A group of firebrands and revolutionaries gathered in a meetinghouse foreshadowed the later work in Philadelphia by the "fathers of the country." The constitution was approved and became the world's oldest document of its kind.

1785: First smallpox vaccination

Cambridge has produced a number of famous scientists--Louis Agassiz and Asa Gray to name two--but perhaps none so concerned with human welfare as Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse. Working in an office-lab, he laid the ground for the cure to smallpox.

1805: First botanic gardens

In the same year that Cambridgeport became an offical port of entry and trade, Professor Asa Gray of Harvard developed the nation's first botanical garden. There is some confusion over the date, however, because some believe it did not actually "open" until 1842.

1813/1818: First glass factory in America

The New England Glass Company opened in East Cambridge.

1832: First garden cemetery

Although high school and college students frequently prowl on the grounds of Mt. Auburn Cemetery, few know its historical significance. An enormous number of famous people--professors, Massachusetts politicians, authors, artists and the like are buried there, in the nation's first open-space garden cemetery.

1846: First sewing machine in America

One Elias Howe, who tinkered a lot in his basement, produced America's first sewing machine.

1842: First railway cars in United States

Davenport Inc. of Cambridge manufactured the first railway cars in the United States, marking the establishment of the rails as a primary mode of transportation.

1860: First volunteer regiment for Civil War

Capt. Richardson of Cambridge organized the first volunteer regiment to fight for the Stars and Stripes. The Cambridge company left shortly--few of its original members returned.