Watertown Water Department (MWRA)

Watertown Water Department (MWRA) Municipal Water Report Info

History and Tourism

Archaeological evidence reveals that the Watertown area was first inhabited by indigenous peoples approximately 6,000 years ago. Two Native American tribes, the Pequossette and the Nonantum, established settlements along the riverbanks. In the early 1600s, John Smith explored Massachusetts' coastline and named the river flowing through Watertown. It was later renamed the Charles River in honor of King Charles I.

Roger Clap and the Dorchester Men

In May 1630, a group led by Roger Clap arrived on the steep banks of the Charles River near the present-day Perkins School for the Blind. Clap documented their first encounter with Pequossette Indians who approached the settlers with a large bass, receiving bread in exchange. This historic meeting is commemorated on Watertown's official seal. Shortly after, at Governor Winthrop's direction, Clap's group relocated to Dorchester where the land was considered more suitable for cattle raising.

Establishment as an Official Settlement

That same July, a company of Englishmen who had arrived on the Arbella traveled up the Charles and landed near the present location of Mt. Auburn Hospital in Cambridge. Led by Sir Richard Saltonstall and Minister George Phillips, their settlement was initially called Saltonstall Plantation before officially becoming Watertown in September 1630.

Economic Development

Early Watertown encompassed present-day communities of Weston, Waltham, and significant portions of Lincoln, Belmont, and Cambridge – making it one of the largest American settlements of its time. It rapidly developed into a major center for trade, commerce, and industry. By decree of the Massachusetts General Court, Cambridge and Watertown were required to compensate the Indians with what would be equivalent to approximately $10,000 by 1980s standards.