Melrose, originally called 'Ponde Feilde' due to the numerous ponds in the area, was included in a territory granted to Charlestown in 1633. The vast area of Charlestown was diminished through the years as areas of the town were settled. Different towns evolved, as early residents chose to overcome the problems of getting to far away areas of trade and places of worship by establishing new ones locally. In 1640, Malden was set off from Charlestown, and became a separate town in 1649. Due to the travel difficulties in attending worship services and meetings, early residents of Greenwood, now a part of Wakefield, MA, were granted annexation to Reading, MA in 1727. In 1734, those in the part of Malden now known as Melrose Highlands were granted annexation to Stoneham, MA.

Melrose, known as 'Malden North End' and later as 'North Malden', remained sparsely populated until 1845, when the Boston and Maine (B&M) Railroad came through the village. New residents soon followed. Residents petitioned the legislature for incorporation as a town in 1845. Five year later, on May 3, 1850, the town of Melrose was incorporated. The name Melrose, derived from the Gaelic 'Maol Rose' or 'Bare Moor' was apparently suggested by the Reverend John McLeish of the Methodist Church. In 1853, the Melrose Highlands area was annexed back to Melrose from Stoneham to form the area of Melrose today.

From 1850 through 1900, the population of Melrose grow almost tenfold, to over 12,600 residents. Many of the beautiful Victorian homes in Melrose were built in the late 1800's. With the burgeoning growth, Melrose incorporated as a city in 1899. The first mayor of Melrose, Levi S. Gould, took office on January 1, 1900.

Melrose Today

The current population of Melrose is approximately 26,000. The town is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Boston yet the average price of a home is very reasonable, making Melrose an affordable yet close in suburb. A recent regional article on places to live cited Melrose as "excellent" in it's environment, schools, and quality of life.

Melrose has its own symphony, Melrose Youth Ballet, Northeast Youth Ballet, the Polymnia Chorale Society, and a great men's singing group, Blue of a Kind.  The Melrose Civic Orchestra is the oldest continuing civic orchestra in the nation. There is an active senior center and several major community events during the course of the year including an annual Victorian Fair in December. Melrose is a great place to enjoy the excitement of Boston the comfort of a small town!