History of New Salem, Massachusetts, USA

1737 - New Salem is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1753 - The town of New Salem is incorporated

1839 - New Salem
New Salem, Massachusetts
Franklin county. This town is bounded N. by Miller's river, and has a good water power. It lies 74 miles W.N.W. from Boston and 17 E.S.E. from Greenfield. This is a pleasant town of elevated surface, and good soil for grazing. Population, 1837, 1,255. The manufactures of the town, consist of palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, leather, straw bonnets, and ploughs. Incorporated, 1753.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - NEW SALEM. [Pop. 1,305. Inc. 1753.]
This town was named by the first settlers, because some of them came from Danvers, which was then a part of Salem.

Some palm-leaf hats are manufactured, but the chief business is agriculture.

Distance from Greenfield, 19 miles; from Boston, 73.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - New Salem
This town was incorporated in 1753. The first inhabitants were chiefly from Middleborough, and some from Danvers. The first minister was Rev. Samuel Kendal, who died in 1792, and was succeeded in the ministry by Rev. Joel Foster, who was settled in 1779; he resigned in 1802, and was succeeded by Rev. Warren Pierce. Rev. Alpheas Harding succeeded Mr. Pierce in 1807. The north Congregational society erected their meeting-house in 1836, about three and a half miles north of the south church. The church (called the Orthodox) was organized in 1824. Rev. Levi French was settled pastor the next year; he was succeeded by Rev. Erastus Curtiss, in 1834. There is a Baptist church near the southern line of the town.

The south Congregational church and the academy, which was incorporated in 1795, stand on a very elevated hill, which commands an extensive prospect over the neighboring valleys. “The fogs of Connecticut river seldom rise above this place, while it covers the surrounding country;... Read MORE...

1854 - New Salem
New Salem, a post-township of Franklin co., Massachusetts, 70 miles W. N. W. from Boston. Population, 1253.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

New Salem Massachusetts, 1890
New Salem is a mountainous town of 225 dwelling-houses and 832 inhabitants forming the southeast extremity of Franklin County, and about 70 miles north-northwest of Boston. The Athol and Springfield Railroad runs across the eastern angle of the town. It is bounded on the north by Orange, on the east by Athol and Petersham, south by Prescott, and west by Shutesbury and Wendell.

The assessed area is 16,142 acres. The underlying rock is calcareous gneiss. The land is generally high and broken; and at the southwest corner of the town it rises into an eminence called Packard's Mountain, whose summit is 1,278 feet above the level of the sea. The streams are a branch of Miller's River, flowing north from.Spectacle Ponds (covering 90 acres) in the eastern part, and Middle Branch of Swift River, rising in Orange, and flowing through Thompson's Pond (225 acres) in the southeast section of New Salem, where it soon after receives Hop and Moose-horn brooks from the central part of the town.... Read MORE...

1895 - New Salem
New Salem, a post-township of Franklin co., Mass., on the Springfield, Athol & Northeastern Railroad, 40 miles N.N.E. of Springfield. It contains hamlets named Millington, North New Salem, and New Salem. Pop. 987.
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
New Salem, a post-township (town) of Franklin co., Mass., on the Boston and Albany R., 40 miles NNE. of Springfield. It contains Millington, Cooleyville, and North New Salem. Pop. in 1900, 807.
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

New Salem, Massachusetts is a charming town with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. Here's a list to get you started:
Quabbin Reservoir:

Begin your visit with a trip to the Quabbin Reservoir. It's a vast, serene body of water surrounded by forests, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.

New Salem Common:

Explore the heart of the town at the New Salem Common. It's a lovely open space with a classic New England feel, ideal for a leisurely walk or a game of frisbee.

Swift River Valley Historical Society:

Dive into the town's history at the local historical society. You'll find exhibits and artifacts that showcase New Salem's past, including its role in early American history.

Prescott Peninsula:

Take a scenic drive or hike to the Prescott Peninsula. It offers breathtaking views of the Quabbin Reservoir and is a great spot for photography.

Bear's Den Conservation Area:

If you're into hiking, Bear's Den Conservation Area is a must-visit. The trails lead to a beautiful waterfall and provide a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the local flora and fauna.

New Salem Academy... Read MORE...