1. In 1858, the first streetcar in Massachusetts began running between Cambridge and Boston. The streetcar, pulled by horses, was a significant step forward in transportation and paved the way for future railway systems.

2. On this day in 1939, the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority was created, establishing the first controlled-access highway in the state. The turnpike would eventually span 138 miles and become a crucial artery for commerce and transportation.

3. August 2, 1776, was the day that the Declaration of Independence was officially read aloud to the citizens of Boston in Faneuil Hall. This historic event occurred just weeks after the signing of the document and served to celebrate the adoption of the United States as a new nation.

4. In 1913, the Boston Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Naps in a doubleheader at Fenway Park. This was significant because it marked the first time that the Red Sox had swept a doubleheader at home.

5. August 2, 1964, saw the first public unveiling of the "Garden of Peace" memorial, which was created to honor victims of homicide in Massachusetts. The garden, located on the Esplanade along the Charles River in Boston, is still a place of reflection and remembrance for many families who have lost loved ones to violence.