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Journey back in time to Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

Explore Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Home of James Russell Lowell, Built 1767

Cambridge, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA

Cambridge was given the name of the English university town after the general court decided to establish a college there.
How New England Towns Received Their Names
The Day
New London, Connecticut
October 21, 1914

Harvard College was established in 1636 in Cambridge. It is the oldest college in North America.

Cambridge includes: Fresh Pond Station, Harvard Square, Kendall Square, Larchwood, and Mount Auburn.



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Explore even more about Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. Keep reading!



Cambridge Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Home of James Russell Lowell, Built 1767
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Home of James Russell Lowell, Built 1767
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Seaver Hall, Harvard College
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Seaver Hall, Harvard College
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Statue of John Harvard and Memorial Hall, Harvard College, 1898

Historic Towns of New England. (1
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Statue of John Harvard and Memorial Hall, Harvard College, 1898

Historic Towns of New England. (1898). United Kingdom: G. P. Putnam's sons.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA -
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

(IL) - Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
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Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Harvard Square, 1905
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Harvard Square, 1905
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Hotel Dixon, 1905
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Hotel Dixon, 1905
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Captains Island or Magazine Beach
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Captains Island or Magazine Beach
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Shoe & Leather Exposition Building
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Shoe & Leather Exposition Building
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Harvard Medical School
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Harvard Medical School
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Shepard Memorial Congregational Church
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Shepard Memorial Congregational Church
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Central Square and Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Central Square and Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Fletcher School
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Fletcher School
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Harvard Stadium, 1910
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Harvard Stadium, 1910
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Scenic Temple
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Scenic Temple
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Central Square, 1912
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Central Square, 1912
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Manual Training School, 1914
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Manual Training School, 1914
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Central Square Hardware Co.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Central Square Hardware Co.
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Longfellow House
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Longfellow House
Read more about Henry Wadsworth LONGFELLOW photo of Henry Wadsworth LONGFELLOW
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Riverbank Court, On-the-Charles
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Riverbank Court, On-the-Charles
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Hotel Continental
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Hotel Continental

"... John J. Shine, an enterprising Cambridge builder, took out permits in 1928 to construct the Hotels Continental, Commander, and Ambassador...

The Continental opened in the fall of 1929, only a few weeks before the Black Friday of the stock market crash. Less than six months later, the hotel was in the hands of the Federal National Bank, which had foreclosed the mortgage and insisted on operating the hotel itself, “to the apparent delight of some of the bank officials who moved in so that they could see what was going on." It is doubtful that this helped the revenue of the hotel. In any case, both because of the depression and because the bankers made somewhat inept hotel operators, there was no improvement. The bank itself went out of business in 1933, and this caused the Continental to be put up for sale. It was acquired by Warren MacPherson, Robert Moore, and Ernest Henderson for $275,000, a sum which represented about one-third of its original cost, in a ... Read MORE...
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Cambridge High School
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Cambridge High School
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA - Charles River Basin from John Hancock Building, showing Storrow Drive and the Longfellow Bridge span
Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

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Charles River Basin from John Hancock Building, showing Storrow Drive and the Longfellow Bridge spanning the basin between Boston and Cambridge, Mass.

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to CAMBRIDGE

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MASSACHUSETTS Gift t shirt Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt

Are you looking for a t-shirt that's as comfortable as it is stylish? Look no further! Our Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt is the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this shirt exudes.

MASSACHUSETTS Gifts - Cranberries, Baked Beans and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! - Ceramic Mug MA

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MASSACHUSETTS Pride Coffee Cup - Made in Mass “Got Wicked Class” Mug

Show off your Massachusetts pride with a sip of sass! The Made in Mass “Got Wicked Class” Mug delivers local humor and hometown swagger in every cup. Perfect for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, this high-quality ceramic mug comes in 11 oz or 15 oz and is dishwasher & microwave safe. Ideal for early commutes, porch mornings, or late-night study sessions, it’s a bold, fun reminder of where you’re from—and the attitude that goes with it. A must-have gift for anyone who loves Massachusetts, humor, and a wicked good cup of coffee!

