Artist Statement

Take a journey through time by looking at maps that illustrate the growth and development of Lexington as it changed over the centuries - from the 1600s when "Cambridge Farms" was established, to 1775 when the early families of Lexington had settled, to the 1800s when an expanded transportation network supported a growing population, to the 1900s when open areas became more developed.

Some of the items on display (maps 1-5) were drawn or traced by Mr. Worthen to illustrate where the early settlers and first families lived. Others are commercially printed maps or atlases that he collected. Cary Library is fortunate to have Mr. Worthen's map collection among our local history treasures.

Map 1: 1650 Early Grants at "The Farms," Edwin B. Worthen, March 1924

Map 2: Early Settlers at "The Farms," Edwin B. Worthen, March 1924

Map 3: Lexington Village 1775, Edwin B. Worthen, March 1924

Map 4: Southwest Lexington and Lincoln, Edwin. B. Worthen, n.d.

Map 5: Plan of the Town of Lexington, from a survey by John G. Hales, May 1930, Edwin B. Worthen, 1915.

Map 6: United States Bicentennial Plan of the Town of Lexington in the County of Middlesex, 1775.

Map 7a, 7b, 7c: Maps of Lexington, from County atlas of Middlesex, Massachusetts, J.B. Beers & Co., 1875.

Map 8a, 8b, 8c: Maps of Lexington, from Atlas of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, G.H. Walker, 1889.

Map 9a, 9b, 9c: Maps of Lexington, from Atlas of Middlesex County, 1906.

Map 10: Topographical Map of Lexington, showing the Older Streets, Hills, Brooks and Low Areas, by Edwin B. Worthen, n.d.

Map 11: Street and precinct Map of the Town of Lexington, Massachusetts, John J. Carroll, Town Engineer, 1960

Artist Biography

Edwin B. Worthen (1899-1956) was an enthusiastic participant in, and avid collector of, all things Lexington. Short of being elected to public office, he was involved in practically every town organization and activity. He was president of the Lexington Savings Bank and president of the Lexington Historical Society. He wrote articles for the Lexington Minuteman and he published several books. He gathered photographs and slides and presented talks on Lexington's history.