1. In 1776, General George Washington finally secured Boston Harbor as British forces evacuated the city. This marked a pivotal moment in the American Revolution and helped to turn the tide in favor of the Patriots.

2. On November 16, 1835, Salem, Massachusetts officially incorporated as a city. This historic town had been known for its infamous witch trials in the late 1600s, but has since become a thriving cultural destination.

3. In 1907, the Boston Opera House opened its doors to the public for the first time. Located on Huntington Avenue, this grand building quickly became one of the premier venues for operatic performances in the United States.

4. November 16, 1927 saw the opening of the Boston Garden, the iconic indoor arena that served as the home of the Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics for many decades. The venue became known for its raucous crowds and intense rivalries.

5. In 1971, the state of Massachusetts inaugurated its first African American governor, John W. Collins. He served in the position for just over three years before passing away suddenly in 1974, but his legacy as a trailblazer in politics lives on.