Lechmere Canal facts for kids
The Lechmere Canal is a short waterway in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. It connects to the Charles River. Long ago, it was a busy port for ships traveling to Boston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean.
A Look Back: The History of Lechmere Canal
The Lechmere Canal was built in 1895. Workers created it by building walls around a part of the Charles River. They also added new land around it. This area was a very active seaport.
However, things changed in 1910. The Charles River Dam Bridge was built. This bridge separated the canal from Boston Harbor. After that, the canal could no longer be used as a busy port for large ships.
The idea for the canal actually started much earlier. In 1834, land was set aside for a canal. This was done by the group that owned the first bridge connecting East Cambridge to Boston. That bridge was the West Boston Bridge.
The canal was meant to have a dock that was 100 feet wide. This dock was for everyone to use. Later, in 1874, another part of the canal was planned. This part was going to be 120 feet wide and about 900 feet long. It was built as more land was added to the harbor.
Lechmere Canal Today
Today, the Lechmere Canal is a beautiful part of the East Cambridge area. It adds to the scenery of the neighborhood and a nearby park. You can find it near the Museum of Science and Lechmere Square.
The canal is mostly used for fun activities now. The Charles River Boat Company offers pleasure trips from a spot in front of the Cambridgeside Galleria mall. People with private boats can also use the moorings there to visit the mall.
