History of Acton, Massachusetts, USA

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 ...

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.

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...

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.

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...