FROM TOWN TO CITY: 1800 - 1840
Source: (Boston Public Library, Online Print Department)
The old town of Boston first emerged as a true city. Boston became a center of commerce as its port peaked in importance and its industrial sector emerged.
City of Boston Population: 24,937 – 93,383
Metro Population: 45,755 – 144,749
City of Boston Population: 24,937 – 93,383
Metro Population: 45,755 – 144,749
PENETRATING GROWTH: 1840 - 1880
Source: (Boston Public Library, Online Print Department)
Boston exploded in size and importance during this period. The City of Boston’s land area grew from 1.5 square miles to 47 square miles through annexation, the creation of the Back Bay, and other land-making.
City of Boston Population: 93,383 – 362,839
Metro Population: 144,749 – 563,878
City of Boston Population: 93,383 – 362,839
Metro Population: 144,749 – 563,878
BOSTON'S TRANSFORMATION: 1880 - 1920
Source: (Boston Public Library, Online Print Department)
The city grew slowly but changed dramatically during this era. Boston and surrounding towns and cities continued to industrialize and urbanize. New building and transportation technologies allowed the downtown area to grow denser at the same time that streetcar lines and parks sprawled the city outwards.
City of Boston Population: 362,839 – 748,060
Metro Population: 563,878 – 1,416,727
City of Boston Population: 362,839 – 748,060
Metro Population: 563,878 – 1,416,727
BOSTON'S DORMANCY: 1920 - 1950
Source: (Boston Public Library, Online Print Department)
The city stagnated and its neighborhood consolidated during this period of restricted immigration, depression, and war.
City of Boston Population: 748,060 – 801,444
Metro Population: 1,416,727 – 1,737,856
City of Boston Population: 748,060 – 801,444
Metro Population: 1,416,727 – 1,737,856
URBAN MAYHEM: 1950 - 1980
Source: (Boston Public Library, Online Print Department)
This time period marked a era of rapid, unprecedented, and highly disruptive change to Boston. A trio of mayors; Hynes, Collins, and White, all promised a “New Boston” and set about creating it.
City of Boston Population: 801,444 – 562,994
Metro Population: 1,737,856 – 2,800,000
City of Boston Population: 801,444 – 562,994
Metro Population: 1,737,856 – 2,800,000
RETHINKING BOSTON: 1980 - PRESENT
Source: (Boston Public Library, Online Print Department)
Boston reclaimed its status as a world-class city for the first time since the 19th century. Strong economic growth led by finance, technology, medicine, and education was dubbed “the Massachusetts Miracle.”
City of Boston Population: 562,994 – 617,594
Metro Population: 2,800,000 - 4,552,402
City of Boston Population: 562,994 – 617,594
Metro Population: 2,800,000 - 4,552,402