Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or simply a curious traveler, the city has something to offer. Get ready to uncover some fun facts about Boston and its history.

One of many fun facts about Boston is that it’s home to the deepest tunnel in North America. Considered one of the most impressive engineering feats in Boston, the Ted Williams Tunnel lies a remarkable 90 feet below the surface. It connects South Boston to Logan International Airport, easing travel under Boston Harbor. The tunnel’s namesake, Ted Williams, was a Boston Red Sox baseball legend and U.S. Marine veteran and is widely celebrated for his baseball career and his military service during World War II and the Korean War. Driving through this tunnel, you might not realize you’re traveling so far beneath the city, but its creation marked a huge leap forward in Boston’s infrastructure.

While not directly in the city, the infamous Salem witch trials took place just north of Boston in Salem between February 1692 and May 1693. These trials were a terrifying period in Massachusetts history, where dozens of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft. Many were unfairly convicted, and some were executed. The trials are a sobering reminder of the dangers of extremism and mass hysteria, and they have been immortalized in books and films as a cautionary tale. Salem today is a popular tourist destination, especially in October, where visitors can explore the witchcraft history that still haunts the area. Its close proximity to Boston makes it an easy day trip, and visitors often combine a visit to Salem with other historic sites in the region.

For literary fans, the Louisa May Alcott House in nearby Concord is a must-visit. Alcott, the author of the beloved novel Little Women, lived in this house, and it has since been preserved as a museum dedicated to her life and works. Visitors can tour the house, which is filled with artifacts from Alcott’s life, and learn about the inspiration behind one of the most cherished American novels. Concord itself is rich in literary history, with ties to other famous authors such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau. Visiting Alcott’s home is like stepping into the pages of Little Women and seeing the world that inspired its memorable characters.

Adding to our list of fun facts about Boston, the city has given the world more than its share of notable figures. One of the most famous is John F. Kennedy, born in Boston in 1917. JFK went on to become a U.S. congressman for Massachusetts before becoming the 35th president of the United States. His birthplace and the JFK Presidential Library are must-see destinations for those wanting to learn more about his life and legacy. Boston is also home to several pop culture icons, including actors Matt Damon, Chris Evans, Mark Wahlberg and journalist Barbara Walters. Walking through the streets of Boston, you may feel the presence of these legends who have left a lasting impact on the world.

The Boston University Bridge is a marvel and a one-of-a-kind engineering feat. It is the only place in the world where you can see a boat sail under a train, which is passing under a car, all while being below an airplane! This unusual intersection of transportation modes makes the BU Bridge a standout feature in the city, capturing the imagination of engineers and visitors alike. It’s a fun fact about Boston to share when exploring the city’s more practical landmarks and a great example of how the city blends old and new infrastructure to accommodate its growth.

Another strange fact about Boston is the legend of the Boston Stone. It’s a curious landmark with an interesting backstory. Originally a paint mill grinding stone, it became a focal point in Boston and was used as a reference for city planning for centuries. Some say it was even considered the “center” of Boston. Today, the stone still sits in a narrow alleyway in the historic part of the city, a quiet reminder of the city’s humble beginnings. Visitors often stumble upon this little-known piece of history while exploring Boston’s more famous sites, making it a hidden gem in a city full of well-known landmarks.

One of the strangest legends in Boston’s history is the tale of the Charlestown Bridge, which allegedly vanished without a trace during a stormy night. According to the legend, the bridge connecting Charlestown to Boston simply disappeared, with some claiming it was swallowed by a sea monster or whisked away by fairies. While the story is likely more myth than fact, it continues to be one of Boston’s more whimsical urban legends, sparking the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. Although the original bridge is long gone, you can still walk across the newer structures that span the water today.

While many walk the Freedom Trail to learn about Boston’s role in the American Revolution, some visitors report more than just historical insight. The path that winds through the city is also rumored to be haunted. Ghostly figures, believed to be soldiers from the Revolutionary War, are said to roam the trail at night. Several ghost tours take curious visitors to haunted spots along the trail, mixing Boston’s history with eerie tales of the supernatural. For those who enjoy a little spooky fun with their history, the haunted side of Boston is a must-explore.

Boston Common is known as the oldest public park in America, but it’s also home to one of the city’s quirkiest legends. Some say that late at night when the city is quiet, the animals of Boston Common communicate with each other. Squirrels are said to hold secret meetings, while pigeons share tales of the day’s adventures. It’s a whimsical legend that adds a magical layer to the already beautiful park. Even if you don’t believe in talking animals, a visit to Boston Common offers peaceful greenery in the heart of the bustling city.

One of the strangest legends in Boston is the tale of an underground river that is said to run through the city’s streets, made entirely of gold. The story goes that this river has been lost to time, though treasure hunters are always searching for it. While no one has ever found this elusive golden waterway, the legend persists, drawing curiosity and excitement from those who love a good treasure hunt. Whether you take the legend seriously or not, it’s yet another reminder of the endless stories that fill Boston’s history.