Discover Cambridge: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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Harvard College was established in 1636. It was named for after John Harvard of Charlestown, who left half his estate to the new institution upon his death in 1638. Founded in Newtowne (now Cambridge).

www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/ state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html
1638 - The first American printing press was set up in Cambridge by Stephen Daye

1680 - July 8 - The first confirmed tornado in America kills a servant at Cambridge, Massachusetts.

historyorb.com
General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."

1775 - July 3 - Washington takes command of Continental Army at Cambridge, Mass

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1839 - Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This town may be divided into three parts: Old Cambridge, the seat of the most ancient and best endowed college in the United States, is 3 miles from West Boston bridge, which divides Cambridge from Boston. Cambridge-Port is a compact, flourishing village, about midway between the University and the bridge. East Cambridge is of newer growth, and is a very flourishing place. It is the seat of the county courts, and is immediately connected with Boston by Canal bridge and the viaduct of the Boston and Lowell rail-road, over Charles river. This town was incorporated by the name of Newton in 1630. It took the name of Cambridge in 1638. The first printing press in America was established here, by Stephen Day, in 1639. The first work printed was the "Freeman's Oath." In this town are various and extensive manufactories. They consist of glass, hats, leather, boots and shoes, shoe blacking, tin ware, chairs and cabinet ware, rail-road cars, chaises, ... Read MORE...

1845 - CAMBRIDGE. [Pop. 8,409. Inc. 1631.]
Cambridge, originally called The New Town, was settled by the first Governor, and intended for the seat of government. It was named Cambridge, after that famous seat of learning in England.

The first college in the country, founded here, in 1636, by a donation of the Rev. John Harvard of Charlestown, is now the best endowed university in the country. The first Printing Press in New England was connected with this college.

Cambridge, besides having parted with Newton, Brighton, and West Cambridge, still contains three distinct and populous settlements, called Old Cambridge, East Cambridge, and Cambridge Port.

This town is connected to Boston by two toll bridges of great length, and by the Viaduct or railroad bridge to Lowell.

Mount Auburn, a most beautiful cemetery, is in this town.

The chief manufactories are at East Cambridge, and the chief articles are glass, soap, bricks, &c.

Charles River flows by Cambridge, separating it from... Read MORE...

1846 - Cambridge is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
1848 - Cambridge
The settlement of Cambridge commenced in 1631. It was originally intended to make it the metropolis of the province of Massachusetts. Governor Winthrop, Deputy Governor Dudley. and the assistants, having examined the territory lying in the vicinity of the new settlements, upon a view of this spot all agreed it a fit place for a beautiful town, and took time to consider further about it.” On Dec. 29, 1630, after many consultations about a fit place to build a town for the seat of government, they agree on a place N. W. side of Charles river, about three miles W. of Charlestown ; and all except Mr. Endicot and Sharp (the former living at Salem, and the latter purposing to return to England) oblige themselves to build themselves houses there the following spring, and remove their ordnace and munition thither. and first call the place Newtown." The town was laid out in squares, the streets intersecting each other at right angles; one square was reserved and left open for the purpose of a... Read MORE...

1854 - Cambridge / Cambridgeport / East Cambridge
Cambridge, a city and semi-capital of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, 3 miles W. N. W. from Boston, in lat. 42° 22' 21" N., Lon. 71° 7' 88" W. It comprises Cambridge, the Beat of Harvard University, East Cambridge, (formerly Lechmere Point,) Cambridgeport, about midway between Old Cambridge and Boston, and the district called North Cambridge. Old Cambridge, or Cambridge Proper, is delightfully situated in the midst of a beautiful plain, extending from Charles river. The streets are generally broad, and shaded with lofty elms. Many of the dwellings stand at considerable distances from each other, and are surrounded with spacious yards, ornamented with shrubbery and evergreens. The principal object of interest in the place is Harvard University, the oldest and best endowed collegiate institution in the United States. It was founded in 1638, and derives its name from the Rev. John Harvard, who bequeathed it a legacy of about 780 pounds. Its funds, at the present time, amount to about... Read MORE...

