Ward Two in Somerville in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Where Did Somerville Get Its Name?
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
1. Where Did Somerville Get Its Name? Marker
Some say it was just a "fanciful name." Others believe it was named to honor a daring naval hero, Captain Richard Somers. In 1804, he packed his ship, Intrepid, with gunpowder, hoping to use it as a floating bomb to destroy the fleet of the notorious Barbary Pirates, who would ruthlessly rob any ship trading off the coast of North Africa. Killed in the attempt, Somers became an American hero.
Erected by City of Somerville.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.
Location. 42° 23.015′ N, 71° 6.518′ W. Marker is in Somerville, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is in Ward Two. It is at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Bleachery Court, on the right when traveling east on Somerville Avenue. Located in Conway Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 550 Somerville Ave, Somerville MA 02143, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Historic Boston and specifically in Greater Boston. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mommy, What Did People Do Before Cell Phones? (here, next to this marker); Anthony (Tony) Lavelli, Jr. (here, next to this marker); It's All Downhill from Here (here, next to this marker); The Quietman Makes Some Noise / Taking the Gloves Off (here, next to
this page online
Also see . . .
1. City of Somerville. (Submitted on August 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Somerville, Massachusetts (Wikipedia). (Submitted on August 30, 2024, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
2. Where Did Somerville Get Its Name? Marker
Photographed by Marc Posner, July 3, 2024
3. Back of Marker
Sample fabric from the Middlesex Bleachery and Dye Works pattern book, 1880s courtesy of the Somerville Museum.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 297 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2024, by Marc Posner of Somerville, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
