Bradstreet Gate

Bradstreet Gate is a wrought-iron gate on the perimeter of Harvard Yard at the intersection of Cambridge and Quincy Streets. It provides a formal entrance where foot traffic flows between the campus and the surrounding urban streets.

Harvard dedicated this gate in 1997 to Anne Bradstreet, a 17th-century poet, commemorating a turning point in the university's approach to gender integration. The timing marked 25 years since women first began living in campus dormitories as regular students.

The gate honors the first published American poet through verses displayed on its plaque. Visitors passing through encounter her words, making her literary legacy visible in the daily rhythm of campus life.

The gate is easily accessible on foot and sits at a busy street corner, so foot traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Visitors should be aware this is an active entry point where campus life and city streets intersect.

The gate was initially unnamed when first installed, receiving its dedication only decades later as part of a symbolic gesture. This means the structure itself is older than its formal recognition of Anne Bradstreet.

GPS coordinates: 42.37558,-71.11637

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:58