1858 - Destructive Conflagrations
The printing establishment of H. O. Houghton & Co. at Cambridge, Mass., was burned on Saturday. The premises were owned by Little, Brown & Co. Boston publishers, who occupied them for the storage of books in sheets and stereotype plates. The contents of the building were valued at $100,000. The damage by water was greater than that caused by the fire. Most of the stock of Little, Brown & Co. destroyed, consisted of law books. Their loss is $80,000. Insurance, $75,000, here and in England. The Market Insurance Company, of New-York, and a policy of $5,000.
The New York Times
New York, New York
April 5, 1858
1859
CAMBRIDGE, a town in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 3 m. NW of Boston and 431 m. from Washington, in N lat. 42 23, W long. 71 08. It is composed of three portions: Old Cambridge, the seat of the university; Cambridge Port, about half=way between the university and the bridge to Boston; and E Cambridge, or Lechmere's Point, the seat of the court-house. It is one of the oldest towns in New England, having been incorporated by the name of Newton in 1630, but took its present name in 1639. It is connected with Boston by Cambridge and Canal bridges, and by the viaduct of the Lowell railway; with Charlestown, by Prison point bridge. It is a large, handsome, pleasant town, though not so elevated as some of the neighbouring places. It contains a jail, a state arsenal, 3 banks, 5 churches, and numerous manufacturies of various kinds. Cambridge was an important place in the early history of the country. At the commencement of the Revolution, 20,000 militia were collected here; and in 1885... Read MORE...

1874 - The first American football game was played between McGill University and Harvard.

1881 - June 14 - Player piano patented by John McTammany Jr (Cambridge, Mass)

historyorb.com
June 14, 1881
Cambridge Massachusetts, 1890
CAMBRIDGE (L. Cantabridgia), the seat of Harvard College, is opulent and elegant city, forming the southeastern extremity of Middlesex County, of which it is the semi-capital. Somerville lies along its northeast side; Boston, on the eastern, southeastern, southern and southwestern sides (Brighton district); Watertown, on its extreme northwestern side; Belmont on the west, and Arlington on the northwest. Charles River forms the entire eastern and southern boundary lines.

The extreme length of the territory is nearly four miles by one and three fourths. The assessed area is 3,487 acres. The population, in 1885, was 59,658. The number of dwelling-houses in 1888 was 9,927 and the valuation $62,450,040, with a tax-rate of $15 on $1,000. The city consists of four sections (or villages without unoccupied spaces between),— North Cambridge, Old Cambridge (centre), East Cambridge, and Cambridgeport; and these, with Mount Auburn, are the post-offices. East Cambridge is connected with... Read MORE...

1895 - Cambridge
Cambridge, a city and semi-capital of Middlesex co., Mass, separated from Boston by Charles River, in lat. 42° 22'21" N, Lon, 71° 7'38" W. It comprises "Old Cambridge," the seat of Harvard University, East Cambridge (formerly Lechmere Point), Cambridgeport, about mid way between Old Cambridge and Boston, and the district called North Cambridge. Old Cambridge, or Cambridge proper, 3 miles W. from Boston, is delightfully situated in the midst of a beautiful plain, extending from Charles River. The streets are generally broad and shaded with lofty elms. Many of the dwellings stand at considerable distances from one another, and are surrounded with spacious yards, ornamented with shrubbery and evergreens. The Principal object of interest in the place is Harvard University, the oldest and best-endowed collegiate institution in the United States. It was founded in 1638, and derives its name from the Rev. John Harvard, who bequeathed it a legacy of about 780 pounds. Its funds at the present... Read MORE...

1898 - Cambridge - There is no place like it, no, not even for taxes - by Samuel A. Eliot
The early history of New England seems to many minds dry and unromantic. No mist of distance softens the harsh outlines, no mirage of tradition lifts events or characters into picturesque beauty, and there seems a poverty of sentiment. The transplanting of a people breaks the successions and associations of history. No memories of Crusader and Conqueror stir the imagination. Instead of the glitter of chivalry we have but the sombre homespun of Puritan peasants. Instead of the castles and cathedrals on which time has laid a hand of benediction we have but the rude log meeting house and schoolhouse. Instead of Christmas merriment the voice of our past brings to us only the noise of axe and hammer, or the dreary droning of Psalms. It seems bleak, and destitute of poetic inspiration; at once plebeian and prosaic.

