“Ever heard of a square that was once a landing point for British troops?” That’s Lechmere Square. I am eager to tell you more about this place. Lechmere Square stands at the crossroads of Cambridge Street and First Street. It is located in East Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Originally, Lechmere Square was named after Richard Lechmere. He was a Colonial-era landowner. Lechmere was a Loyalist who left for England when the American Revolution began. The new American government seized his lands. Revolutionary War maps show the shoreline as “Lechmere’s Point”. British troops landed here on their way to the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Land speculator Andrew Craigie developed the area in the early 19th century. Later, a store named “Lechmere” opened here. The Lechmere store grew into a regional chain. However, it closed in 1997. Its parent company, Montgomery Ward, filed for bankruptcy.
Today, Lechmere Square is known for the CambridgeSide mall. It is a large indoor shopping mall within Boston and Cambridge. The mall is on the site of the original Lechmere store. It even included a Lechmere Sales store as an anchor tenant when it was built. In the past, Lechmere Square was a manufacturing hub. It produced candy, furniture, and even caskets.
Lechmere Square and East Cambridge are experiencing a revival. Factories are turning into offices and condos. Large development projects started around 2004 and 2005. This has led to gentrification, similar to other parts of Cambridge.
You can reach Lechmere Square via the Lechmere station. It is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). The original surface-level station closed in May 2020. This was for the Green Line Extension construction. An elevated replacement station opened on March 21, 2022.
The Charles River, Lechmere Canal, and Memorial Drive are all nearby. The Museum of Science is also close to Lechmere.
East Cambridge has a rich cultural heritage. It once served as a gateway to Cambridge. Lechmere Square boasts a diverse community. It sits along the scenic Charles River. The CambridgeSide Galleria attracts regional attention. It is one of the few fully enclosed shopping malls in the Boston area.
Lechmere Square has transformed over time. It has shifted from candy and furniture production. It has become a hub for the 21st-century information economy. The presence of MIT and Harvard ensures a highly educated population. This keeps property values high.
The MBTA’s relocation of Lechmere Station improved transportation. It allowed for expanded bus and light rail schedules. Lechmere is the final Red Line stop. From there, commuters connect to buses heading to Boston suburbs. Ferry service also connects residents to downtown Boston. Tourists enjoy the spectacular Boston skyline from here.
In 1956, someone named John W. Wood described East Cambridge as an appealingly picturesque and colorful neighborhood. Despite its historical importance, East Cambridge’s local history had been neglected. Wood noted that 800 British soldiers landed here. They began their march to Lexington and Concord.
Now you know a bit more about Lechmere Square. It is a place with a rich past and a vibrant present. Take a look around and imagine all the stories this square could tell.