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Subject: [GM-L] Historical Facts About Boston
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 14:54:52 EDT

New and Complete Gazetteer of the U.S. (1854)

p.129–130 Boston, Massachusetts

History.—The Indian name of the Boston peninsula was Shawmut, signifying
Living Fountains. From the peculiar conformation of its surface, the first
settlers called it Tremont, or Trimountain. This name, however, was soon
dismissed for the present one, which was given it in honor of the Rev. John
Cotton, who emigrated from Boston, England. The Rev. John Blackstone was the
first white inhabitant of the peninsula. Here he lived alone until the
arrival of John Winthrop, the first Governor of Massachusetts, who came to
Charlestown with a small party of emigrants, and having remained a short
time, removed across the river in 1630. About the year 1635, Mr. Blackstone
removed to Rhode Island, having sold his "right and title to the peninsula
of Shawmut" for £30. The first church was built in 1632, and the first wharf
in 1673. Four years after, John Hayward was appointed postmaster, "to take
in and convey letters according to direction." The first newspaper was
issued April 17th, 1704, called the Boston News Letter. Benjamin Franklin
was born January 17, 1706. In 1768, the difficulties between the colonies
and the mother country becoming serious, two regiments of British soldiers
were landed in Boston, October 1st, and quartered in the [p.130] old state
house. March 5th, 1770, the citizens were fired on in the streets by the
soldiery, and several killed and wounded. March 31st, the port of Boston was
closed by act of Parliament. On the 17th of June, 1775, was fought the
battle of Bunker Hill. From this time, the British army, to the number of
about 10,000 troops, had possession of Boston till March, 1776, when they
were compelled by the Americans intrenched on Dorchester Heights to withdraw
from the town and harbor. The first blood shed in defence of American
liberty was shed in Boston, and throughout the entire war no people
contributed more largely towards its support. Boston continued a town until
its population had increased to nearly 45,000. The government was
administered by a board of selectmen, according to the custom of other towns
in New England. At length a majority being favorable to a municipal
organization, Boston became an incorporated city, February 23d, 1822. The
city is divided into 12 wards, and governed by a mayor, 8 aldermen, and a
board of common council, consisting of 48 members, 4 from each ward. The
mayor and aldermen constitute one board, and the common council another.
Population, in 1800, 24,937; 1810, 33,250; 1820, 43,298; 1830, 61,391; 1840,
93,383; 1850, 136,881.
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