Located just two miles from Boston and linked by two bridges, is Cambridge, Massachusetts. Home to the world-renowned Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Lesley College, Cambridge is a vibrant and interesting city steeped in history, art, and academia.
What you may not know about Cambridge is that it is often referred to as “A City of Squares”. There are six squares in Cambridge, and here is information about each of them and where they are located in Cambridge:
1. Central Plaza. This is an area in Cambridge centered around the junction of Massachusetts Avenue, Prospect Street, and Western Avenue. Lafayette Square, formed by the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Columbia Street, Sidney Street, and Main Street, is also considered part of the Central Square area.
2. Inman Square. This is a Cambridge neighborhood. It is located north of Central Square, at the junction of Cambridge, Hampshire and Inman streets, near the Cambridge-Somerville border.
3. Kendall Square. This is a neighborhood in Cambridge, with the “square” at the intersection of Main Street, Broadway, Wadsworth Street, and Third Street. It can also refer to the sprawling business district that lies east of Portland Street, northwest of the Charles River, north of MIT, and south of Binney Street.
4. Harvard Square. This is a large triangular area in the center of Cambridge, at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue, Brattle Street, and John F. Kennedy Street. Adjacent to the historic heart of Harvard University, Harvard Yard and Square (as it is called locally) serves as a commercial hub for Harvard students as well as residents of West Cambridge and the western and northern inner suburbs. from Boston.
5. Porter Square. This is a Cambridge neighborhood located around the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Somerville Avenue, between Harvard and Davis Squares. Porter Square Station serves both the MBTA Red Line and commuter rail. The station is approximately 200 yards from the Somerville border, so the residents of “Porter Square” include residents of both cities.
6. Lechmere Square. (pronounced “leech-meer”) This square is located at the intersection of Cambridge St. and First St. in East Cambridge. It was originally named after the colonial-era landowner Richard Lechmere, a loyalist who returned to England at the start of the American Revolution. Subsequently, their lands were confiscated by the new US government. The coast is shown as “Lechmere’s Point” on Revolutionary War maps, and was the landing point for British troops en route to the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Each square has its own unique personality and people are often partial and loyal to a square. They tend to socialize, shop, and “hang out” in their favorite plaza. However, when visiting Cambridge, Massachusetts, don’t hesitate to enjoy the uniqueness of all its squares and what they have to offer. They all have art, restaurants, music venues, and of course interesting people from all over the world. Maybe you too will leave with your own favorite square in Cambridge!