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History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.
About Cambridge
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.
Cambridge Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Historic Towns of New England. (1898). United Kingdom: G. P. Putnam's sons.
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"... 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
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to CAMBRIDGE

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
Our Ceramic Mug, Cranberries, Baked Beans, and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! is more than just a beverage holder; it's a piece of art that celebrates the flavors and traditions of the Bay State. So whether you're sipping your morning coffee, evening tea, or a comforting cup of hot cocoa, you can do it with style and a dash of Massachusetts charm. Plus, it's a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine sharing stories about your favorite Massachusetts memories while enjoying a drink from this delightful mug.

MASSACHUSETTS Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Celebrate Your Bay State Heritage!
Show off your deep-rooted connection to the Bay State with our Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while tracing family history, this ceramic mug is a tribute to the rich heritage of Massachusetts.

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
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Cambridge through the years.
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."
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, ...
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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...
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...
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...
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.
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.
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...
Discover YOUR Roots: Cambridge Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Cambridge through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 626 ancestors who were born or died in Cambridge.
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