Introduction to Arlington, Massachusetts
Arlington, Massachusetts, in Middlesex county, is 2 miles W of Medford, Massachusetts (center to center) and 6 miles NW of Boston, Massachusetts. The city is bordered by the Mystic River and the Mystic Lakes. Arlington has a large number of sites included in the List of Registered Historic Places. The modern community has kept its historic small town appeal. Residents have easy access to Boston and Cambridge. The commuter rail and Red Line subway are popular with commuters.
Arlington History
The colonists acquired land from the Indian tribal leader Nanepashemt's widow. They paid ten pounds with the agreement that the Indians would be able to stay on a portion of the land situated near the Mystic Lakes and be allowed to keep farming and hunting. Arlington was originally established as Menotomy by Europeans in 1635, inside the borders of Cambridge Massachusetts. Paul Revere's renowned ride took him through Menotomy. In 1867 it was renamed Arlington in tribute to those buried at the Arlington National Cemetery.
Captain George Cook constructed the area's first mill in 1637. A battle between the Colonists and the British occurred in Menotomy. In the early days, Arlington was a flourishing farming community. During the middle of the 1800's the ice industry was thriving. A large portion of the ice was transported to the Caribbean and to India by Frederic Tudor. In 1979 the first spreadsheet software program known as VisiCalc was created in Arlington.
Arlington Attractions
- The Old Schwamb Mill is a notable historic location.
- The Jason Russell House is a colonial home that has been converted into a museum.
- Kensington Park Historic District.
- Prince Hall Mystic Cemetery is the only black Freemason Cemetery in the nation.
- The water tower located at Park Circle is a replica of the ancient Greek Arsinoeon of Samothrace.
- Pierce Farm Historic District.
- The Uncle Sam Memorial Statue pays tribute to native son Samuel Wilson who some regard as the original Uncle Sam.
- The Cyrus E. Dallin Museum is named after the notable artist and showcases his artwork and sculpture.
- Arlington Center Historic District.
- There are a large number of Arlington houses included in the List of Registered Historic Places.
- Calvary Methodist Church is an historic structure.
- Locke School is a notable old building.
- Orvis Road Historic District.
Arlington Activities
Menotomy Rocks Park includes Hills Pond and features trails which traverse through the forest. The Great Meadow includes a swamp area and forest acreage. Spy Pond Park features a scenic trail and the pond is popular for kayaking and canoeing. The Magnolia Field is a popular destination for families. The Minuteman Bikeway is a rail-trail and runs through numerous Arlington neighborhoods.