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8th District Cities

Boston

Boston is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and, at approximately 43 square miles, is the 8th District's largest community. Located along the banks of the Charles River and the waters of Boston Harbor, Boston is home to nearly 600,000 residents. Settled in 1625, Boston was one of the earliest communities established in the New World.

Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution. Today, residents and visitors can experience that history through a number of attractions, including the U.S.S. Constitution and the Old North Church. To learn more about the City of Boston, visit the official web site.

Cambridge

Cambridge is located just to the northwest of Boston. Over 100,000 people call Cambridge's 6.2 square miles home. Cambridge was founded as New Towne in 1630 and served as the capital of the Massachusetts Bay Colony until 1634. In 1638, the community was renamed Cambridge after the city in England. Cambridge is rich with history - George Washington took control of the Continental Army on the Cambridge Common. To learn more about the City of Cambridge, visit the official web site.

Chelsea

Chelsea is located northeast of Boston and, at just 1.8 square miles, is the smallest community in the 8th District. Settled in 1624 as Winnisimmet, Chelsea separated from Boston in 1739. The community was then renamed for the Chelsea section of London. Chelsea was the site of the Revolutionary War Battle of Chelsea Creek, which took place in May of 1775. The Chelsea Square Historic District is the site of the first ferry in America (the Winnisimmet Ferry). Devastating fires in 1908 and again in 1973 almost destroyed the city, but it was rebuilt and today is home to over 35,000 residents. To learn more about the City of Chelsea, visit the official web site.

Somerville

Somerville is located just outside of Boston. Congressman Capuano was born and raised here, where he still resides. It is one of the most densely populated communities in the entire country, with over 75,000 residents occupying just 3.8 square miles. Somerville was settled in 1630 and incorporated as a city in 1872. It is home to a number of historic sites, including the Old Powder House, where gunpowder used for the Revolutionary War was stored, and Prospect Hill, where the first flag of the United American Colonies was raised. To learn more about Congressman Capuano's hometown, visit the official web site.