Introduction to Waltham, Massachusetts
Waltham, Massachusetts, in Middlesex county, is 9 miles W of Boston, Massachusetts. The municipality is located along the Charles River. Waltham means "home in the woods." The city was one of the prominent manufacturing locations during the Industrial Revolution. It's known as "Watch City" due to formerly being a prominent watch making location. Waltham includes numerous high-tech companies and is located in the Boston Route 128 High Technology Corridor. The town is a Boston suburb but has kept its unique character.
Waltham History
The area was settled in 1634 and was known as Watertown. Waltham was incorporated as a town in 1738. During the early portion of the 19th century the notable Boston Manufacturing Company was established in Waltham. It's regarded as one of the initial integrated textile mills in the nation. In 1854 the prominent Waltham Watch Company was established and was the first to produce watches by utilizing an assembly line. Over 40 million watches, clocks and instruments were produced. In the early stages of the 20th century the town was home to Metz, an automobile manufacturer.
Waltham Attractions
- Gore Place is an historic mansion and includes a large carriage house
- Robert Treat Paine' Estate is a historic country home
- Moody Street, AKA "Restaurant Row" is located in the downtown area features unique shops, numerous restaurants and bars and an active nightlife
- Lyman Estate is a notable historic Federal style mansion and features a grand ballroom
- The Sports Authority Training Center is home to a practice facility of the Boston Celtics
- Concerts on Waltham Common offers musical entertainment during the summer
- Charles River Museum of History is situated in the historic Boston Manufacturing Company textile mill. It features exhibits on a variety of inventions including steam engines, timepieces, bicycles, machine tools, automobiles and generators
- Waltham Museum
- Codman House
- Waltham Watch Company Building
- Rose Art Museum is situated on the Brandeis University campus
- Gropius House
- Reagle Players
- Bentley College Performing Arts Series
- Numerous antique shops
Waltham Activities
The Charles River is utilized for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rowing and sculling. The River Walk is a scenic walking and bicycle riding trail situated along the Charles River. The nearby Waldon Pond Forest is a scenic location. The city features an active nightlife and The Watch City Brewing Company and Skellig are two of the popular destinations. Residents enjoy the activities and the professional sports teams located in nearby Boston.
Waltham Higher Education
The city is home to Bentley College and Brandeis University.
Waltham Transportation
The MTBA offers commuter rail and bus services.
