National Register Listing

House at 12 West Water Street

12 W. Water St., Wakefield, MA
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture
Boston's Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. It opened in 1912 and is still in use today.
Massachusetts random facts
Middlesex County, MA, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early colonial period. It was established in 1643 and was one of the original counties created in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Massachusett and Nipmuc peoples.

In the late 17th century, Middlesex County became an important center of trade and agriculture, with towns like Concord and Cambridge playing significant roles in the American Revolution. The famous Battle of Lexington and Concord, the first military engagements of the war, took place in Middlesex County in 1775.

During the industrial revolution in the 19th century, Middlesex County experienced rapid urbanization and economic growth. The county's proximity to Boston and ample water resources allowed for the development of mills and factories, especially in cities like Lowell and Lawrence. These industrial centers became important hubs for textiles, manufacturing, and technology, drawing immigrants from around the world to work in the growing industries.

In the 20th century, Middlesex County continued to evolve. The county became a thriving center for higher education, with renowned institutions such as Harvard University and MIT located in Cambridge. The booming tech industry in the Silicon Valley of the East also contributed to the county's economic prosperity, attracting companies like Raytheon and Oracle.

Today, Middlesex County remains a dynamic and diverse county, with a mix of urban areas and historic towns. Its rich history, cultural institutions, and educational opportunities make it a vibrant and sought-after place to live, work, and visit.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

  • 1643: Middlesex County is established as one of the original counties in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1656: Cambridge, later known as Cambridge Village and then Newtown, is established.
  • 1676: King Philip's War affects the county, with several towns attacked and many residents killed or captured.
  • 1754: The county seat is moved from Cambridge to Concord.
  • 1774: Lexington and Concord, two towns in Middlesex County, play a critical role in the American Revolutionary War with the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
  • 1803: Framingham becomes the county seat, replacing Concord.
  • 1825: Charles River Bridge, connecting Boston and Charlestown in Middlesex County, is the first major suspension bridge in the United States.
  • 1863: Arlington is established as a separate town from the western part of Cambridge.
  • 1974: Middlesex County government is abolished, and most governmental functions are assumed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.