Charles River, River and rowing area in Massachusetts, United States.
The Charles River flows 129 kilometers (80 miles) from Hopkinton through 23 cities and towns before reaching Boston Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. The water winds through urban areas and green spaces offering open views toward the banks in many places.
Native communities called this river Quinobequin and established settlements along its banks before European colonization in the 17th century. The present name arose in honor of King Charles I of England during the early colonial period.
The river separates Cambridge from Boston and along its northern banks sit Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On warm days rowers appear on the water and walkers use the riverside paths for leisure or their daily commute to work.
The Charles River Dam controls saltwater intrusion while several bridges connect Boston to Cambridge allowing pedestrians and vehicles to cross. Riverside paths run along much of the river offering access to the water for walks or bike rides.
The river hosts the Head of the Charles Regatta bringing together thousands of rowers from different countries each October. Spectators gather along the banks and on bridges to watch boats pass throughout the day.
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