According to ehuacom, Cambridge, Massachusetts is situated in the greater Boston metropolitan area and is located in Middlesex County. It is bordered by the cities of Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown and Boston. Cambridge spans 10.18 square miles with a population of over 110,000 people.
The landscape of Cambridge is made up of both natural and man-made features. The Charles River runs through the center of the city while numerous ponds, creeks, and wetlands are scattered throughout its borders. Several parks and green spaces are also found throughout the city including Fresh Pond Reservation which encompasses over 300 acres of land. Additionally, numerous historic sites dot Cambridge’s landscape such as Harvard Square which has been an important hub for education since 1636 when Harvard University was founded there.
The geography of Cambridge also includes several distinct neighborhoods such as Harvard Square, Central Square, Inman Square and Kendall Square which all have their own unique character and charm. Additionally, there are many other neighborhoods within Cambridge including East Cambridge which has a mix of residential homes and businesses while West Cambridge offers a more suburban feel with larger homes on tree-lined streets.
In terms of transportation infrastructure; Cambridge is served by two subway lines (Red Line & Green Line) as well as several bus routes that make it easy to travel around the city or out to nearby areas such as Boston or Somerville. Additionally, there are several taxi services available throughout the city for those who prefer not to use public transportation or drive their own cars.
Overall, the geography of Cambridge offers a variety of natural beauty combined with convenient access to urban amenities making it an ideal place to live for both students and professionals alike.
History of Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts has a long and storied history that dates back to 1630 when the first settlers arrived from England. The city was originally part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was known as Newtowne. In 1636 Harvard University was founded in Cambridge, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.
In 1688, Cambridge became an independent municipality and changed its name from Newtowne to Cambridge in honor of the university. During this period, many prominent citizens were born or lived in Cambridge including Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Paul Revere.
In 1775, Cambridge became a major site during the American Revolution when George Washington established his headquarters there for what would become known as the Siege of Boston. After a year-long battle with British forces, Washington’s troops were successful in forcing them to evacuate Boston in March 1776.
Throughout much of its history, Cambridge has been an important center for education and industry. In 1846, MIT was founded which helped shape the city’s future as a hub for technology and innovation. Additionally, numerous other universities have sprung up throughout the city such as Harvard Law School (1817), Radcliffe College (1879) and Lesley College (1909).
The industrial age also saw major changes in Cambridge with several factories being built along its waterfronts such as shipbuilding yards and furniture factories which helped fuel economic growth throughout the 19th century. By mid-century, many of these industries had closed but were replaced by new businesses such as biotech companies which continue to thrive today.
Today, Cambridge is a vibrant city that combines its rich history with modern amenities making it an attractive place to live for students and professionals alike.
Economy of Cambridge, Massachusetts
The economy of Cambridge, Massachusetts is thriving and diverse. It is home to numerous world-renowned universities and research institutions, which has helped to create a strong base for the city’s economy. Additionally, the city has a strong tourism industry that attracts millions of visitors each year.
The primary industries in Cambridge include education, healthcare, technology, finance and biotechnology. Harvard University and MIT are two of the largest employers in the area, providing thousands of jobs for locals each year. The presence of these prestigious institutions also attracts many businesses to the area which helps support economic growth.
Healthcare is another major economic driver in Cambridge as it is home to several hospitals including Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham & Women’s Hospital. These hospitals provide thousands of jobs for doctors, nurses and other medical professionals as well as support staff such as receptionists and administrative workers.
Technology companies have also set up shop in Cambridge due to its proximity to Harvard University and MIT. Companies such as Microsoft, Google and Amazon have offices here that employ hundreds of people in software development, engineering and other tech-related roles.
The finance sector also plays an important role in the local economy with numerous banks having branches in Cambridge such as Bank of America, Citibank and Wells Fargo. Additionally, there are several venture capital firms located here that provide funding for startups looking to get off the ground.
Finally, biotechnology companies have been drawn to Cambridge due to its strong research capabilities provided by Harvard University and MIT researchers who often collaborate with companies on research projects or provide consulting services. This has helped create a robust biotech industry that contributes greatly to the local economy by providing high-paying jobs with good benefits for scientists and other professionals involved in this sector.
Politics in Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cambridge, Massachusetts is a politically progressive city that has been a leader in the fight for social justice and equality. The city is home to some of the most influential and renowned universities in the world, including Harvard University and MIT. This has helped create an educated population that is passionate about politics and issues of social justice.
The City Council of Cambridge is composed of nine members who are elected by popular vote. All council members serve four-year terms, with elections held every two years. The mayor is elected by the citizens at large every two years as well. The current mayor, Marc McGovern, was elected in 2017 on a platform that included housing reform, environmental protection and economic development.
The city has a strong Democratic presence with all nine councilors belonging to the party as well as the mayor being a Democrat. However, there are still several independent candidates who have run for office in recent years and have been successful at getting elected.
Cambridge has long been known for its liberal policies on social issues such as gay rights and abortion rights. It was one of the first cities in the United States to pass legislation allowing same-sex marriage in 2004 and it continues to be an advocate for LGBT rights today. In addition, Cambridge also passed legislation requiring employers to provide paid sick leave to employees back in 2009 which was one of the first cities in Massachusetts to do so.
The city also has an active environmental movement that works towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources such as solar power and increasing access to public transportation options such as buses and trains. Cambridge also enacted legislation banning single-use plastics back in 2019 which has helped reduce plastic waste significantly throughout the city.
Overall, Cambridge is a politically progressive city that takes action when it comes to social justice issues as well as environmental protection initiatives. It’s no surprise then that this vibrant city continues to attract people from all walks of life who are looking for an area where their voices can be heard and their beliefs respected.