Boston may have a reputation for being a stodgy old city obsessed with lobsters, chowder, and muskets but dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover all kinds of delightful things. This city has its fair share of little-known peculiarities apart from its New England charm. In this article, you’ll discover fun facts about Boston that you’ve never heard of before. From the Great Molasses Flood of 1919 to hidden, underground tunnels beneath Fenway Park.
Who knew this historic harbor city had so many unusual claims to fame? By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a fresh perspective on Boston. So get ready to explore the fun and weird side of this renowned East Coast metropolis.
#1 – Fun facts about Boston: There was once a giant human hamster wheel installed downtown.
In 1977, an artist duo named Peter Berg and John Schott got permits from the city to install a massive human-powered hamster wheel in downtown Boston. For three weeks, passersby could take turns getting inside “The Wheel” and running to spin this 9-foot diameter contraption. The unique street installation encouraged interaction, play, and community. Too bad the city shut it down after three weeks due to safety concerns. I always like a good risky run on a shoddy art installation.
#2 – Edgar Allan Poe was born in Boston in 1809…
…and his childhood home is now a Pizzeria Regina. Yum. He only lived in Boston for a short while and essentially grew up an orphan in Virginia. But now we can all think of him and his talent for writing short stories about ravens as we kick back with a slice.
#3 – One of our favorite fun facts about Boston: The Boston Public Library had a checkout desk for horses.
In the 1800’s you could ride your horse-drawn carriage right through the drive-through of the Boston Public Library so that books could be sent out to you from the main desk. Imagine the convenience. But also imagine the smell. The service was discontinued after 30 years due to traffic congestion. Traffic congestion? In Boston? No sir. Nowadays, the library holds millions of books and rare items and is the second largest, behind only the Library of Congress. No more horse delivery lane though. Bummer.
#4 – Back in the 17th century, Boston banned Christmas.
Here’s another drop in the “fun facts about Boston” bucket: From 1659 – 1681 Boston banned Christmas. Yes, this holiday was put on hold due to Puritanical beliefs. These fundamentalist Protestant groups thought Christmas was linked to pagan beliefs and fined people 5 shillings if they were caught imbibing in holiday cheer. They also banned mincemeat pies, nativity scenes, and caroling. Sounds miserable.
#5 – The Great Molasses Flood was 15 feet high and wreaked havoc on the city.
Talk about a bizarre disaster! In 1919 a large molasses storage tank burst open flooding the city’s North End with 2.3 million gallons of molasses. The tank was 50 feet high and the wave of molasses flooded streets and buildings and even an elevated railway. Damages were over $100 million dollars in today’s money.
While it sounds like a hilarious cartoon clip, the fact is that 21 people were killed and 150 people were injured during this insanely strange disaster. Some say the smell of sticky molasses lingered for decades. What a mess.
Keep reading below for more interesting and fun facts about Boston!
#6 – The Boston subway system has a hidden, underground station called the “ghost station.”
This one’s kind of creepy. Boston has the first, and oldest, subway system in the country called the “T” (for tunnel). One station, the Court Street stop, was opened in 1904 with ornate decor, beautiful colored glass tiling, and brass chandeliers.
It was closed down in 1945 due to lack of use but instead of being demolished, it was just boarded up and left dormant. Over time this became known as the “ghost station” and is now only accessible through special tours. Urban legends abound about the existence of a train conductor ghost that haunts the abandoned platforms.
#7 – Secret tunnels exist under Fenway Park and were used to transport alcohol.
Fenway Park has so many interesting quirks, oddities, and folklore. This iconic baseball park opened in 1912 making it the oldest operating MLB stadium. What most people don’t know is that there are secret tunnels underneath the park. Most are used for players to access clubhouses but in the 1920s during prohibition, certain tunnels were constructed connecting Fenway to nearby buildings so that alcohol could be secretly transported in for the fans. Oh Boston, please never change!
#8 – More fun facts about Boston: tunnels underneath the Boston Common.
What’s with all the secret tunnels and bunkers around Boston? Did you know there are tunnels underneath the Boston Common that were constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of the city’s subway system? They were used for a bit then abandoned in the 1960s.
During the Cold War era, they were used as emergency shelters. There were first aid rooms, decontamination rooms, and spaces for the government to operate if necessary. They could hold over 10,000 people but were never actually used as shelters, and the supplies were eventually removed or looted.
#9 – Boston City Hall frequently appears on the ugliest building lists.
As an iconic example of Brutalist architecture, Boston City Hall has a weird modernist style known for huge, rough, blocks of concrete shapes. It’s quite controversial and frankly, most people hate it and dread going into this administrative nightmare. Designed in 1963, this imposing fortress-like structure is all concrete and has protruding geometrical shapes and impossible cantilevers.
The thing is, this building is so out of place around the historic Colonial architecture of its surrounding neighborhoods, totally disconnected from Boston’s historic past. There have been many calls to demolish this behemoth but unfortunately, it still stands to this day. Boooo!
#10 – The Massachusetts State House on Beacon Hill has a ceremonial “sacred cod.”
Listen, we all know that Boston and its surrounding harbor have an endless choice of excellent seafood. And cod fishing is pretty important to Boston’s history and its economy. But why is there a “sacred cod” that hangs in the House of Representatives in the State House? This symbolic fish dates back to 1784 and is still present 200 years later.
Apparently, the carved cod fish serves as a reminder and a relic from an era when fishing literally ruled the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Having an elaborate sacred cod watching over elected lawmakers is weird, but the fact that it’s been there for hundreds of years makes it even more peculiar.
Fun facts about Boston: Wrap up
There are so many fun facts about Boston that we might have to reprise this article shortly! From molasses floods to secret subway tunnels, Boston’s quirky history, and culture offer up no shortage of entertaining surprises. Even if you get caught in Big Dig Traffic or get injured in a molasses explosion. It’s clear this old town has as many weirdly wonderful stories. So take a fresh look at Beantown next time you’re walking the Freedom Trail or grabbing a pint in a local pub – you never know what delightful secrets you might find.
