How densely populated is Chelsea? The 2020 census reported that Chelsea is the second most densely populated city in Massachusetts. Chelsea is a city in Suffolk County. It sits directly across the Mystic River from Boston.
Chelsea’s story is one of resilience. It is a story of reinvention. The area was first called Winnisimmet. The Naumkeag tribe lived there for thousands of years. Winnisimmet possibly means swamp hill.
Samuel Maverick was the first European to settle permanently in Winnisimmet in 1624. His trading post is considered the first permanent settlement by Boston Harbor. In 1635, Maverick sold Winnisimmet to Richard Bellingham. The community remained part of Boston until 1739. It was named after Chelsea, a neighborhood in London, England.
The Battle of Chelsea Creek took place here in 1775. It was the second battle of the Revolution. American forces made one of their first captures of a British ship. Part of George Washington’s army was stationed in Chelsea during the Siege of Boston.
Chelsea was reincorporated as a city in 1857. It developed as an industrial center. By mid-century, it was a powerhouse in wooden sailing ship construction. Later, steam power began to overtake the age of sail. Industry shifted toward manufacturing. Factories making rubber goods, boots, stoves, and adhesives appeared. They were located along the banks of Boston Harbor. The Chelsea Naval Hospital was designed by Alexander Parris in 1836.
Chelsea became a major destination for immigrants. Russian and Eastern European immigrants arrived after 1890. By 1910, nearly one-third of the city was Jewish. In the 1930s, Chelsea may have had the most Jewish residents per square mile outside New York City.
Nearly half the city was destroyed in the first of two great fires in 1908. The fire left over half the population homeless. The city rebuilt with wider streets. This allowed more access for emergency vehicles.
By 1919, foreign-born residents comprised 46 percent of Chelsea’s population. The waterfront flourished with shipbuilding and other industries. Between 1940 and 1980, the population declined by 38 percent.
In 1973, the Second Great Chelsea Fire burned 18 city blocks. By 1990, Chelsea had collapsed economically and socially. In 1991, the city suffered fiscal collapse.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts placed Chelsea into receivership. A state-appointed receiver controlled city government. City Hall was reorganized.
By 1995, a new government had been born. A new city charter eliminated the position of mayor. Management of the city converted to a council-manager system.
Chelsea is the smallest city by area in Massachusetts. It covers 2.21 square miles. Chelsea is bordered on three sides by water.
There are several distinct neighborhoods in Chelsea. These include Admirals Hill and Bellingham Square. Bellingham Square became the center of commerce after the 1908 fire.
In 2010, 38% of Chelsea residents were born outside the United States. The Interfaith Alliance promotes inclusiveness. The 2007 Sanctuary City Resolution supports all foreign-born residents.
Chelsea has invested in several innovative programs. Many of these programs are led in conjunction with fellows from the Harvard Kennedy School’s Innovation Field Lab.
Since 2017, city officials have been working to improve the downtown streets.
Chelsea’s Capital Improvement Plan invests in park development and building improvements. The city is also working toward renewable energy.
Many MBTA bus routes provide service to nearby cities. The Silver Line’s SL3 route to Chelsea has been in operation since 2018.
The Chelsea Clock Company was founded in 1897. In 2015, the Chelsea Clock Company moved to a smaller building.
Chelsea has produced many notable people. These include author Horatio Alger and jazz musician Chick Corea. John Ruiz was the first Latino heavyweight champion. Lewis Latimer, who was born in Chelsea, revolutionized the world by developing the filament that makes the electric light bulb possible.
Chelsea is a city with a rich history. It has overcome many challenges. Today, it is a thriving community.