The Naming of Cambridge, Massachusetts: A Historical Mystery Unveiled

Is the city where Harvard University is situated named Cambridge because of the fame of Cambridge University? Contrary to popular belief, the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is not named after Cambridge University in England but rather after a town in England, a fact that has intrigued many for centuries.

Unveiling the Truth Behind the Name

The historical records reveal that the area was originally called Newe Town when it was part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630. The college, now known as Harvard University, was established there in 1636 as New College. It wasn't until 1638 that the town was renamed Cambridge, after the town in England. This decision was made in honor of the University of Cambridge, which played a significant role in the founding beliefs and the educational ideals embraced by the colony's founders.

A Rich Historical Connection

The name Cambridge in Massachusetts is not synonymous with the fame of Cambridge University but is rather a tribute to the University of Cambridge. The decision to name the town Cambridge was a nod to the Puritan theology and the scholarly atmosphere associated with the University of Cambridge. In May 1638, the settlement's name was officially changed to Cambridge to honor the university in Cambridge, England.

Key Historical Figures and Connections

The early days of Cambridge, Massachusetts, were marked by significant figures including the town's ministers, Samuel Hooker and Thomas Shepard, who were both alumni of the University of Cambridge. Additionally, the college's first president, Henry Dunster, and its major benefactor, John Harvard, both had ties to the university. Similarly, the colony's governor John Winthrop also graduated from the University of Cambridge. These connections underscore the influential role of the University of Cambridge in shaping the early history and identity of Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The name Cambridge was not just a tribute to the University of Cambridge, but it also reflected the broader British heritage and the settlers' desire to honor familiar names from their home continent. Many other New England towns have similarly British names, reflecting the settlers' roots and their emotional connections to places in England.

While the name Cambridge in Massachusetts was chosen to honor the University of Cambridge, it is a tribute to more than just the university's fame. It represents the complex intersection of religious beliefs, educational ideals, and the personal connections of those who founded the settlement. Whether viewed through the lens of historic figures, religious beliefs, or cultural heritage, the naming of Cambridge, Massachusetts, offers a rich tapestry of history that continues to fascinate scholars and residents alike.