Boston, founded in 1630, is one of America's oldest cities. The city was one of the most important places in colonial American history. The Freedom Trail in Boston takes the tourist through several historical landmarks. Boston now is the capital of Massachusetts and the primary city of the New England region of America. Its long history includes deep ties to its harbor and the ocean. This was a home base for American sailors setting off to explore ports all over the world. Boston is also known as the Athens of America for the hundreds of universities and other centers of higher education in the city. Home to Harvard University, the oldest university in the United States, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston also shines in fine arts and medical education. This gives the city a very young feel, as new 18-30 year olds arrive in the city every year for a new season of learning and fun.