History of Acton, Massachusetts, USA

1680 - Acton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1735 - Acton is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Acton
Acton, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This is a pleasant farming town of good soil. The Assabet river passes through it. It is 5 miles N.W. by W. of Concord, and 21 N.W. of Boston. Incorporated 1735. Population, 1837, 1071.
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 - ACTON. [Pop. 1,121. Inc. 1735.]
Acton, from its settlement in 1656, till its incorporation, was apart of Concord.

The soil is uneven and not fertile, yet the chief resource of the inhabitants is agriculture.

Barrels are the only article manufactured to any considerable amount.

Distance from Concord, 5 miles; from Boston, 21.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Acton
The town of Acton lies wholly within the ancient limits of Concord. Most of the lands comprised within its limits were granted to the town of Concord. “for feeding;” they were, however, not very accurately defined, as when they were actually surveyed they were found to contain a greater number of acres than nominally specified in the grants. A settlement was commenced in these grants as early as 1656, and perhaps a few years earlier. The Shepherd and Law families were among the first. Many of the meadows were open prairies, and afforded, with little or no labor, grass in abundance. Some of the uplands had been cleared by the Indians, and were favorite places for feeding.

In 1668, the town leased to Capt. Thomas Wheeler, for 20 years, 200 acres of upland near Mr. Silas Holden's present residence, and 60 acres of meadow lying in several parcels on Nashobah brook, on condition that he should keep, 'except 12 Sabbath days yearly, 'a herd of 50 cattle for is. per head for the... Read MORE...

1854 - Acton
Acton, a post-township of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, situated on the Boston and Fitchburg railroad, 22 miles N. W. from Boston, and intersected by Assabet river. Population, 1605.
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.

1859
ACTON, a town of Massachusetts, 22 m. NW of Boston. Pop. 1,121.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1886 - William Fay, of Acton, Mass., three years old, was born with his legs so twisted that he could look down on the soles of his feet.
About three months ago a doctor of Lowell took charge of him, and to-day the lad walks about as well as any one, with his little limbs as straight as normally, although inclosed in iron rigging that will be worn until the legs are strong. Leading physicians who have watched the case pronounce it a triumph of surgery. - Boston Journal.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
September 18, 1886

Acton Massachusetts, 1890
Acton is a thriving town situated slightly west of the centre of Middlesex County, 25 miles west of Boston by the Fitchburg Railroad. It is bounded by Littleton and Westford on the north, Carlisle and Concord on the east, Maynard and Stow on the south, and Boxborough and Littleton on the west. Its villages are Acton (centre), North Acton, South Acton, West Acton and Ellsworth (East Acton P.O.), all of which are post-offices. The Fitchburg Railroad has stations at South and at West Acton; the Nashua and Lowell branches of the Old Colony Railroad intersect the eastern part of the town (the latter having a station at Ellsworth) and connect it with the roads of southern Massachusetts. The area of taxable surface is 11,942 acres; of which 3,650 are wood-land. The population, in 1885, was 1,785; and there were 413 dwelling-houses. The town is liberally supplied with streams; having the Nashoba Brook, which enters the, town from the north and leaves it on the southeast, shortly emptying into ... Read MORE...

1895 - Acton
Acton, a post village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Acton township, near Acton Station on the Boston, Acton & Nash: and the Boston, Clinton & Fitchburg Railroads, 13 miles S. by W. from Lowell. It has a church. Pop. of Acton tow: ship in 1890, 1897. It contains other villages, named South Acton and West Acton; has a newspaper office, and manufactures of clothing, flour, sash, &c. It is drained by the Assabet River.
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

1895 - FIVE DEAD IN POWDER MILL RUINS Three Buildings of the American Powder Company's Plant Near Concord, Mass., Blown to Pieces.
ACTON, Mass., May 3. - Three of the buildings belonging to the plant of the American Powder Company, near the boundary line of Acton and Concord, were blown up shortly after 9 o'clock this forenoon. Five of the employes[sic] were killed. The names of the dead:

ESTY, ALBERT, fifty years old; leaves a wife and six children.
ESTY, CHARLES, forty years old.
MORTON, NELSON, fifty-five years old; leaves a wife and four children.
O'NEIL, JR., CHARLES, single; lived in Maynard.
WINSLOW, FRED, thirty-five years old; leaves a wife and one son.

The property destroyed consisted of two kerneling mills and one press mill. Why the first mill exploded is not known. The second mill went up immediately from the jar of the first explosion. This set fire to the grass, which ignited the third mill ten minutes later.

The fire in the grass and refuse continued to spread and a fourth mill was for a time in imminent danger. The employes, with the assistance of farmers, fought the fire with great... Read MORE...

1916
Acton, a banking post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Acton township (town), near Acton Station on the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the Boston and Maine Rs., 13 miles S. by W. of Lowell. It ha Pop. of the town in 1900, 2120.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Acton, Massachusetts may be a small town, but it's filled with charm and has a variety of places to explore and things to do. Here's a list to get you started:
Nara Park:

A beautiful park with walking trails, a pond, and picnic areas.

Great for a relaxing day out, nature walks, or a family picnic.

Walden Pond State Reservation:

If you're a fan of literature, visit Walden Pond, where Henry David Thoreau wrote his famous book "Walden."

Offers hiking trails and a serene environment.

Iron Work Farm:

Step back in time at Iron Work Farm, a historical site that gives you a glimpse into colonial life.
Offers guided tours and educational programs.

Acton Arboretum:

A hidden gem with well-maintained gardens and walking trails.

Perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Discovery Museums:

Ideal for families with young children, these museums offer interactive exhibits and activities.
Hands-on learning experiences for kids in science, nature, and more.

Hiking and Biking Trails:

Acton has a network of trails perfect for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

Explore the scenic beauty of the area... Read MORE...