When examining what Boston was originally called, we must look beyond the familiar name of the modern metropolis and back to the early 17th century. The settlement that now stands as a cornerstone of American history was not immediately dubbed "Boston" upon its founding. Instead, it bore a different moniker that reflected its initial purpose and the ambitions of the people who first laid claim to the Shawmut Peninsula. Understanding this original name provides crucial context for the city's identity and its evolution from a struggling colonial outpost into a thriving center of commerce and culture.
The Origins: Shawmut Peninsula
Before European colonization, the area was known to Indigenous peoples as **Shawmut**, a name believed to mean "living waters" or "place of peace." This term accurately described the excellent harbor and the abundant natural resources found on the narrow landmass. When English Puritans arrived in 1630, they recognized the strategic and defensive advantages of this location. They established a settlement there, but they did not immediately rename it after their former home in England. For a period, the place was simply referred to by its descriptive Indigenous designation or by the generic term for the surrounding region.
The Name Change: From Shawmut to Boston
The pivotal moment in answering "what was Boston originally called" occurred in 1632. The settlement, which had been growing steadily, was officially renamed **Boston** in honor of Boston, Lincolnshire, England. This decision was not arbitrary; it was a deliberate act tied to the influential figure of John Cotton, a prominent Puritan minister. Cotton was a respected clergyman from the English town of Boston, and the colonists adopted the name to reflect their religious roots and to honor the connection to their spiritual heritage.
Why the Change Mattered
Adopting the name Boston was more than a mere label change; it signified a shift in the community's self-perception. By linking themselves to an English town with a history of religious dissent, the Puritans reinforced their own identity as a "city upon a hill"—a model of religious integrity. The name carried the weight of English tradition and legitimacy, which was vital for a colony seeking to establish order and attract further settlers. Therefore, when historians ask what Boston was originally called, the answer "Boston, Lincolnshire" underscores the deep transatlantic ties that shaped early American history.
The Nickname: Trimountaine
Long before the city fully embraced the name Boston, residents and visitors often referred to it by a descriptive nickname that highlighted its geography. During the early decades of the 17th century, the settlement was colloquially known as **Trimountaine**. This name was a direct reference to the three hills that dominated the landscape of the Shawmut Peninsula—Pemberton Hill, Beacon Hill, and Copp's Hill. Although "Boston" became the official title, "Trimountaine" persisted in informal usage for many years, offering a vivid geographic snapshot of the fledgling city.
