Boston is a city rich with history, and there’s plenty about its past that’s common knowledge. But what about all of those facts about the city that aren’t as well known? Here are 8 little known facts about Beantown.

1. Boston is home to the oldest U.S. public park.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Boston Common was created all the way back in 1634.
2. Happy hours are outlawed.
Flickr/Tim Sackton
Happy hours have been banned in Massachusetts since 20-year-old Kathleen Barry was killed in a drunk driving accident in 1984.
3. The Fig Newton is named after Newton, Massachusetts, a Boston suburb.
Flickr/Cromely
The popular sweet snack is named after the Boston suburb of Newton, Massachusetts.
4. The North End was once flooded with molasses, killing 21 people and injuring more than 100 more.
Flickr/Boston Public Library
In January, 1919, more than two million gallons of hot molasses burst from a storage tank, flowing through the North End of Boston, killing 21 people, injuring more than 100 and destroying homes.

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5. The first subway was built in Boston.
Flickr/City of Boston Archives
The Tremont Street Subway was built back in 1897.
6. The city’s nickname, Beantown, is literally because of baked beans.
Flickr/Alex Shultz
The nickname started because baked beans with molasses was a dish that was very popular among early residents.
7. Boston’s Revere Beach is the first public beach in the U.S.
Flickr/Bill Ilott
America’s first public beach was established in 1896.
8. The first Dunkin Donuts was established in Boston suburb, Quincy, Massachusetts.
Flickr/dennis crowley
The first location of the beloved donut shop was opened in 1950 by Bill Rosenberg.

Interested in learning more about the history of your state? Here are 11 Insane Things That Happened In Massachusetts You Won’t Find in History Books.

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