History of Peabody, Massachusetts, USA

1626 - Peabody is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1868 - Peabody is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

Peabody Massachusetts, 1890
Peabody is a large, handsome and prosperous town in the southerly part of Essex County, about 18 miles north of Boston, with which it has communication by the Wakefield Branch of the Eastern Railroad, by the Newburyport Branch of the Boston and Maine, and by the Salem and Lowell Railroad, which traverse the town, — all belonging to the Boston and Maine Railroad system. A street railway also connects it with Salem. North Reading, Middleton and Danvers form the northern boundary; Salem the eastern; Lynn the south and southwest; and Lynnfield the southwest and west.

The assessed area is 9,050 acres, which includes 2,577 acres of forest land. The surface is finely diversified; and Mount Pleasant in the north, and Upton's Hill in the northwest, afford admirable views. The town is drained by Proctor's Brook, in the northeastern section; by Goldthwait's Brook, an outlet of Cedar Pond, near the southwest side; by Tapley's Brook, the outlet of Brown's Pond and Lynnmere in the extreme south; ... Read MORE...

1895 - Peabody
Peabody, a post-village in Peabody township, Essex co., Mass., at the junction of the Lawrence and Wakefield Branch Railroads with the Salem & Lowell Railroad, 2 miles W. of Salem, and 16 miles N.N.E. of Boston. It contains 7 churches, 2 national banks, a newspaper office, a high school, and the Peabody Institute, in which are a library of 'bout 15,000 volumes and a collection of paintings, &c. This place was named in honor of George Peabody, who was born here. The township, which was formerly called South Danvers, has manufactures of carriages, leather, and glue. Pop. in 1890, 10,158.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1906
Peabody, a banking post-village in Peabody township (town), Essex co., Mass., on the Boston and Maine R., 2 miles W. of Salem. It contains the Peabody Institute, with collections and paintings, etc., and an extensive library. This place was named in honor of George Peabody, who was born here. The town has manufactures of electric-supplies, oil, pumps, leather, glue, carriages, etc. Pop. in 1890, 10,158; in 1900, 11,523.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1915 - 21 Children Die In School Fire
Flames Sweep Through Peabody, Mass., Building, Turning Fire Drill Into Panic.
Pupils Heaped At Door
Little Cripple Trips and Comrades Fall Over Her-nearly All the Victims Are Girls.
Heroic Work By Sisters
Drop Their Charges Into Life Nets-Nearly 600 Saved-No Fire Escapes on Building.

Peabody, Mass., Oct. 28. Twenty-one children, most of them girls, ranging in age from 7 to 17 years, lost their lives today in a fire which destroyed St. John’s Parochial School. Many other children were injured. The building which was three stories high, was without fire-escapes.

The 600 children in the building had hardly seated themselves for the morning session when the fire was discovered, and although most of them were guided to safety by Sisters of the Order of Notre Dame, who were their teachers, panic seized some as they neared the front door, and in their rush to escape they lost their footing and their bodies blocked the exit. It was in the front vestibule that nearly all the bodies... Read MORE...

1916 - Peabody is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1922 - 4 KILLED, 2 INJURED AS FREIGHT TRAIN WRECKS AUTOMOBILE
Fatal Crossing Crash on Boston and Maine Line At Peabody, Mass.

PEABODY, Mass., June 18. — Four men were killed and two injured when a freight train struck their automobile at a crossing of the Boston and Maine Railroad in West Peabody today.

The Dead:
Joseph McCarthy, William Buckley, Matthew Connelly and Thomas Hall, all of the West Roxbury district of Boston.

Leonard Copperaph and Charles Lewis, also of West Roxbury, were injured.

The men were on their way home from Nahant.
Philadelphia Inquirer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 19, 1922

2023 - Whether you're into history, outdoor activities, or just want to explore local gems, here's a list of places to see and things to do in Peabody:
Witch Trials Memorial: Dive into the rich history of the Salem witch trials at this memorial, which honors the 20 people who were wrongly executed in 1692. It's a solemn but important stop to understand the area's past.

Salem Witch Museum: While technically in Salem, it's just a stone's throw away. Learn about the witch trials through a combination of life-sized figures, sets, and narration. It's an immersive experience that sheds light on a dark period in American history.

Peabody Essex Museum: If you're into art and culture, this museum is a must-visit. It features an extensive collection of Asian, African, American, Native American, Oceanic, Maritime, and photography exhibits. The museum is a cultural treasure trove.

Brooksby Farm: For a taste of the countryside, head to Brooksby Farm. Depending on the season, you can pick your own apples, strawberries, or pumpkins. They also have a farm store offering fresh produce and baked goods.

Salem Willows Park: Take a stroll... Read MORE...