Cambridge, Massachusetts

Settled in 1630, Cambridge was first known as Newe Towne, and occupied land along the Charles River in what is now Harvard Square. Newe Towne was incorporated in 1636, the same year as the founding of Harvard College. Two years later, it was renamed Cambridge, after the University of Cambridge in England, thus beginning the town's tradition as a center of learning and literary excellence. The city's landscape and character have been shaped by its two major universities, Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The population of Cambridge is around 105,000, making it the fourth most populous city in the state.

Cambridge began as an agricultural settlement and grew into a manufacturing center. The New England Glass Company, once the largest glassmaker in the world, was founded in 1818. In 1846, Cambridge reincorporated as a city, and its commercial center moved to the Central Square area, closer to the factories of East Cambridge. Railroads and streetcars re-shaped Cambridge's neighborhoods and industries, and more housing was built to accommodate the immigrants who came to work in the brickyards, ice house, and factories such as the Kendall Boiler Company and Boston Woven Hose and Rubber Company. By the early 20th century, Cambridge was a bustling manufacturing center. Candy-making was a major industry: in 1930, there were 29 confectioners in Cambridge, including New England Confectionary Company, maker of NECCO wafers, and Squirrel Brand Company. Along Memorial Drive, factory signs read like a roll call of industry: Carter's Ink Company, General Electric, Parke-Davis, Whirlpool, and RCA.

Cambridge's industrial base declined following the Great Depression and World War II, and was gradually replaced by scientific- and technology-based companies, many started by graduates of Harvard and MIT. Firms such as Bolt, Beranek and Newman, General Radio, Polaroid Corporation, IBM, and Thinking Machines typified the new focus on technological and electronic innovation. The late 20th century brought a wave of interest in biotechnology, carried out by companies such as Genzyme, Biogen Idec, and Novartis. Today, MIT and Harvard are Cambridge's two largest employees, accounting for nearly 20,000 jobs between them.

Cambridge's diverse manufacturing history and periods of development and construction may have placed workers at risk for malignant mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. We provide information about treatment for mesothelioma in and around Cambridge at the bottom of this page.

Jobsites in Cambridge where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Cambridge, MA have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Cambridge, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Cambridge, MA. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.

Mesothelioma Doctors Near Cambridge, MA

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma doctors who are located within a 100 mile radius of Cambridge, MA. Please click on a doctor link to obtain more information about his/her background, areas of expertise, professional affiliations and office locations.