A shelter-in-place order forced businesses to close, and some of the world's most prestigious universities to shut their gates.

And the suburbs, where people live the American dream, became ghost towns - the broad streets desolate save for the occasional intrepid resident.

"It is shocking, and there is that part of you that doesn't want to think that it could happen here. But it has, and we are strong," said resident Diane Wilde.

Bostonians said they were determined to keep living normal lives in spite of the terror attack. That was no simple feat, however, under a state of siege.