How did a simple Cow Commons transform into the vibrant city of Somerville? Somerville Massachusetts boasts a rich history stretching back to 1629. Initially settled as part of Charlestown it was a quiet rural area known as the Cow Commons. Imagine settlers grazing their cattle on what would become bustling city streets.
The area’s strategic location near Boston made it significant during the American Revolution. Somerville witnessed one of the war’s earliest confrontations. British soldiers raided the Old Powder House in 1774 seizing gunpowder. This act ignited widespread alarm among American Patriots. It served as a prelude to the Battles of Lexington and Concord fueling the flames of revolution. Paul Revere’s famous ride also passed through Somerville. He even noted a specific location near where a slave named Mark was hung in chains.
After the war Somerville’s economic landscape shifted. Brickmaking became a major industry. The arrival of the Middlesex Canal in 1803 and the Boston and Lowell Railroad in 1835 further spurred its growth. Somerville’s population exploded after 1900 when meatpacking became a dominant force. It was even nicknamed “The Chicago of New England”. By World War II Somerville’s population surged past 100000.
The city’s transformation continued in the 20th century. It faced periods of deindustrialization and decline. The closure of the Ford Motor Plant in 1958 dealt a significant blow. But Somerville found new life. The Red Line extension in 1984 revitalized Davis Square. The tech boom of the late 1990s fueled a resurgence.
Today Somerville is a thriving residential suburb. Its economy is service-based with light manufacturing also playing a role. Tufts University a major employer straddles the border with Medford. Somerville proudly maintains its unique character. It celebrates its diverse population and thriving arts scene. This vibrant city stands as a testament to its resilient spirit and enduring legacy. It is a fascinating blend of history and modernity. The Cow Commons is gone but its spirit endures within the heart of Somerville.