Cambridge

Cambridge, a city of Massachusetts, virtually a suburb of Boston, from which it is separated by the Charles River, is principally distinguished as the seat of Harvard University (q.v.), and as the home from 1836 of Longfellow, who lived in a house formerly occupied by Washington. Cambridge was first settled in 1630, and is therefore one of the oldest towns in New England. It early became noted for its printing industry, the first book published in the British American colonies (the Bay Psalm-book) having been printed here in 1640. Indeed, the manufacture of books is now one of its leading industries; besides which there are large manufactories of furniture, glass, ironware, tinware, bricks, chemicals, net and twine, sugar, soap, and rubber. Within the limits of the city are comprised the different localities of Old Cambridge, or Cambridge proper, which is distinctively the seat of the university; East Cambridge or Lechmere Point, a manufacturing district; Cambridgeport, where is located the city hall, numerous churches, several banks, a convent, and some manufactories; and North Cambridge, which is principally devoted to residences. Here Washington assumed command in 1735. The famous cemetery of Mount Auburn is partly in Cambridge and partly in Watertown. Pop. of Cambridge (1870) 39,364; (1890) 70,028. See BOSTON.