Cambridge, located in the Greater Boston area, was once called Newe Towne, an area first settled in 1630. Far from sounding distinctive, the town was soon renamed after England's University of Cambridge. Looking back, the name was a fitting change as two of America's most prominent universities, Harvard and MIT, are located in Cambridge.
   Harvard, the oldest school of higher learning in America, pushes toward 365 years of age. Founded just 16 years after the Pilgrims arrived, Harvard is extremely proud of its past pupils, including seven U.S. presidents and more than 40 Nobel laureates.
   This remarkable autumn view captures the tree canopy in Harvard Yard at peak color. The Yard, the largest and oldest space on campus, achieves a simplistic ... yet majestic landscape. Enclosed by surrounding buildings, the Yard's straight line paths and a beautiful canopy of trees creates a landscape that becomes inseparable from the structures.
   Keeping these mature trees healthy has been quite a challenge. Elm trees, suffering stress from construction, ice storms, and winter salt, have succumbed to Dutch elm disease. Replacement trees, such as the red oak and honey locust, have been chosen for their elm-like character. Tulip popular, sugar maple and sugarberry are noted for their fall color.

    Area Map