Harvard Square in Cambridge in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Ancient Oak
Photographed by R.J. O’Hara, November 7, 2025
1. Ancient Oak Marker
On this spot in 1630 stood an Ancient Oak under which were held colonial elections. This scion of the Washington Elm was planted May 1896.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Colonial Era. A significant historical year for this entry is 1630.
Location. 42° 22.608′ N, 71° 7.197′ W. Marker is in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. It is in Harvard Square. It is at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Cambridge Street, on the right when traveling south on Massachusetts Avenue. Located along the eastern edge of the Cambridge Common. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cambridge MA 02138, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Boston. It is also in the American Northeast, in New England, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Way to Charlestown (within shouting distance of this marker); Cambridge Soldiers and Sailors Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Continental Troops Assembled (within shouting distance of this marker); John Bridge 1578–1665 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); An Gorta Mór - The Great Hunger (about 300 feet away); Headquarters of General Ward (about 300 feet away); Prince Hall Memorial (about 400 feet away); Washington’s General Orders (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge.
this page online
Photographed by R.J. O’Hara, November 7, 2025
2. Ancient Oak Marker
The Hemenway Gymnasium is beyond the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2026, by R.J. O’Hara of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2026, by R.J. O’Hara of Fitchburg, Massachusetts. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
