In 1816, a shrewd businessman named Lt. Benjamin Locke saw an opportunity. The newly built Middlesex Turnpike promised a stream of travelers passing right by his doorstep in Arlington, Massachusetts. He built the Lt. Benjamin Locke Store, a 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure, to capitalize on this bustling new thoroughfare. The Lt. Benjamin Locke Store wasn’t just a store; it was a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. He, the son of Revolutionary War veteran Captain Benjamin Locke, clearly inherited his father’s drive and ambition. The store flourished, serving the needs of those traveling the turnpike. But the Lt. Benjamin Locke Store’s story didn’t end with its commercial purpose. In 1854, it transitioned into a four-family residence. It continued to adapt to the changing times. Even during a smallpox outbreak in 1912, the Lt. Benjamin Locke Store played a role. It was designated as a “pest house,” a place for isolating the sick. Fortunately, its use for this grim purpose wasn’t required. Today, the Lt. Benjamin Locke Store still stands as a private residence. It’s a tangible link to Arlington’s past, a silent witness to the changing landscape and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants. The building earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This recognition cemented its legacy as a significant piece of Arlington’s history.
Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
A chill wind whispers through the aged headstones. This is Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. This historic cemetery dates back to