Cheshire’s Mammoth Cheese monument

Welcome to Cheshire’s Mammoth Cheese Monument!

Located at 13 Main Street in the charming town of Cheshire, Massachusetts, our monument celebrates one of the most unique and fascinating events in American history. In 1802, the town of Cheshire made headlines by gifting a colossal 1,235-pound wheel of cheese to President Thomas Jefferson. This remarkable feat, commissioned by town minister John Leland, involved the milk of 900 cows and months of preparation. The cheese embarked on an epic journey from Cheshire to Washington, D.C., where it became a culinary curiosity at the White House.

Our newly installed monument is a nearly life-sized replica of this legendary cheese wheel, offering visitors a glimpse into this extraordinary chapter of local history. Situated conveniently next to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, the monument is an educational and entertaining stop for locals and tourists alike. As you explore, you’ll learn about John Leland’s friendship with Thomas Jefferson and the cheese’s storied journey, which captivated audiences at each stop along the way.

While President Jefferson had a policy against accepting gifts, he made an exception for this mammoth cheese, paying $200 to the town, and it was enjoyed for years at the White House. The cheese's eventual fate remains a mystery, but legend has it that it may have met a watery end in the Potomac River.

Visit Cheshire’s Mammoth Cheese Monument to delve into this quirky piece of history and discover why Cheshire is fondly known as "The Big Cheese." Don’t forget to check the hyperlocal weather forecasts and radar alerts for a pleasant visit. We invite you to be part of Cheshire’s legacy and enjoy a slice of history—without the smell!