Arlington in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Captain Cooke’s Mill Lane
1630 – 1930
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, June 2, 2011
1. Captain Cooke’s Mill Lane Marker
The road to Captain Cooke’s grist mill, built in 1638; the first water mill in this vicinity.
Erected 1930 by the Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Massachusetts Bay Colony—Tercentenary Commission Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1638.
Location. 42° 24.965′ N, 71° 9.281′ W. Marker is in Arlington, Massachusetts, in Middlesex County. Marker is at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue (U.S. 3) and Water Street, on the right when traveling west on Massachusetts Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Arlington MA 02474, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Old Men of Menotomy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Whittemore Park (about 600 feet away); Samuel Whittemore (about 600 feet away); House of John Cutter (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jason Russell House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cooper’s Tavern (approx. 0.2 miles away); Arlington Reservoir (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Foot of the Rocks (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Arlington.
Regarding Captain Cooke’s Mill Lane.
this page online
The mill no longer exists, but the History of the Town of Arlington (Boston, 1880) by Benjamin and William R. Cutter makes clear how important it was to the local economy (see the link below). Note that in the 17th century Arlington was known by other names, such as Menotomy or West Cambridge. What was originally called Captain Cooke’s “mill-lane” is Water Street today.
Also see . . .
1. History of Arlington. Google Books entry:
This 1880 book contains numerous references to Capt. George Cooke and his mill, beginning on page 6. (Submitted on June 2, 2011, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)
2. Historical Markers Erected by Massachusetts Bay Company. Internet Archive website entry:
Original 1930 publication by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Tercentenary Commission, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. (Submitted on June 2, 2011, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)
3. Arlington Historical Society. Society website homepage (Submitted on November 6, 2011, by Russell Chaffee Bixby of Bernardston, Massachusetts.)
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, June 2, 2011
2. View down Water Street
Photographed By Stephen St. Denis, May 11, 2021
3. Captain Cooke’s Mill Lane Marker
The marker was recently restored and is in the same location.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2011, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 1,139 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 2, 2011, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. 3. submitted on May 12, 2021, by Stephen St. Denis of Worcester, Massachusetts. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
