1. In 1767, the British Parliament passed the Townshend Acts, which imposed new taxes on the colonies, including Massachusetts. This sparked outrage and resistance in the colonies, leading to protests and boycotts of British goods.

2. On October 18, 1775, American forces under the command of General Artemas Ward and Colonel Richard Gridley captured the British fort at Falmouth (now Portland), Maine, during the Revolutionary War.

3. In 1867, Boston University, one of the largest private research universities in the United States, was founded in Boston, Massachusetts. Today, it is known for its strong programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional fields.

4. On October 18, 1892, the first long-distance telephone line in the United States was inaugurated between Boston and New York City. The line, known as the "long wire," allowed for direct communication between the two cities for the first time.

5. In 1967, the Boston Red Sox played their final game at Fenway Park before the installation of lights for night games. The Red Sox defeated the Minnesota Twins, 5-3, in front of a crowd of over 33,000 fans. Night games at Fenway did not begin until 1975.