Brookline, and Quincy as well as many suburban communities further from the city, has a population of approximately 5.8 million residents. As of the 2000 census, its population was 589,141. Its nicknames include "Beantown", "The Hub" (shortened from Oliver Wendell Holmes' phrase The Hub of the Universe), "The City of Higher Learning" (due to the plethora of universities and colleges in the Boston area) and The Athens of America, due to its great influence on cultural, intellectual, and political matters.

It is the unofficial capital of the region known as New England as well as one of the oldest and wealthiest cities in the United States, with an economy based on education, health care, finance, and high technology. The city is also the county seat of Suffolk County. Boston is the capital and the largest city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. MLB.com (http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/history/postseason/mlb_ws_recaps.jsp?feature=1903). Accessed June 1, 2005.

1903 World Series - Major League Baseball: World Series History. Accessed May 15, 2005. Skyscrapers.com (http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/?id=101045). Boston Skyscrapers.

Portland, Oregon. Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana. Taipei, Republic of China. Padua, Italy.

Haifa, Israel. Melbourne, Australia. Hangzhou, People's Republic of China. Barcelona, Spain.

Strasbourg, France. Kyoto, Japan. Faith from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, specifically South Boston. Sharon McKendrick and her mother Maggie from the 1961 version of the Parent Trap.

The characters from the TV sitcom Cheers. Trapper John McIntyre and Major Charles Emerson Winchester III from M*A*S*H. Manchester Airport in Manchester, New Hampshire. Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island.

F. T. Hanscom Field in Lexington and Bedford. Boston Celtics (Basketball - National Basketball Association).

Boston Bruins (Ice hockey - National Hockey League). USS Constitution. Paul Revere's House. Old North Church.

Old State House. Massachusetts State House. Granary Burying Ground. Faneuil Hall.

Bunker Hill Monument. Boston Common, with the Boston Public Garden being adjacent. Channel 68 - WBPX (PAX). Channel 62 - WMFP (Shop At Home).

Channel 56 - WLVI (WB). Channel 48 - WYDN (DayStar). Channel 46 - WWDP (ShopNBC). Channel 38 - WSBK (UPN).

PBS - WGBH Channel 2, which also operates WGBX channel 44, is a major producer of PBS programs. FOX - WFXT Channel 25. NBC - WHDH Channel 7. ABC - WCVB Channel 5.

CBS - WBZ Channel 4. Specifically, "12 Prospero Place, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.". Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events movie takes place in Boston, as seen on the envelope at the end of the movie. Zodiac, by Neal Stephenson; an eco-thriller focusing on industrial pollution in the Boston Harbor.

The Sound and the Fury, by William Faulkner; part of the story finds its setting in Boston. The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood; post-nuclear Cambridge and Boston are the setting of this dystopian novel. Looking Backward, utopian novel written in 1887 and set in Boston in 2000. The Bostonians, by Henry James; life in aristocratic Boston during the late nineteenth century.

The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown; Boston is the home of protagonist Robert Langdon. Parker. The Spenser detective novels, by Robert B. Curley.

The Last Hurrah, by Edwin O'Connor; O'Connor's 1956 account of big-city politics, inspired by the career of longtime Boston Mayor James M. Walk East on Beacon!. What's the Worst That Could Happen?. Vig (Money Kings).

The Verdict. Un Ballo in Maschera, Opera by Giuseppe Verdi. Thomas Crown Affair. Still We Believe: The Boston Red Sox Movie.

Elsewhere. St. Southie. A Small Circle of Friends.

The Paper Chase. Night School. Next Stop Wonderland. Mystic River.

Monument Ave.. Love Story. Legally Blonde. Harvard Man.

Good Will Hunting. The Friends of Eddie Coyle. Fever Pitch. Coma.

The Brink's Job. The Boondock Saints. Blue Hill Avenue. Blown Away.

Blow. Boston LBGT Pride parade and festival (http://www.bostonpride.org/). Boston Marathon, the world-famous 26-mile run. Saint Patrick's Day Parade.

Fourth of July on the Esplanade (fireworks and music on a massive scale). First Night (http://www.firstnight.org/) Boston's major New Year's Eve arts and activity festival, attracting over 1.5m people. Siege of Boston. Battle of Lexington and Concord.

Boston Tea Party. Boston Massacre. American Revolutionary War. American Revolution.