History of Arlington, Massachusetts, USA

1630 - Arlington is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1807 - West Cambridge is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - West Cambridge
West Cambridge [Arlington], Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This was a parish of Cambridge, called "Menotomy," until its incorporation in 1807. A part of the lands are low and swampy, but the general features of the town are pleasant. Spy, Little, and a part of Fresh ponds lie in this town; they abound with fish, and add much to the beauty of the place. These ponds cover an area of about 200 acres, and furnish large quantities of ice for transportation. In this town are some very pleasant villages, numerous country seats, and well cultivated farms. Large quantities of milk are daily taken to the Boston market, and this place is a considerable mart for cattle from the interior country.
Sucker brook, though a small stream, furnishes a good water power. The descent of this stream is so great, that dams are erected in the town for appropriating its water nine different times. The mechanical operations of West Cambridge consist of dying and printing calico, pulverizing drugs, medicines... Read MORE...

1854 - West Cambridge
West Cambridge, a post-township of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, 6 miles N. W. from Boston. The principal village is on the Fitchburg railroad, from which diverges the Lexington and West Cambridge Branch railroad. It is built principally on one extended street, and contains 3 or 4 churches and several stores. Population in 1840, 1363; in 1850, 2202.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1867 - West Cambridge is renamed Arlington

Arlington Massachusetts, 1890
Arlington is a pleasant suburban town in the southeastern part of Middlesex County, five miles northwest of Boston,— to which it is easily accessible by street railroads and by the steam cars of the Boston and Lowell system. On the north of it is Winchester ; on the opposite side of the beautiful Mystic Pond of 232 acres is Medford, — which, with Somerville and Cambridge, forms a crescent boundary on the east ; while on the southwest is Belmont, and on the west, Lexington. Arlington and Arlington Heights are the post-offices, also villages and railway stations with Brattle Station and Lake Street.

Sienite is the principal underlying rock coming into view. The land is level in the southeastern part, but rises from the middle of the town northeast and southwest to an elevation of about 360 feet above sea-level, about which is the village of Arlington Heights (formerly Circle Hill). There are a pretty church, good public schools, and upwards of 80 dwellings, with several societies or... Read MORE...

1895 - Arlington
Arlington, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Arlington township, on the Middlesex Central Railroad, 6 miles N.W. of Boston. It has 5 churches, a savings-bank, a newspaper office, and manufactures of pianos, picture frames, saws, &c. Pop. of the township in 1890, 5629.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1916
Arlington, a banking post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Arlington township (town), on the Boston and Maine R., 6 miles NW. of Boston. It has various manufactures, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 8603. See Arlington Heights.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in Arlington:
Arlington's Great Meadows: If you're a nature enthusiast, this is the place to be. Enjoy walking or biking through the scenic trails and take in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Spy Pond Park: A picturesque spot, Spy Pond Park offers a relaxing environment for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or even some kayaking. The pond is particularly beautiful during sunset.

Arlington Center for the Arts: Explore the local art scene at the Arlington Center for the Arts. They often host exhibitions, workshops, and events that showcase the talent of the community.

Jason Russell House: Dive into Arlington's history by visiting the Jason Russell House, a historic landmark that played a role in the opening battle of the American Revolution. The house is a museum, providing insights into the town's past.

Arlington Reservoir Beach: Beat the summer heat at the Arlington Reservoir Beach. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water activities. Don't forget to pack a... Read MORE...