Boston's Little Italy can be found in
the Boston's North End. Today, we know the North End as a mecca for
all things Italian- however the area was also home to some of our
country's most historical figures and events. Of course, this is due
(in large part) to Boston's size and political impact at the time of
the American revolution.
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| Paul Revere Statue - Boston's North End |
Past-
Italian Immigration to Boston began in
the late 1800s and early 1900s (the height of Italian immigration to
America.) The Italian immigrants began to settle down in the North
End simply because the area was considered “old,” inexpensive and
was remarkably in disrepair. The fact that it was in disrepair at the
time was shocking to us: as the area was home to the quite historic
Paul Revere house. Incredibly, Italian immigrants were permitted to rent and live in the Revere house- an idea that did not sit well with
local Bostonians. Unbelievably, Paul Revere's House was an Italian Bank and Grocery for many years!
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| Paul Revere's House- As an Italian Bank Circa 1900 |
As is the case with many Little
Italies- Italian shops and restaurants began to crop up throughout
the area. However, one business stands out as dominating the
landscape: Prince Pasta. Depending on your age, you may or may not
remember the Prince Pasta commercials on TV. The commercials were
essentially geared towards Italians – and focused on Boston's North
End and “spaghetti night”
Prince Pasta was born in 1912 when
three immigrants (Gaetano LaMarca, Giuseppe Seminara and Michele
Cantella) from the same village in Sicily started their small
spaghetti company in Boston's North End. The original address of the
company was 92 Prince Street.
These entrepreneurs had no way of
knowing that their little company would become one of the largest
pasta manufacturers in the country. Prince Pasta was family owned
until the 1980s- when it became a part of New World Pasta ( a company
that also sells Ronzoni Pastas).
Boston is also home to the Pastene Corporation- which is one of the oldest and largest Italian food importers in America.
Present:
Unlike other Little Italies which are
shrinking (Manhattan and Wooster) or virtually non-existant, Boston's
Little Italy is alive and vibrant. In fact, it is probably the nicest
Little Italy to visit in terms of its Italianness and historical
appeal. Many of the inhabitants are still Italian- and the shops and
restaurants are Italian dominated. When we visited, we even heard
Italian being spoken in the streets!
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| Plaques for Italian Immigrants - Boston North End |
Not being from Boston, it was oddly
amazing to be able to walk through an “ethnic neighborhood” and
walk through an area of extreme historical significance at the same
time.
Our North End Photo Album: (including memorial plaques)
Our North End Photo Album: (including memorial plaques)
What to see:
Paul Revere's House
Paul Revere Statue
The Boston Tea Party Ship
USS Constitution ( A short walk/drive
away)
The North End Church
Where to Eat:
We have a few favorites- so choose
wisely!
Pomodoro (ItalianAware tip: the place
is not for the claustrophobic!)
Giacomo's (ItalianAware tip: Touristy
BUT still great Italian food)
Prezza (ItalianAware tip: Be prepared
to wait- even with reservations)
Desserts/Coffee:
Mike's Pastry Shop
Caffe' Vittoria (ItalianAware tip: Its
the oldest Caffe' in Boston!)
Convenient Map:
View Larger Map
Get Social With Us:
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