History of Shirley, Massachusetts, USA

1720 - Shirley is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Shirley
Shirley, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This is a very pleasant agricultural and manufacturing town, 32 miles N.W. from Boston, 16 N.W. from Concord, and 18 S.W. from Lowell. There are some elevations in the town, but of warm and fertile soil. There are large tracts of intervale land along the streams, which are very fertile and valuable.

Shirley is separated from Groton by Nashua river and from Pepperell by the Squanicook, a branch of the Nashua. These streams afford Shirley a fine water power, which renders it an excellent location for manufacturing establishments. There are 1 woolen and 3 cotton mills in the town, and manufactures of boots, shoes, paper, leather, palm-leaf hats, &c. Annual value, about $125,000. Population, 1837, 967.
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 - SHIRLEY. [Pop. 957. Inc. 1753.]
Shirley was named in honor of William Shirley, Governor of the State, who was born in England, but died at Roxbury, Norfolk county, in 1771.

A society of Shakers, in the southern part of the town, have acquired some reputation for raising and preparing herbs and garden seeds.

The chief manufactures are cotton and woollen goods, paper, and palm-leaf hats.

The town is well watered by the Nashua and its branches.

Distance from Concord, 16 miles ; from Boston, 32.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Shirley
This town was incorporated in 1753. This town is well watered, and a large proportion of the township consists of low lands, and its pastures are not considered so good as those of more hilly towns. In the central part of the town are two Congregational churches, one of which is Unitarian. The largest village in the town is in the southern part, near a stream which empties into Nashua river. There is a Universalist church in the village. A society of Shakers live on the southern borders of the town, and. their lands extend into Lancaster, in Worcester county. The society consists of from 150 to 200 persons, and are distinguished for their neatness, industry, and the raising of garden seeds, &c. In 1837, there were 3 cotton mills, 2,568 spindles; 474,364 yards of cotton goods were manufactured, valued at $52,100; males employed, 19; females, 39; one woollen mill; 20,000 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $12,000; two paper mills; 300 tons of stock manufactured: value of paper, ... Read MORE...

1854 - Shirley
Shirley, a post-village in Middlesex co., Massachusetts, on the Fitchburg railroad, at the terminus of the Peterborough and Shirley railroad. Population of the township, 1128.
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.

Shirley Massachusetts, 1890
Shirley is situated in the northwesterly section of Middlesex County, 40 miles northwest from Boston on the Fitchburg Railroad, which has a station at Shirley village, in the southern part of the town. The Peterboro and Shirley Branch follows on the opposite side of the Squannacook River, which forms the northeastern line of the town. Groton adjoins on the northeast, Ayer and Harvard on the east, the latter and Lancaster on the south, and Lunenburg on the west.

The assessed area is 9,255 acres. Upwards of 4,000 acres are woodland, containing much oak and hard pine. There are many small hills and several ponds. Malpus Brook crosses the middle of the town to the Nashua, having Woodsville near the latter river. Nashua River forms half the eastern line; receiving from Catacunnemug Pond, at the western border, a stream furnishing the power for Shirley village. The soil of the uplands is light and sandy, and devoted to forests, while along the streams is much good intervale. Apples,... Read MORE...

1895 - Shirley
Shirley, a post-township of Middlesex co., Mass, about 8 miles E. of Fitchburg, is bounded on the E. by the Nashua River, and intersected by the Fitchburg Railroad. Pop. 1352. It contains a hamlet named Shirley and a larger place called Shirley Village.
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
Shirley, a post-township (town ) of Middlesex co., Mass., about 8 miles E. of Fitchburg, on the Boston and Maine R. Pop. in 1900, 1680.
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

While Shirley, Massachusetts may be a small town, there are still several places to explore and things to do. Here's a list to get you started:
Devens Reserve Forces Training Area:

Explore the military history and scenic landscapes of this training area. Check for any public events or open houses.

Oxbow National Wildlife Refuge:

Enjoy nature walks and bird watching in this beautiful wildlife refuge. It's a great spot for photography and peaceful contemplation.

Shirley Meeting House:

Visit this historic building, dating back to 1772. It often hosts events, and the architecture itself is worth admiring.

Shaker Hills Country Club:

If you enjoy golf, visit the Shaker Hills Country Club for a round of golf in a picturesque setting.

The Bull Run Restaurant:

Experience live music and great food at The Bull Run. It's a historic venue with a charming atmosphere.

Shirley Historical Society Museum:

Learn about the local history and culture by visiting the Historical Society Museum. It often features exhibits and artifacts related to Shirley's past.

Kimball Farm:

Indulge in some delicious ice cream... Read MORE...