Discover the captivating and vibrant world of New England, a charming region full of history and renowned for its stunning coastline, mountain ranges, and bustling cities. Although many are familiar with the iconic events of Colonial times, there is always more to uncover about this diverse area that spans across Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Despite being home to six states and a population of 14.8 million, the total area of New England is only about the size of Washington State at 71,991.8 square miles.
During the late 1800s, Boston became embroiled in a well-known competition with New York City. Both cities were building their own subway systems at the time, but Boston proudly claimed to be the first in the Western Hemisphere to actually have a functioning one in operation by 1897. This new transportation option replaced the city's previous method of horse-drawn railcars along Tremont Street.
Surprising as it may seem, Maine surpasses California in terms of coastline. With a whopping 3,478 miles stretching along its northeastern border, Maine's coastal expanse actually exceeds 5,000 miles when accounting for its many islands. By comparison, the Pacific-facing Golden State boasts a still-impressive 3,427 miles of coastline.
Maine, with a total area of 33,215 square miles, can be deceivingly vast. Its extensive coastline adds to its overall size. In fact, it is comparable in size to the combined area of all five other New England states at 36,293 square miles.
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Amidst the ongoing challenges faced by the media and the frequent shuttering of newspapers, there exists a noteworthy achievement worth commemorating: Connecticut is home to the longest-running continuously published U.S. newspaper. Established in 1764 at a Hartford tavern, "The Hartford Courant" was founded by Thomas Green with the noble purpose of disseminating crucial information about significant events occurring during his era.
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Boston Commons may be widely known for its rich history, but one of its lesser-known claims to fame is its status as the country's oldest public park. Dating back to 1634, the open space was originally used by Puritan colonists as a pasture for local livestock. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including being a site for Puritanical punishments and hangings of notorious individuals. Nowadays, however, the park is utilized for much more tranquil activities.
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New England's beautiful landscapes have served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood productions. The region has been a popular choice for filming, with notable movies like "Jaws," "The Perfect Storm," and "Mystic River" being shot here. In addition, beloved films such as "Love Story" and "On Golden Pond" have also featured New England's scenery. Let's not forget the critically acclaimed crime drama "The Departed," which showcases Boston's infamous Irish-American mob scene and stars the legendary Jack Nicholson.
Originating in New England, Dunkin' Donuts has become renowned globally. Starting in Quincy, Massachusetts in 1950, the first franchise opened just five years later. Today, there are over 12,400 locations across an impressive 46 countries. So what's better, Dunkin' or Krispy Kreme? Wait, I know this one!
Known for its esteemed reputation, Harvard University had a significant impact during the Revolutionary War. In 1775, the prestigious campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts was utilized as barracks for around 1,600 soldiers - a number higher than the population of the entire town at that time. To accommodate this change, students were relocated to Concord, located approximately 20 miles away.
New England boasts a plethora of presidential birthplaces, with eight commanders in chief hailing from the region. The Adams father-son duo kickstarted the trend, being born in Massachusetts. Moving on to New Hampshire, we have Franklin Pierce's homestead. Vermont has also contributed two presidents - Chester Arthur and Calvin Coolidge. Additionally, Massachusetts can lay claim to John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush, while Connecticut is home to George W. Bush's birthplace.
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It is no surprise that New England has been a hub for talented individuals, and in particular, renowned authors throughout history. Notable names have either resided or found inspiration in this region. For example, Mark Twain called Hartford, Connecticut home during a time when it boasted the highest per-capita income in the country. Similarly, Emily Dickinson had a residence in Massachusetts and Robert Frost owned a farm in New Hampshire.
As a hub for intellectuals, it is fitting that Connecticut houses the country's oldest publicly funded library. The Scoville Memorial Library, located in Salisbury, was established in 1771 with 200 books from England and contributions from 39 individuals. Currently, the collection boasts over 30,000 items.
The Von Trapp family, known for their significant role in World War II and depicted in the beloved film "The Sound of Music," found solace in Stowe, Vermont. While many are familiar with their escape from Austria, not as many know of their relocation to New England. According to reports, the tranquil town of Stowe reminded them of their native land.
New Hampshire's Mount Washington stands as the tallest peak in the Northeastern United States. However, its fame extends beyond just its height. The mountain is notorious for its extreme and unpredictable weather. In fact, it once held the title for the fastest non-tornado or cyclone wind speeds on Earth. In 1934, winds reached a staggering 231 mph, setting a world record that stood until 1996. According to Paul Johnson of North Outdoors, Mount Washington's location at 6,300 feet makes it a prime target for intense New England storms due to its height and position along multiple storm tracks.
While there are approximately 5,000 islands off the coast of Maine, it falls just short of the number found in Greece, which boasts around 6,000. According to James Kaiser, author of "Acadia: The Complete Guide," over 300 of these islands were inhabited year-round during the late 1800s. This was due to their convenient location along coastal shipping routes, which served as the primary mode of transportation at the time. However, as trains and trucks took over as major forms of shipping, these islands were gradually abandoned. Presently, only about 15 islands remain inhabited throughout the year.
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Here's an interesting statistic: In New England, the number of women exceeds that of men. This is supported by data that shows 51.3 percent of the population is female. Nationally, women make up approximately 50.8 percent of the total U.S. population.
The state now known as Rhode Island was founded in 1636 by Roger Williams, who named it Providence Plantation. Williams envisioned a haven of religious freedom and the independence of church and state.
Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, achieved numerous religious firsts. Among them was the establishment of the country's inaugural Baptist Church, which remains active to this day under the name of First Baptist Church in America. This congregation has stood for approximately 384 years. Additionally, Newport is where the first Jewish synagogue in America was consecrated in 1763.
Boston Is the Biggest in More Than One Way. Of all the cities in New England, Boston is the largest by more than one measure. It is both the most populous in New England and it also has the largest metropolitan area of the 15 metropolitan cities in the region.