Google
Web CelebrateBoston


Boston's #1 History Site

 

Historic Sites   Freedom Trail   Attractions   Museums   Disasters   Strange Boston   Firsts   Ghosts

Shopping   MBTA   Hotels   Events   Tickets   Sports   Culture   Crimes   Free Photos  Polls

 
Home
Historic Sites
Attractions
Museums
Shopping
Events
Getting Here
Getting Around
Maps
Hotels
Apartments
Real Estate
Sox Gear
Basketball Gear
Hockey Gear
Pats Gear

 

Origin Of The Hub Of The Universe Boston

 

 

 

Origin Of The Hub (Boston)

 

 

Boston is often referred to as "The Hub," which is short for "The Hub of the Solar System" and later "The Hub of the Universe." The Hub is a  physical placethe Massachusetts State House Building. Oliver Wendell Holmes coined the original phrase in 1858. Holmes wrote a series of articles in the Atlantic Monthly called The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table. In Volume 1, Issue 6, he wrote: "[The] Boston State-House is the hub of the solar system. You couldn't pry that out of a Boston man, if you had the tire of all creation straightened out for a crowbar." The reference boastfully implied that Boston was the center of everything intellectual at the time.

 

The State House Is The Hub Of The Solar System
Greetings From The Hub

Oliver Wendell Holmes is also credited with created the nickname Boston Brahman for the wealthy enlightened class of Boston's mid-19th century.

 

The Hub Of The Universe
Scenes Around The Historic Old Hub

Inside the wheel, this view shows Faneuil Hall, Old State House, State House, Public Library, Public Garden swan-boat, South Station, Public Garden flowers, Park Street Church, King's Chapel, Old North Church, and Old South Meeting House. Please note the gold dome of the State House in the center or "hub" of the wheel!

 

Return to Boston Nicknames Page

 

 

 

   
   
     
   
Contact Disclaimer Privacy Press Room

Home Site Map

Copyright © 2009 CelebrateBoston.com - All Rights Reserved