The stunning neighborhood of above 18,000 population has long existed since the 1600s as the home of Boston's colonial leaders and government headquarters. Its residents were known to trade on the wharves and in shops leading from the
Waterfront. By late 1800s, increased influx of immigrants led to the early financial breakthrough of the neighborhood as retail businesses were transformed into major departmental stores and establishments. Through many evolutions, renovations and transformations over centuries, the Downtown neighborhood has recently become the largest commercial district of the city with streets still structured in the old Italian patterns.
The aesthetic district up to date never lost its historic touch having five architecturally outstanding neighborhoods: The Central business District, Downtown East, Historic Spanish Town, Capitol View North and Historic Beauregard. The historic area comprises the brick marked Freedom Trail site, a known 4 kilometer trail believed to connect sixteen remarkable locations in America's history and extends from the neighborhood through the North end, to the Bunker Hill Monuments in Charles Town. The Faneuil Hall Marketplace has existed since 1976, a place where unique handcrafted items, arts and performance are sold daily to thousands of visitors and tourists from all over the world. The historic taverns and Irish pubs where lively Irish music is enjoyed and the ancient-outdoor Hayway market in the district are also true proof of the neighborhood's real heritage.
