Somerville is a city located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, just two miles north of Boston. Somerville is a bit over 4 square miles with a population of 75,000. Somerville’s small area. high population,  and a diverse selection of immigrants from all over the world make Somerville the most densely populated community in New England and one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country. Somerville is rich in both history and culture.

Somerville was first settled in 1630 as a part of Charlestown. Somerville was established as a town in 1842 when it was separated from increasingly urban Charlestown because it was still largely rural. Somerville was officially incorporated as a city in 1872 due to its growing population and increasing industrialization.  By the early 1900s, Somerville itself had become a densely packed urban area, featuring immigrants from across Europe.

As a part of Charlestown, areas existing in modern-day Somerville were critical military positions in the American Revolution.  The historic Powder House – now considered one of the most distinct ancient ruins in Massachusetts – housed gunpowder for Revolutionary soldiers during the war.  During British invasion, Somerville (Charlestown) was part of the route ridden by Paul Revere on his famous “Midnight Ride.”  Finally, and most notably, Prospect Hill was the site of the raising of the first Grand Union Flag, under the orders of General George Washington, on January 1, 1776.



Somerville is Arts Central:  only New York has more artists per capita than the City of Somerville; the local artists make the City one of the most vibrant and exciting arts centers in the country. With several umbrella groups sponsoring events – such as ArtsUnion, Brickbottom Artists Association, and the Somerville Arts Council – there are always new exhibits or events to explore. Somerville’s arts scene is showcased each summer at the weekend-long ArtBeat Festival. Hosted by the Somerville Arts Council, ArtBeat transforms Davis Square into one of New England’s largest and most innovative arts destinations.