Chelsea Square Historic District

Chelsea Square Historic District covers the original site of Winnisimmet village, settled in 1624 and later incorporated as the town and then city of Chelsea. It has three sections. Area I is the commercial heart around Chelsea Square, with Stebbins Fountain of 1898, the 1906 Old Post Office, the 1844 Gerrish Block, Tremont Hall and the 1897 Police/Court Building. Thirteen of its buildings predate the 1908 fire that destroyed more than 3,000 Chelsea structures. Area II, the most altered part, includes the former Winnisimmet Ferry landing, which operated until 1917, and former rubber works buildings, along with intact rowhouse streets. Area III is mainly residential, with mid to late 19th century brick rowhouses, early apartment buildings such as The Imperial, and the ca. 1805 Gardner House, described as the finest Federal style residence in Chelsea. Together these resources show the city's commercial, industrial and residential growth through the 19th century.