Did You Know These About Worcester?

There are plenty of things in Worcester that you would admire at its first sight but have you ever thought of what it is that make people stay here. Well, the answer is quite simple. The city possesses myriads of hidden gems that no one would have told you about prior to your visit here, and trust us, you have never ever had an experience like this. The city can leave you astonished and captivate you in the cage of its charm. Worcester claims many firsts that are as fresh and unique as they used to be. If we have done enough magic on your mind, then we believe many of you already have planned your next trip to Worcester. But, before you leave for the city, let us astonish you a little bit more. We have come up with some eye-popping facts and secrets about the city that are enough to blow your mind.

• Worcester got its moniker, i.e., "Wormtown" from a local '80s DJ due to its thriving underground music scene.
• The city is built atop seven hills, namely, Wigwam Hill, Newton Hill, Poet’s Hill, and Indian Hill.
• The famous rowing spot, i.e., Lake Quinsigamond is based in Worcester which is famed as a host of renowned US rowing event, namely, Eastern Spirits every year.
• A whopping inflatable polar bear, namely, Orson has become the mascot of Worcester. It was put up by Polar Beverage Company in 1902.
• A localite Harvey Ball designed the world-famed "smiley face". In 1999, he also started World Smile Day in the city.
• In 2013, Worcester State University became the only college in Massachusetts to mark its presence on Princeton Review’s list of "Best Value Colleges".
• After Boston, Worcester has become the largest spot for the performing arts in Massachusetts
• Mechanics Hall, which is based in Worcester, is famed as one of the oldest concert halls nestled in the United States.
• The famed Elm Park based in Worcester is known as one of the oldest public parks situated in the nation.
• The Clark University, where the birth control pill was invented, is based in Worcester.
• The world-famed Beatles was first played by Worcester radio station, i.e., WORC.
• The famous Esther Howland, who was the first to mass-produce valentines in America, was based in Worcester.
• Albert A. Michelson, who is famed as the first Nobel Prize Winner in the United States, belonged to Worcester.
• Worcester is the second largest city situate in the state.
• It has become one of those cities which won National Civic League's "All-America City Award".
• In 2009, Forbes Magazine ranked the city the "ninth most livable city in the nation".
• The city has been nicknamed as "Heart of the Commonwealth" due to its geographical location in Central Massachusetts.
• The official symbol of Worcester is 'heart'.
• You will be amazed to know that 'Valentine's day cards' were invented in Worcester in 1847. The credit goes to Esther Howland.
• Worcester's settlement underwent three attempt: first it was settled in 1673 under an Indian name, i.e., "Quinsigamond" and got abandoned with the commencement of King Phillip's War; second time, it was settled under the name "Worcester" and got abandoned in 1701; it was permanently settled in 1713.
• As a town, Worcester was incorporated on 14th June, 1722.
• It was chosen as a county on April 2, 1731.
• It was officially incorporated as a city on February 29, 1848.
• Washburn & Moen Company, established by Ichabod Washburn, became the largest wire manufacturing company located in Massachusetts in 1831.
• Royal Worcester Corset Factory became the largest employer of women located in America in 1908.
• In 1879, Justin White invented New England Candlepin bowling in Worcester.
• The first monkey wrench was invented in Worcester by Loring Coes in 1840.
• The first envelope folding machine was invented in Worcester by Russell Hawes.
• On June 12, 1880, the first perfect game in Major league baseball for the Worcester Ruby Legs was pitched by Lee Richmond at the Worcester Agricultural Fairgrounds.
• Saint Vincent Hospital and UMass Memorial Health Care have been known as Worcester's two largest employers.
• After Boston, Worcester is the largest center for the arts located in Massachusetts.
• Worcester Youth Orchestras is famed as the third oldest youth orchestra located in the United States. It was founded by Harry Levenson in 1947.
• Green Hill Park is the largest park located in Worcester.
• The famous African-American cyclist, "Marshall Walter Taylor" belonged to Worcester. In 1899, he won the the renowned "world one mile track cycling championship".
• In 1927, the first official tournament of Golf's Ryder Cup was played in Worcester.
• The first Armenian Church in the United States was established in Worcester in 1890.
• The city witnessed the invasion of first Catholics in 1826.
• Christ's Church was the first Catholic church established in Worcester. Its foundation was laid on on July 6, 1834.
• The only daily newspaper of Worcester is "Telegram & Gazette".
• The Worcester State Insane Asylum Hospital is famed as the first hospital in the nation treating mental illnesses.
• In July 1776, The Declaration of Independence was first publicly read in Worcester by Isaiah Thomas.
• Charles Thurber, who patented first modern-day typewriter, was the resident of Worcester.
• On October 23 and 24, 1850, the first national convention of women was held in Worcester. The agenda of the convention was women’s suffrage.
• Joshua Stoddard, who invented the steam calliope in 1855, was the resident of Worcester.
• In 1895, Henry Perky, the resident of Worcester, became the first who mass produce shredded wheat.
• In 1914, Dr. Robert Goddard of Clark University, Worcester invented the first liquid fuel rocket.
• The largest of Nipmuck Indians reside in one of the seven hills of Worcester, i.e., Pakachoag.
• One of the seven hills of Worcester, i.e., Bancroft Hill was named after the great historian George Bancroft.
• Chandler Hill, one of the seven hills of Worcester, is the famous site of city's first reservoir.
• The government-type of Worcester is "council-manager".
• The smiley face was first used in the 1994 film “Forest Gump.”
• In 1838, Boston & West Worcester Railroad became the first railroad which charged commuter fares.
• The famous comedian Denis Leary grew old in Worcester. He attended Saint Peter-Marian High School.
• Worcester Lunch Car Company established by T.H. Buckley became one of the first companies which popularized the concept of diners.
• Central Massachusetts' largest private multi-specialty group, i.e., Reliant Medical Group is based in Worcester.
• Worcester is fondly called "The City of the Seven Hills," "Woo-town," and "The Woo".