Bike Tour of Historic Watertown, June 23, 2007

On June 23, 2007, the Watertown Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and the Historical Society of Watertown jointly sponsored a bike tour of historic Watertown, with emphasis on sites along the Charles River.

A grant from the Watertown Community Foundation provided the funds for the tour. The money was used for the police detail, printing costs, water and snacks for the participants, and a portable public address system. Rider Andrew Gorelik contributes more photos at this link. Both the Historical Society and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee are most grateful for the generosity of the WCF. Without their financial assistance, the ride would not have been possible.

The tour began at the Edmund Fowle House on Marshall Street. The Fowle House, which is the second oldest house in Watertown, is currently in the final stages of an extensive restoration, and is expected to opened to the public in September.

With the assistance of Officer Tom Dicker of the Watertown Police Department, a group of roughly 30 cyclists set off on the six-mile ride. After a stop at the Common Street Cemetery, the tour continued to the rail crossing at the foot of School Street. From there it was a short hop to the Commander's Mansion at the Watertown Arsenal.

The remainder of the ride focused on the Charles River. The group visited the site of Roger Clap's landing on Charles River Road, and the nearby Founders' Monument as well. The Founders' Monument is an impressive statue with a rich history, but due to its location it is little known, even to long-time residents. There were three additional stops along the river, and at each of them a member of the Historical Society provided the historical commentary.

If you missed the ride, you can download a PDF of the tour program, or view the route map. The program and map make it possible for anyone to do a self-guided tour at their convenience.

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee hopes to work with the Historical Society of Watertown on another tour next year. There's lots more history to explore in Watertown, and a bike is great way to do it.