Lechmere Square facts for kids
Lechmere Square (say it "leech-meer") is a busy area in East Cambridge, Massachusetts. You can find it where Cambridge Street and First Street meet. This place got its name from Richard Lechmere, who owned land here a long time ago. He was a "Loyalist," which means he supported the British King during the American Revolution. When the war began, he went back to England, and the new American government took his land. On old maps from the Revolutionary War, this spot was called "Lechmere's Point." It was even where British soldiers landed before the famous Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Contents
History of Lechmere Square
Early Development
In the early 1800s, a land expert named Andrew Craigie helped develop this area. Later, a store opened here and was named "Lechmere" after the square. This store grew into a big chain of stores across the region. However, the Lechmere store chain closed down in 1997.
From Factories to Shops
For many years, Lechmere Square was a place where things were made. Factories in the area produced candy, furniture, and even caskets. Today, the area is best known for the CambridgeSide Galleria. This is a large indoor shopping mall, and it's one of the few big malls in Boston or Cambridge. The mall was built where the original Lechmere store used to be.
Lechmere Square Today
A Changing Neighborhood
Lechmere Square and the surrounding East Cambridge area are changing a lot. Many old factories are being turned into office buildings and apartments. Several big building projects started around 2004 and 2005. These changes mean that East Cambridge and Lechmere Square are becoming more modern and popular, similar to other parts of Cambridge.
Getting Around Lechmere Square
For many years, Lechmere Square had its own train station called Lechmere station. This station was part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line. The old station closed in May 2020 so that a new, elevated station could be built. The new station is part of a big project called the Green Line Extension, which will make it easier for people to travel around.
Nearby Attractions
Lechmere Square is close to several interesting places. The Charles River flows nearby, along with the Lechmere Canal. You can also find Memorial Drive here, which is a scenic road. The famous Museum of Science is also very close to Lechmere Square, making it a great spot for learning and exploring.
Images for kids
-
Aerial view of Lechmere Square in 2021, with the new Lechmere station under construction
