the capital and largest city in the US state of Massachusetts . It is a major port and cultural centre, having nearly 50 colleges and universities. It also has the oldest underground railway in the US. Boston was settled in 1630 and played an important part in the American Revolution . It became a centre for Irish immigrants in the second half of the 19th century. International runners compete each year in the Boston Marathon race, first run in 1897.
See also Boston Massacre , Boston Tea Party .