Boston: Massachusetts' Coastal Capital

Capital: Boston.
Coastal? Yes—on Massachusetts Bay (Atlantic Ocean).

Geographic Details

• Coordinates: 42.36° N, 71.06° W.
• Harbor: Boston Harbor — 50 sq mi, 34 islands (Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area).
• Neighborhoods on water: South Boston (Seaport, Castle Island), East Boston, Charlestown, North End, Downtown Waterfront, Dorchester (Neponset River).
• Rivers: Charles River (separates Boston from Cambridge), Neponset, Mystic, Chelsea Creek.

Why the Coast Matters

• History: Puritan landing (1630), Tea Party (1773), siege of Boston (1775–76), clipper ship trade, immigration gateway.
• Economy: Port of Boston (Conley Terminal), cruise terminal, fishing, maritime education (Mass Maritime).
• Climate: Ocean moderates temps—cooler summers, milder winters than inland. Nor'easters = heavy snow/rain.
• Recreation: Harborwalk (47 mi), sailing, kayaking, harbor islands ferries, beaches (Carson, Revere, Nantasket).

Fun Fact

Boston's land area has tripled since 1630 via landfill (Back Bay, South End, Seaport, Logan Airport). The Shawmut Peninsula was ~780 acres; today it's ~48 sq mi.

Boston isn't just near the coast—it's built on the coast.