History of Dracut, Massachusetts, USA

1664 - Dracut is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1701 - Dracut is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Dracut
Dracut, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. Dracut is united to Lowell by a bridge over Merrimack river. The town is pleasantly situated on the N. side, on the line of N.H., with a tolerable soil and some water power, by Beaver river. It lies 27 miles N. from Boston and 16 N. by E. from Concord. Incorporated, 1701. Population, 1837, 1,898. The manufactures of Dracut consist of woolen goods, leather, cutlery, boots and shoes. Annual amount, exclusive of woolen goods, about $25,000.
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 - DRACUT. [Pop. 2,188. Inc. 1702.]
This is chiefly an agricultural town, situated on the north bank of the Merrimack, opposite Lowell, where it finds a market for its produce.

Two excelent bridges connect Dracut with Lowell and Chelmsford, that over Pawtucket Falls being quite picturesque.

Distance from Concord, 16 miles ; from Boston, 27.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Dracut
This town was incorporated in 1701. This is principally an agricultural town, on the north bank of the Merrimac. This town has a tolerably good soil, and is watered by Beaver brook, which crosses it from New Hampshire, and many smaller streams. Since the rapid increase of the population in Lowell, a good market has been found for the agricultural productions of the town. “A fine and picturesque bridge was built many years since from this town to Chelmsford, over the head of Pawtucket falls. The piers are founded on the rocks that divide and break the falls, and the arches springing from rock to rock, and the water foaming beneath, has a wild and romantic appearances Another elegant and costly bridge, just below the falls, connects this town with Lowell. It was built in 1826, is about 500 feet long, is roofed the whole length, and presents a very pleasing appearance.” In 1837, there was in the town 1 woollen mill, with 4 sets of machinery; 700 pairs of boots and 13,600 of shoes were... Read MORE...

1854 - Dracut
Dracut, a post-township of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, on the north side of Merrimack river, about 25 miles N. by W. from Boston. Population, 3503.
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
DRACUT, a township of Middlesex co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 27 m. NNW of Boston, on the N side of the Merrimac river opposite Lowell, with which it is connected by a bridge, and intersected by Beaver river. Pop. 2,188.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Dracut Massachusetts, 1890
Dracut is a pleasant farming and manufacturing town, forming the northeast corner of Middlesex County, 27 miles northwest of Boston. It has Lowell adjoining it on the south, from part of which it is separated by the Merrimack, across which at this place are several fine bridges. Methuen bounds it on the east, Tyngsborough on the west, and Pelham, in New Hampshire, on the north. The area is about 25 square miles; and there are 3,133 acres of woods, mostly of pine, oak and birch. The assessed area is 12,500 acres.

The highest elevations are Loon Hill in the southeast, Marsh Hill in the north, and the Whortleberry Hills in the northwest, all of which afford beautiful views of the city of Lowell and the adjacent country. The ponds are Peter's, in the northeast part of the town, and Mud, Long and Tyng's, in the western part; the last lying on the boundary line, — all very attractive features in the scenery. Beaver River flows through the midst of the town from the north, entering the... Read MORE...

1895 - Dracut
Dracut, drà'küt, a post-township of Middlesex co., Mass., about 27 miles N.N.W. of Boston. It is bounded on the S. by the Merrimac River, which separates it from Lowell. The township has 3 churches, a paper-mill, and 1 or 2 woollen-mills. Pop. in 1890, 1996.
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
Dracnt, a post-township (town) of Middlesex co., Mass., about 27 miles NNW. of Boston. It is bounded on the S. by the Merrimac River, which separates it from Lowell, its banking point. It has woollen-industries. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3253.
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

1957 - April 18 - A dust devil near Dracut MA lifted a small child three feet into the air, and rolled two other children on the ground. Fortunately none of the three were hurt.

The Weather Channel

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Dracut:
Jones Beach: Enjoy a serene day by the water at Jones Beach, perfect for picnics, sunbathing, or a leisurely stroll.

Beaver Brook Farm: Visit this charming farm to interact with animals, pick seasonal fruits, and enjoy the peaceful rural atmosphere.

Collinsville Kayak & Canoe: Explore the Merrimack River by renting kayaks or canoes from this outfitter, providing a unique perspective on the area.

Tsongas Industrial History Center: Learn about the industrial history of the region with exhibits and educational programs at this center located in the Boott Cotton Mills.

Meadow Creek Golf Club: Golf enthusiasts can tee off at this scenic golf course, offering a challenging yet enjoyable experience.

Mack's Apples: Just a short drive away, this family-owned orchard in Londonderry, New Hampshire, offers apple picking, a farm stand, and seasonal events.

Coburn Hall: Visit this historic building on the UMass Lowell campus, known for its beautiful architecture and role in the... Read MORE...