Fort Washington Park — Attraction in Cambridge

2024 04 27 Flagpole VANDALIZED AGAIN! CAMBRIDGE UNPATRIOTIC HANDS HATE AMERICA! "Fort Washington is a symbol and a vision, a reminder of what we are, where we came from, and what we can do," BERNARD RUDOLPH

In 1968, with the help of his wife, Marion K. Rudolph, they organized raffles and other events and raised $1075 dollars for the installation of a new flagpole at the park. Bernie Rudolph and his son Stuart, would raise the flag every morning and lower it every evening, for five years, flying flags procured by Tip O'Neill, the late speaker of the House who represented this neighborhood, until, Bernie got the city and the utility company to put lighting in so the flag could be displayed around the clock. Flag Day, June 14th, 1968, Ceremonies at Fort Washington, were attended by the Late Senator, Ted Kennedy, Attorney General, Elliot Richardson and veteran organizations.

Fort Washington was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1973. By 1975, with interest aroused by the bicentennial, Mr. Rudolph diligence finally paid off. Mr. Rudolph gained allies like the DAR, and M.I.T. Professor, Douglas Adams. The Cast Iron Fence was eventually restored to its approximate 1859 appearance at a cost of over $400,000, much of it Bicentennial and National Park Funds. Archeology studies confirmed the Revolutionary Earthworks are "original and fragile". The Madeline Lord Relief Sculptures, of Common Soldiers, modeled on Re-enactors, represent the Spirit of the over 16,000 American Soldiers that took part in the "Siege of Boston", better, than the likeness of an individual. These are a welcome reminder of who this Park honors. On October, 11th, 1998, in recognize of his efforts, the Cambridge City Council named the Fort Washington Area Bernard Rudolph Square. At the ceremony, Mr. Rudolph spoke affectionally about his Wife, Marion "my chief aide, my greatest critic and my biggest supporter." Those at the ceremony said it was typically Bernie to mention all the people who helped him his effort to save Fort Washington Park, including his "pro bono attorney Eddy Applestein," Cambridge Post 35 Jewish War Veterans, and the late Pasquale Reale, director of veterans' services for Cambridge, and his four grandchildren and daughter-in-law. Mr. Rudoloph’s 70 year Journey, from an Immigrant Lad to an American Patriot, sums up the American Experience in that he is a Brother, of the Patriotic Band of Brothers, that Washington spoke of. That through the generations have defended the freedom of the United States of America, that are honored here at Fort Washington. As Mr. Rudolph said "Fort Washington is a symbol and a vision, a reminder of what we are, where we came from", and what we can do," and thanks to Mr. Rudolph, Fort Washington, a Symbol of American freedom, is not just another...

I grew up on Grove Ave. Mother had 7 boys and one sister . Fort Washington at that time in the early 50’s and up to 1962 was our park . Our friends and neighbors played for years there , baseball football, you name it ..... it was our park as there were no parks to play in . There were many houses in the area and just one grocery and diner . Most of us were poor and never new it but we all got along well black and white all played together . Hymie’s was a great diner to get a coke , cakes , candy and so on. The Rudolph’s at the diner were wonderful people . They let us buy groceries on a charge until my father got paid. We all had no money. Life has been good since we...

I can't believe that I just discovered this tiny Park behind MIT in Cambridge. This used to be on the Charles River waterfront before land was filled in due to MIT. When George Washington arrived in 1775 to take over colonial forces and encircled Boston, he authorized this fort to be built. Their embankments and three Canon and the most amazing fence. I have seen being made of small cannons. When near MIT it's worth the 10-minute walk to get to this site which is the only revolutionary war site...