Bedford is unique compared to many of the neighboring cities in that it has an “official” city square. The green space in Downtown Bedford is official called the Bedford Commons, but is most often referred to as Bedford Square, or just The Square.
Bedford Commons was donated to the city by Hezekiah Dunham, one of the founding fathers of Bedford, in 1837. Mr. Dunham donated the land for Bedford Commons with the stipulation that the land forever be used as a public square and so it has remained.
Today, Bedford Commons is used for a wide variety of events, festivals and celebrations. There are several memorials located on Bedford Commons and many of the buildings surrounding Bedford Commons are some of the oldest in the city.