Why Is Boston Called “Beantown”?

References & Edit History

Images

Vintage postcard illustration of a smiling child in colonial attire carrying a steaming pot labeled Boston Baked Beans, with a road sign pointing to Boston and the text Bean-town for mine.

Vintage postcard with a pot of beans and the text 'You don't know beans until you come to Boston' in large letters, with an illustrated family walking on the left.

A bowl of Boston baked beans with smoked ham hock, chorizo, and chili, garnished with herbs, served with two slices of toasted sourdough bread on a white plate.

Why Is Boston Called “Beantown”?: Media

Images

Vintage postcard illustration of a smiling child in colonial attire carrying a steaming pot labeled Boston Baked Beans, with a road sign pointing to Boston and the text Bean-town for mine.

Long history with beans

This 1907 postcard plays off the city's long history with the dish that became known...

Boston Public Library (10_07_000014a)

Vintage postcard with a pot of beans and the text 'You don't know beans until you come to Boston' in large letters, with an illustrated family walking on the left.

Attracting tourists

In the 20th century the city used the “You don't know beans until you come to Boston”...

Boston Public Library (06_10_000004)

A bowl of Boston baked beans with smoked ham hock, chorizo, and chili, garnished with herbs, served with two slices of toasted sourdough bread on a white plate.

Boston delicacy

While there are variations on the recipe, navy beans and molasses are staples of...

© Simon McGill—Moment/Getty Images