Boston Bean Town
Affectionately known as “Beantown,” Boston earned its nickname from a colonial-era dish of baked beans slow-cooked in molasses, a local favorite that reflects the city’s deep-rooted New England heritage. While you won’t find beans on every menu today, the nickname lives on as a playful reminder of Boston’s charm, history, and enduring sense of identity. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to the city, calling it Beantown adds a touch of warmth and pride to the Boston experience.
From the Boston Public Library
Why “Bean Town”
First Speculation
Massachusetts with native American roots had always been known for its baked beans,
In addition it was also noted for its rum. Both Rhode Island, and Massachusetts were prominently involved in the distilling alcohol allowing them to participate in the “Triangle Trade.”
Boston exported the alcohol to Africa,and exchanged the alcohol for slaves, and subsequently bartered the slaves for molasses which was an ingredient of rum that they produced.
The colonists combined the rum with baked beans which became popular among sailors and merchants who were involved in the Triangular trade and it is said that these merchants and sailors coined the phrase “Bean Town”
A Second Speculation
In 1890, Boston was the host of a Civil War veteran’s convention and the Beverly Pottery Company handed out small bean pots with beans as souvenirs. It was this unique gift that some say was the origin of the name “Bean Town”
A Third Speculation
In 1907, Boston pioneered a “Old Home Week” encouraging former residents to revisit. The program was extensively advertised centered on a slogan “You Don’t Know Beans Until You Come to Boston” Perhaps this was the origin of the name.