But I cannot help feeling that if we look beneath the uncouth exterior we shall find in New England history much idealism, much that can inspire noble daring and feed the... Read MORE...

1911 - Boy May Die From Burns
Lighting a match to find the stopper of a backyard gasoline tank nearly cost Charles Durgin, 12, of 171 Sherman street, Cambridge, his life last night. He was saved from burning to death by William Danehy of 75 Sargent street, who grabbed the boy and running into the house with him in his arms, pulled a blanket from a bed and smothered the fire. The boy was sent to the Cambridge Hospital where his name is on the dangerous list and his recovery is doubtful.
The Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
September 4, 1911
1916
Cambridge, a city and semi-capital of Middlesex co., Mass., separated from Boston by the Charles River, in lat. (observatory) 42° 22' 47" N., Lon. 71° 7' 45" W. It comprises "Old Cambridge," the seat of Harvard University, East Cambridge (formerly Lechmere Point), Cambridge- port, about midway between Old Cambridge and Boston, the district called North Cambridge, and Mount Auburn. Old Cambridge, or Cambridge proper, 2) miles NW. of Boston, is delightfully situated in the midst of a beautiful plain extending from the Charles River. The streets are generally broad and shaded with lofty elms. The principal object of interest in the place is Harvard University, the oldest and one of the best-endowed collegiate institutions in the United States. It was founded in 1636, and derives its name from the Rev. John Harvard, who bequeathed it a legacy of about £780. Besides the collegiate department proper, the university embraces schools of law, theology, medicine, dentistry, special science... Read MORE...

1922 - Killed By Exploding Still.
Alexander Rutstein Victim In Boston-Fire Wrecks Building.

Cambridge, Mass., June 25. - Alexander Rutstein of the Dorchester District, Boston, died at a hospital today as a result of burns sustained when a still exploded in a factory building in East Cambridge on Friday, resulting in fire which ruined the building. Two other men are still in the hospital suffering from severe burns.

The police said that in an ante-mortem statement Rutstein admitted that he had been manufacturing liquor with the two other men in a part of the building which he had rented. He is alleged to have said that they had been carrying on operations for ten days and had not sold any of the liquor.

Large quantities of liquor were found in the factory ruins.
The New York Times
New York, New York
June 26, 1922
1928 - The first computer, a non-electronic "differential analyzer," developed by Dr. Vannevar Bush of M.I.T. in Cambridge.

www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/ state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html
1931 - Students' Suite Burns At Cambridge Hotel
CAMBRIDGE, April 27. (AP) - A fire at the Hotel Commander early today destroyed a suite occupied by A. B. Young and R. T. Dunn, Harvard Law school students, and aroused 300 guests.

Dunn lost all his belongings. Young was away for the week-end.
Richard Winsor, night clerk, roused the guests after he discovered the fire, the cause of which was unknown.
Fitchburg Sentinel
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
April 27, 1931
1944 - Howard Aiken of Harvard developed the first automatic digital computer.

www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/ state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html
1953 - August 31 - WKBG TV channel 56 in Cambridge-Boston, MA (IND) begins

historyorb.com
Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there are plenty of places to go and things to do in Cambridge. Here's a list to get you started:
Harvard University: Explore the historic Harvard Yard, visit the Harvard Art Museums, and take a stroll through the Harvard Square.

MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): Walk around the impressive campus, visit the MIT Museum, and explore the cutting-edge research happening here.

Kendall Square: This area is a hub for innovation and technology. You can find numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's also home to the Kendall Square Cinema, a great spot for independent and foreign films.

Charles River: Enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride along the Charles River Esplanade. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the river from a different perspective.

Mount Auburn Cemetery: This historic cemetery is also a beautiful arboretum with winding paths, stunning landscapes, and excellent bird-watching opportunities.

Museum of Science: Perfect for families and science enthusiasts, this museum features interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and an IMAX... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Cambridge Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

We currently have information about 619 ancestors who were born or died in Cambridge.

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Updated: 9/22/2023 10:10:50 AM