History of Wellesley, Massachusetts, USA

1660 - Wellesley is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1881 - Wellesley is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

Wellesley Massachusetts, 1890
Wellesley, occupying a northern projection of Norfolk County, is an example of the beauty of nature enhanced and brought to a delightful climax by art. It is noted chiefly for Wellesley College, Waban Lake, and the Hunnewell Gardens; and (it might well be added) for its beautiful drives over roads ornamented and shaded to a very unusual extent by fine elms, maples, and various evergreens. The Boston and Albany Railroad. connects it with Boston; the first station (Rice's Crossing) being 12 miles, and the last (Lake Crossing) 16 miles from the metropolis, with Wellesley Hills and Wellesley (village) between. The last two are the post-offices. The other villages are known as Bostonville and Unionville.

The Charles River separates it from a corner of Dover on the southwest, and again from Newton on the northeast. Weston bounds it on the north, Needham on the southeast, and Natick on the west. The assessed area is 5,770 acres, of which 1,468 are forest, consisting chiefly of oak, with... Read MORE...

1895 - Wellesley
Wellesley, wälz'le, a post-township of Norfolk co., Mass., on Lake Waban, and on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 15 miles W. by S. of Boston. It has several churches and 3 weekly (1 collegiate) newspapers. Here is the Wellesley Female College, which was established in 1875, and has elegant buildings, a corps of about 100 instructors, and more than 700 students. Pop. about 3600.
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
Wellesley, a post-village and township (town) of Norfolk co., Mass., on Lake Waban and on the Boston and Albany R., 15 miles W. by S. of Boston. It is the seat of Wellesley College, one of the most advanced institutions in the country for the higher education of women, which was established in 1875, and had in 1904 over 900 students. Dana Hall and Rockridge Schools are also located here. The town has some manufactures. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5072.
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

1959 - 2 Boys Perish In Gravel Pit
WELLESLEY, Mass. (AP) - Two young playmates perished yesterday when they were accidentally buried in a gravel pit opposite Wellesley College.

The victims were MARK KETCHUM, 12, one of three children in his family, and HAROLD ADAMS, JR., also 12, an only child.

Police Chief Robert P. MacBEY, summoned by a playmate of the two victims, said that when he arrived at the scene three small, weeping boys were trying to reach the pair by digging frantically with their hands.

The bodies of the two boys were found upright side-by-side under three feet of sand.

A contractor estimated 30 tons of sand had shifted while the boys were digging a tunnel.
The Corpus Christi Times
Corpus Christi, Texas
November 16, 1959

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Wellesley:
Wellesley College Botanic Gardens:

Explore the beautiful gardens and greenhouses at Wellesley College. It's a serene place to enjoy nature.

Wellesley Town Hall:

Admire the historic architecture of the Wellesley Town Hall, which is located in the town center.

Elm Bank Reservation:

Visit this expansive estate with gardens, walking trails, and historic buildings. It's a great spot for picnics and outdoor activities.

Wellesley Square:

Wander through Wellesley Square for a charming New England town experience. There are boutiques, cafes, and local shops to explore.

Wellesley College Davis Museum:

Check out the art collections at the Davis Museum, located on the Wellesley College campus.

Lake Waban:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Lake Waban, especially during the fall when the foliage is stunning.

Morses Pond:

Spend a day at Morses Pond, which offers swimming, boating, and scenic views. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Wellesley... Read MORE...