History of Revere Beach

Revere Beach is a public beach in Revere, Massachusetts, located about five miles (8 km) north of downtown Boston. The beach is over three miles long. In 1875, a rail link was constructed to the beach, leading to its increasing popularity as a summer recreation area, and in 1896, it became the first public beach in the United States. It is still easily accessible by the MBTA Blue Line from Boston, and can accommodate as many as one million visitors in a weekend during its annual sand sculpture competition.

Narrow Gauge Railroad
The Narrow Gauge Railroad was constructed to stretch along the beach to connect Lynn, Revere Beach, and East Boston which increased the area’s popularity.
Narrow Gauge Railroad
1875
Massachusetts legislature
The Massachusetts legislature seized nearly three miles of private seacoast land for the Metropolitan Park Commission.
Massachusetts legislature
1895
First American public beach
Charles Eliot was selected to decide how Revere Beach Reservation could be best used by the public. As a result, Revere Beach became the first American public beach with about 45,000 people attending opening day on July 12, 1896.
First American public beach
1896
Revere Beach Boulevard

John O’Brien & Company begin construction on the Revere Beach Driveway that would later become known as Revere Beach Boulevard.

Revere Beach Boulevard
1897
Dance Pavilion
Revere Beach had many dance pavilions beginning in 1900. Many famous people performed here and during the 1930’s it was famed for dance marathons.
Dance Pavilion
1900
The Hippodrome
Built in 1903, the Hippodrome was the iconic carousel on Revere Beach.
The Hippodrome
1903
Wonderland Park
Wonderland Park opened this year as America’s foremost self-contained amusement park and is said to be some of the inspiration for Disneyland.
Wonderland Park
1906
Wonderland Park Closes
Due to financial problems, Wonderland Park closed after six years.
Wonderland Park Closes
1911
Cyclone Roller Coaster
An all wood roller coaster was built by Harry Travers called the Cyclone Roller Coaster. At the time, it was the world’s fastest and largest roller coaster and existed for nearly 50 years.
Cyclone Roller Coaster
1925
Wonderland Dog Track
Wonderland Park reopened as Wonderland Dog Track.
Wonderland Dog Track
1935
Kelly’s Roast Beef
Kelly’s Roast Beef has been a staple at Revere Beach since 1951. It was here in Revere where they came up with the famous Original Roast Beef Sandwich.
Kelly’s Roast Beef
1951
The Blizzard of ‘78
The Blizzard of ‘78 can be viewed as the start of the rebirth of Revere Beach. Many shops and businesses were wrecked, leading to culminating with a new Wonderland Station, the start of the condominium phase on Ocean Avenue, and the taking of land that was turned into a park on Revere Beach Boulevard.
The Blizzard of ‘78
1978
Revitalize The Beach
After efforts by the state and the city of Revere to revitalize the beach, it reopened in May 1992 with replenished sand and restored pavilions. 
Revitalize The Beach
1992
Three-day Celebration
Revere commemorated the centennial of the first opening of Revere Beach with a three-day celebration.
Three-day Celebration
1996
The BEACH Act
The passage of the BEACH Act led to a concentrated effort to improve the water quality of Revere Beach and other Massachusetts beaches.
The BEACH Act
2000
National Historic Landmark
On May 27, 2003, Revere Beach was designated a National Historic Landmark.
National Historic Landmark
2003
International Sand Sculpting Sculpture Festival
This was the first year of the International Sand Sculpting Sculpture Festival. Every year the exhibition has a different theme; the first year’s theme was Tales of Enchantment.
International Sand Sculpting Sculpture Festival
2004
Landscaping & Sidewalks
Revere Beach Boulevard was redesigned with new landscaping and sidewalks, and improved parking.
Landscaping & Sidewalks
2007
125th Anniversary
On July 13, 2021, Revere Beach celebrates its 125th Anniversary with live music and fireworks put on by the City of Revere and Revere Beach Partnership.
125th Anniversary
2021

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL

The 2021 International Sand Sculpting Festival was an amazing success. Thank you to the over 1,000,000 who came down to America’s first public beach and enjoyed the magnificent sand sculpting competition. We are already planning for 2022 and can’t wait to share new details as we get closer.

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