History and Attractions: Boston, birthplace of the American Revolution, is one of the oldest and most historically important cities in the United States. Founded on September 17, 1630, the city’s exciting history spans nearly four centuries. It was named after Boston, England, the hometown of several prominent Puritan colonists. These early settlers believed that Boston was a town that had a special covenant with God. John Winthrop’s famous sermon often referred to as, “A City Upon a Hill,” captured this idea. This inspiration filled the Puritan settlers with a sense of holy duty that was considered crucial to their survival in the New World. These values helped to form a well-structured society and the Puritan ideals of hard work, morality and education remain as a predominant part of Boston’s rich culture. From these humble roots, Boston grew to become one of the most important forces in the shaping of American history and government. Today it is the capital of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, with an economy based on education, health care, finance and technology. Boston offers travelers a virtually endless list of things to do. Because of its crucial role in the birth of the nation, the city is chalked full of famous historical sites to visit. Travelers can walk along The Freedom Trail, a 2 ½ mile path through downtown Boston that winds past 16 of the city’s most important landmarks. The Freedom Trail passes by such notable sites as the Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial on Beacon Street which honors the first black regiment of the Union Army in the American Civil War and the 1809 Park Street Church where the song 'America' was first sung publicly on July 4, 1831. Other sites included along the Trail are the Old Granary Burial Ground where famous patriots like Paul Revere, John Hancock and Samuel Adams are buried; the Old South Meeting House, which was the starting point for the Boston Tea Party; the house of Paul Revere, which is the oldest structure in Boston; the site of the Boston Massacre; and the Bunker Hill Monument commemorating the first major battle of the American Revolution.Also located on the Freedom Trail, for those who love the outdoors, is Boston Common and Boston Public Garden. Boston Common is a park designed by famed landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. It is part of a string of his parks referred to as the Emerald Necklace. Every autumn, the vibrantly colored foliage attracts many visitors, and in the winter the Frog Pond at Boston Common becomes a popular ice skating rink.

Culture: As a compliment to its historical splendor, Boston is a bustling cosmopolitan city full of modern cultural events, distinguished colleges and universities, and well-known professional sports teams. Most consider Boston a highly cultured city, perhaps as a result of its intellectual reputation. Boston is now home to over 100 colleges and universities including the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston University, Boston College and Tufts University. The Boston Latin School (1635), was the first school in America; Harvard (1636) in Cambridge, just across the Charles River, is now the biggest landholder in Boston where its Business and Medical Schools are located. Boston is home to several world-renowned museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Museum of Science. Other notable museums are located at Harvard University and MIT.In addition to cultural events offered by its fantastic colleges and universities, Boston boasts a prolific Theater District with a number of ornate theaters such as The Wang Center for the Performing Arts and Cutler Majestic Theater. You can also enjoy a musical performance by the world-renowned Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops or the Boston Lyric Opera Company or you could see the world famous Boston Ballet. The University of Massachusetts campus at Columbia Point houses the famed John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library. Other great places to visit are the New England Aquarium, the Franklin Park Zoo, and Quincy market to watch talented street performers.If you are looking for something a little more up-tempo, you can watch some of the best professional sports teams in the nation. The Boston Red Sox, winners of the 2004 World Series, play at Fenway Park. It is the oldest ballpark in use in the United States. Gillette Stadium is home to both the New England Patriots, who were Super Bowl Champions in 2001, 2003, and 2004, and the Major League Soccer Team, the New England Revolution. The Boston Celtics have the distinction of winning more world championships than any other NBA team and play at TD Banknorth Garden. Boston is also the home to the Boston Bruins ice hockey and the world famous Boston Marathon.

Events: Boston is the host to many special arts and musical events all year round. First Night, a Boston Tradition since 1976, occurs during New Year's Eve. It is a major arts and activity festival which attracts over 1.5 million people. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated with a city parade. The Boston Globe Jazz and Blues Festival happens every June and every other year you can enjoy The Boston Early Music Festival. All summer long, concerts are held at the Bank of America Pavilion on the South Boston waterfront. As you can well imagine, Independence Day is cause for special celebrations in Boston. Harbor Fest is a week-long festival commemorating the Fourth of July, and the Fourth of July on the Esplanade is celebrated with fireworks and music by the Boston Pops. Every September, The Boston Film Festival is held and after Labor Day, the specialty shops on Newbury Street close, allowing over thirty art galleries to take over the the street during Art Newbury Street.

Other Boston Information:

Population: Metro area 5,819,100 (’00 Census)

Land Area: 232.1 square km, 89.6 sq mi

People: 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 is Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Weather: Like much of New England, the weather in Boston changes rapidly. The temperature can vary by 30°C or more over the course of several days. Summers are usually humid and warm, while the winters are cold and windy. August is the hottest month of the year with an average high of 80°F (27°C) and a low of 64°F (18°C). January is the coldest month 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 and by strange coincidence averages 42 in. (1,100 mm) of snowfall a year, though this increases dramatically as one goes inland away from the city.

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone, (UTC – 5)

Nicknames: The City on A Hill – This name was coined because of original governor John Winthrop's goal to create the biblical “City on a Hill”. This nickname also refers to the three original hills of Boston. Beantown - For Bostonian merchants' distinctive baked beans made with imported molasses The Hub - Shortened from the Oliver Wendell Holmes phrase, “The Hub of the Solar System” (the nickname he gave to the Massachusetts State House) The Athens of America - So christened by William Tudor (1779-1830) for Boston's great cultural and intellectual influence; this nickname also refers to the city's role in instigating the American Revolution Puritan City - In earlier times because the city's founders were Puritan.