Eagle Feathers #171 – Auld Union Square

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

As far as historic cities are concerned, Somerville doesn’t have to tip its hat to any other. It is a small city with a large population. Through the years, it has been the home to many notable firsts.

• The first Governor of Massachusetts, John Winthrop, lived here, as well as his son the first Governor of Connecticut, John Winthrop, Jr.
• The first ship built in Massachusetts, The Blessing of the Bay, was the forerunner of our Navy and was launched on the Fourth of July, 1631.
• Our first president, General George Washington, flew the first American flag on Prospect Hill.
• America’s first millionaire, Elias H. Derby lived on Temple Street in Ten Hills.
• The first outside telephone line and early calls went from Charles Williams’ electrical shop at Ten Court Street, Boston to his home at One Arlington Street, Somerville.
• And the list goes on!

Historic Union Square is the first and largest of Somerville’s trading districts. She is Somerville’s chronicle. Resting in the shadow of Prospect Hill, she has been witness to much, from incidents along her marshy trails of yesteryear, to the congested streets of today.

British soldiers, before their march to Lexington, checked their gear and filled their canteens from the small pond at today’s Walnut and Bow Streets location. On their retreat back to Boston, they briefly stopped again, this time to nurse their many wounded. Bunker Hill bound troops mustered and marched through here, and Civil War troops trained here.

The Square was originally called “Sand Pit Square” in reference to her sandy soil, which supplied the sand for local glass and brick works. Upon the construction by firefighters of a flagpole in her center and leading up to the Civil War, she was called Liberty Pole Square. During the war, the Square served as a recruitment center and has since been known proudly as Union Square.

Some Union Square points of interest include:

• The World War I Memorial honoring Somerville’s heroes of the “War to End All Wars.”
• The Prospect Hill mural on the outside wall of Barristers Hall, often referred to as Somerville’s Gateway Mural.
• On Washington Street, the Revolutionary War mural in the former Post Office building and the James Miller Memorial stone.
• The former Schrafft’s Building boardroom that was recreated at The Independent restaurant.
• The Milk Row Cemetery and the first Civil War Memorial built in America with public funds are located here.
• The Congregational Church at Bow and Walnut Streets built by Harvey P. Hood founder of HP Hood & Sons.
• The old Middlesex County Court House and the long-established Somerville Journal building near the base of Walnut Street. These sites hearken the soul of old Union Square
• The two old police stations and the long-standing Flemish-bond style brick firehouse that commands the view of the center. They are old Union Square’s jewels.

We hope these “auld” acquaintances are not forgotten!