Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company National Register District

The Blake and Knowles Steam Pump Company District is an industrial complex in East Cambridge containing multiple manufacturing buildings, workshops, and offices spread across about 2.4 acres. The structures display typical 19th-century factory architecture, with sturdy construction designed to support heavy machinery production.

George Blake founded the operation in 1864, and it later merged with Lucius Knowles to become one of the largest pump manufacturers in the United States. This growth made the works a key player in New England's industrialization and the rise of machine-building industries across the region.

The manufacturing complex shaped how East Cambridge developed as a working community, with skilled machinists forming the core of the local population. This industrial presence influenced the neighborhood's character and how people understood craft and production work.

The site is accessible for visitors and researchers, with multiple buildings preserved to show how 19th-century factory production worked. It helps to check ahead about access and opening times, as some buildings may not always be open to the public.

The company developed specialized pumps for draining clay pits at brickyards, a niche solution that led to their expansion into broader industrial uses. This original focus helped them build expertise that they later applied to customers across many other industries.