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.

...A chronological listing and description of reports relating to Boston arranged under the following headings: Commerce and Industry, Publications of the Federal Government, the Commonwealth, the City of Boston, the Chamber of Commerce, Other Organizations and Individuals, Related Subjects, General City Planning, Metropolitan Unity, Metropolitan Highways, Metropolitan Transportation, Industrial Education, Market Problems, Housing and Zoning; appendices include 1) A Chronological Summary of the Principal Investigations [1837-1924], 2) A Selected List of Important Publications, 3) A List of Manuals of Description and Information, 4) A Reference List of Important Maps and Plans, 5) A List of Notable Improvements Affecting Commerce and Industry, 6) A Statement on Differential Rates, 7) A List of Publications not Summarized; a subject index is included; the reports summarized date from 1844 through 1924; three aerial views are the Atlantic Avenue waterfront, the East Boston waterfront and the Army Base, South Boston; one map is entitled Historical Boston and shows the outline of Boston in 1630 and 1900 with acreage given for each; the other map is entitled Present-Day Boston; a copy of this publication was in the BRA collection...