Ever wonder where the heart of Boston beats? It beats right here in Suffolk County. We are standing at the core of a region steeped in history. Suffolk County is more than just a location. It is a story etched in time.
Let’s start with a little geography. Suffolk County is the second-smallest county in Massachusetts by land area. But do not let its size fool you. Fifty-two percent of it is water.
Now picture this. It is May 10 1643. The Massachusetts General Court orders the land divided into four shires. This is when Suffolk County was born. It originally included Boston Roxbury and Dorchester. Also Dedham Braintree Weymouth Hingham and Hull were included. The name comes from Suffolk in England. Suffolk means southern folk.
Over time Suffolk County evolved. In 1731 parts became Worcester County. Then in 1793 most of it became Norfolk County. Only Boston Chelsea Hingham and Hull remained. Hingham and Hull left in 1803 to join Plymouth County. Revere split from Chelsea in 1846. Winthrop followed from Revere in 1852. Boston then annexed surrounding cities like Roxbury and Dorchester. Charlestown and Brighton also joined. This enlarged Suffolk County again.
Now let’s talk government. Did you know Suffolk County does not really have one anymore? It is true. The county government was abolished in 1999. State agencies took over its functions. However some officials are still elected locally. They perform duties within the county region.
Politically Suffolk County is overwhelmingly Democratic. No Republican presidential candidate has won here since 1924. In 2020 Joe Biden won by a huge margin.
Here is a quirky fact. The Boston City Council acted as the County Commission for many years. This happened even though some communities were not part of Boston.
Let’s not forget the Sheriff’s Department. Their main job is overseeing the Nashua Street Jail and the South Bay House of Correction. These replaced the old Charles Street Jail and Deer Island Prison.
Suffolk County has a rich educational landscape. It boasts institutions like Boston University and Suffolk University. Also there is the Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology.
We cannot forget the public libraries. The Boston Public Library is a treasure trove of knowledge. Also Chelsea Revere and Winthrop have their own public libraries.
Suffolk County is a place of contrasts. It is small in size yet large in history. It lacks a formal government but has strong political leanings. It is a blend of land and water. Suffolk County continues to evolve. It embraces its past and looks forward. As we conclude our tour I hope you leave with a deeper understanding of this unique place.