History of Ashby, Massachusetts, USA

1676 - Ashby is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1767 - Ashby is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1836 - September 28 - The first of three early season snows brought two inches to Ashby MA.

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1839 - Ashby
Ashby, Massachusetts
This is a pleasant town, in the county of Middlesex on the line of N.H. It is 25 miles N.W. from Concord, 42 W.N.W. from Boston and 8 S.E. from New Ipswich, N.H. Population, 1837, 1,201. It has some manufactures of palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, chairs, wooden ware, and curled hair.
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 - ASHBY. [Pop. 1,246. Inc. 1767.]
Ashby is situated at the northwest corner of the county. The soil is very fertile, though the land is elevated ; and the chief employment of the inhabitants is agriculture.

The only manufacture, of any importance, is that of palm-leaf hats.

Distance from Concord, 25 miles ; from Boston, 42.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Ashby
This town was incorporated in 1767. It is situated at the north western extremity of the county. This township is on elevated land, varied with hills and valleys, furnishing rich pastures and agreeable prospects. This is an agricultural town, and the farms are productive. The two churches in the central part of the town stand on high land, and may be seen from a great distance. Population, 1,201. Distance, 25 miles from Concord, and 42 from Boston. The manufacture of palm leaf hats is the principal manufacturing business performed in the town. In 1837, there were 59,989 hats manufactured, the value of which was $7,751 50.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Ashby
Ashby, a post-township, Middlesex county, Massachusetts, 40 miles N. W. of Boston ; contains some manufactories of boots, hats, &c. Population, 1218.
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
ASHBY, a township in Middlesex co., Massachusetts, U. S., 50 m. NW of Boston. Pop. 1,246.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Ashby Massachusetts, 1890
Ashby, distinguished for its beautiful hills, clear streams, and valleys, occupies the northwest extremity of Middlesex County; having for its bounds, New Hampshire on the north, Townsend on the east, Fitchburg on the south, and Ashburnham on the west. It was taken from the three above-mentioned towns; named, perhaps, in honor of the tenth Earl of Huntington, whose family seat was Ashby, in England; incorporated March 5, 1767. It contained, in 1885, 244 dwellings and 871 inhabitants. In it are Mill Village and South Village. The post-office is Ashby, simply. The nearest railroad station is at West Townsend, on the east, four miles distant.

Prospect Mountain is the highest elevation within the borders of Ashby, unless it includes a spur of Watatic Mountain, whose summit (1847 feet high) is just within the line of Ashburnham. The surface rocks are chiefly granite, found in nearly cubical blocks. The land is generally elevated, the soil strong, and the air healthful. From the bases of ... Read MORE...

1895 - Ashby
Ash'by, a post-township of Middlesex co., Mass., about 6 miles N. of Fitchburg. It has 2 churches, and manufactures of lumber, pails, and tubs. Pop. 962.
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

1916
Ashby, a post-township (town) of Middlesex co., Mass., about 6 miles N. of Fitchburg. It has various manufactures of wood. Pop. of the town in 1900, 876.
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

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in and around Ashby:
Willard Brook State Forest:

Explore the outdoors in Willard Brook State Forest. It offers hiking trails, picnicking areas, and even a pond for fishing. Great for a day of nature and relaxation.

Ashby Free Public Library:

Check out the local library. Libraries are often underrated, and Ashby's library might surprise you with its collection. It's a peaceful spot to read or get some work done.

Watatic Mountain State Wildlife Area:

If you're into hiking and want a bit more challenge, head to Watatic Mountain. The trails offer great views, especially in the fall when the foliage is at its peak.

Cushing Academy Art Galleries:

If you're interested in art, see if there are any exhibits or events happening at Cushing Academy. It's a private school, but they often open their art galleries to the public.

Local Farms:

Explore local farms. Depending on the season, you might find apple picking, pumpkin patches, or other farm activities. Places like Hollis Hills Farm could ... Read MORE...