In 1640, the Puritans settled present-day Malden on land purchased in 1629 from the Pennacook tribe and additional land granted in 1639 by Squaw Sachem of Mistick.

Located north of the Mystic River, the area was originally known as “Mistick Side” and was part of Charlestown. Named after Maldon, England by an early settler and landholder, Joseph Hills, Malden was incorporated in 1649 and became a city in 1882.

During the American Revolution, the citizenry of Malden was heavily involved in the early resistance to the oppression of Britain—it was the first town to petition the colonial government to withdraw from the British Empire.

Malden’s ethnically diverse neighborhoods are organized around squares and the city enjoys a robust park and recreational system which includes a portion of the Middlesex Fells Reservation, Fellsmere Park (designed by the Olmsted firm), and Pine Banks Park.

A Massachusetts Gateway City, Malden is served by the MBTA’s Orange Line providing convenient access to Downtown Boston.