Charlie is named for the Charles River, which separates Boston from Cambridge to the north. Due to massive pollution caused by sewage overflow, mills and factories built along it’s banks in the 19th century the Charles River became a toxic mess. It wasn’t until 1965 with the creation of the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) that an effort was made to clean up the river. Since 1995, the river‘s water quality has gone from a D to a B+ today and is now considered swimmable. This is due to the efforts of the CRWA (a recipient of our “Quack, Quack, Give Back Program”) and slew of other public and private initiatives. It’s named after King Charles I of England. Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood is all landfill, built on what once was the Back Bay of the Charles River’s south side. If you find yourself on Charles Street during your trip to the city, you will be on what once was the shoreline of the Charles River. Boston Common is original land, the Public Garden and everything west to Kenmore Square is landfill.