The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority anticipates service on the South Coast Rail beginning this summer, marking the first time since the late 1950s when passengers can take a one-seat trip from Southeast Massachusetts to Boston.
The USS Massachusetts (BB-2) was authorized in 1890 and commissioned six years later. In addition to barely being able to head out to sea, her turrets lacked counterweights, and if both of her then-giant twin 13-inch guns were turned to one side, the vessel would list severely. Likewise, the main belt armor was placed too low to be effective against enemy fire.