Steven Beaucher 592 pages hardcover
A richly illustrated story of public transit in one of America's most
historic cities, from public ferry and horse-drawn carriage to the
MBTA.
A lively tour of public transportation in Boston over the years,
Boston in Transit maps the complete history of the modes of
transportation that have kept the city moving and expanding since its
founding in 1630--from the simple ferry serving an English settlement to
the expansive network of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation
Authority, or MBTA. The story of public transit in Boston--once dubbed
the Hub of the Universe--is a journey through the history of the
American metropolis.
With a remarkable collection of maps and architectural and
engineering drawings at hand, Steven Beaucher launches his account from
the landing where English colonists established that first ferry,
carrying passengers between what is now Boston's North End and
Charlestown--and sparing them what had been a two-day walk around Boston
Harbor. In the 1700s, horse-drawn coaches appeared on the scene,
connecting Boston and Cambridge, with the bigger, better Omnibus soon to
follow. From horse-drawn coaches, horse-drawn railways evolved, making
way for the electric streetcar networks that allowed the city's early
suburbs to sprout--culminating in the multimodal, regional public
transportation network in place in Boston today.
With photographs, brochures, pamphlets, guidebooks, timetables, and tickets,
Boston in Transit creates a complete picture of the everyday
experience of public transportation through the centuries. At once a
practical reference, local history, and travelogue, this book will be
cherished by armchair tourists, day-trippers, and serious travelers
alike.