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Archiver > GenMassachusetts > 2004-03 > 1080059159


From: "BBFFRRPP" <>
Subject: [GM-L] "Fresh Pond" in Cambridge (Man-made ??)
Date: Tue, 23 Mar 2004 11:33:25 -0500


Hello,

I just posted this question to the MaMiddle List, but wanted to ask this
List also .. if anyone knows the history of "Fresh Pond" in Cambridge.

In particular, I'd like to know if this "pond" existed in the 1600's, or was
it a man-made pond which was created in the 1700's or 1800's?

I know that large parts of Cambridge (as it exists now) used to be "under
water." (Just as parts of Boston were.)

I have taken a quick look at a book on the history of Cambridge, and it does
not mention "Fresh Pond" at all.

In fact, it said, basically, the original "Newtowne" was pretty much only
where "Harvard Square" is now.

So, if I read someplace that my MOORE ancestor had a large property and
mansion in the 1600's near the shore of Fresh Pond, does that mean the
reference is probably to the general part of Cambridge where he lived, not
necessarily meaning that Fresh Pond existed at the time?

And, if Fresh Pond did not exist in the 1600's (and 1700's), what part of
the original Cambridge would that land have been?

(I already know that "West Cambridge" became Arlington and "Cambridge Farms"
became Lexington. And, looking at an old street-map, it would seem that
the Fresh Pond "neighborhood" would have bordered on "West Cambridge.")


Betty (near Lowell, MA)








"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children;
one is roots, the other is wings."

Hodding Carter, Jr.





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