QUINCY MA
Quincy MA is nicknamed the “City of Presidents” for a very good reason: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and statesman John Hancock were all born in this historic city. The current population of Quincy is over 92,000, making it the 8th largest in Massachusetts.
HISTORY
The area that later became Quincy was first settled by the Native Americans, who cleared the land at the Neponset River, now named Squantum. The land was fertile farming ground when it was visited by Myles Standish and his guide Squanto. That was in 1621. In 1625, Capt. Wollaston established a post there. Thomas Morton took over governorship of the colony after Wollaston left for Virginia. There is still a neighborhood in Quincy that retains Wollaston’s name.
Morton took a few too many liberties with the settlement, naming it Merrymount, and his libertine ways soon caused Standish to arrest him. Morton’s people were known for their drunkenness, and took advantage of the Native American women to the point of developing a terrible reputation. Morton was deported back to England. When he brazenly returned to the settlement, the Puritans arrested him.
In 1634, the whole area became a part of Boston, and after the Revolutionary War, it was named Quincy after the Col. John Quincy who was born there. The railroad came through in 1845 and, just as with so many other communities, increased growth followed the railroad. With access to Quincy as easy as access to Charlestown and Boston, the city grew by 50%.
CLAIMS TO FAME
Quincy has several unique claims to fame. One is the Quincy method of teaching, developed in the 1870s. This progressive education brought Quincy students excellent rankings. In addition, the Fore River Shipyard was the leading shipyard for sailing ships and later, aircraft carriers and battleships. This is also the shipyard where John Kilroy served as welding inspector, signing his inspections with the famous Kilroy Was Here. Quincy also has one of the first airports in the world that was developed, in part, by Amelia Earhart. The 2nd air show ever held – the Harvard Aero Meet – was also held here.
The world’s first Howard Johnson’s and Dunkin’ Donuts were started in Quincy.
CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS
The people of Quincy, besides being accustomed to innovation, also have a strong commitment to helping the less fortunate. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, and many other charities thrive in this city. Residents here often donate cars for Heritage for the Blind in order to help people who have visual impairment. People of all ages who have been diagnosed with vision problems can learn about eye disorders, find rehab opportunities, and get support that helps them to regain their independence. Heritage for the Blind accepts car donations on their website. These vehicle donations for the blind provide funding for all of the services provided by this organization. .
Quincy has a much to offer both residents and visitors. Everyone enjoys the diversity and sense of adventure that flourish in Quincy.