Brookline Village Commercial District
History
Brookline Village was the first significant site, known as Muddy River, of colonial settlement in what is now Brookline, due to the crossing of the Muddy River, which provided overland access between Boston and Cambridge (then little more than a village at what is now Harvard Square). The village grew from this beginning to become Brookline's first major economic center. In the 19th century commercial activity was concentrated on Boylston, Washington, and Harvard Streets, and grew with the construction of what is now Brookline Avenue, and the arrival of the rail line that now serves the MBTA.
Brookline Village was once known as Punch Bowl Village, named after the Punch Bowl Tavern, and for a time was part of Roxbury.
Public transportation
Brookline Village is served by the MBTA's Green Line D-train at the Brookline Village station, with service to downtown Boston. The area is also served by the MBTA's bus service.