History of Mendon, Massachusetts, USA

(Mendon) In 1662, "Squinshepauke Plantation was started at the Netmocke settlement and plantation".

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1667 - Mendon is incorporated
The town was originally 64 square miles (170 km2), including the modern-day towns of Milford, Bellingham, Hopedale, Uxbridge, Upton, Blackstone, Northbridge and Millville. For this reason, the town of Mendon is sometimes referred to as "Mother Mendon". wikipedia
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

(Mendon) - On July 14, 1675, early violence in King Philip's War took place in Mendon, with the deaths of multiple residents and the destruction of Albee's mill. These were the first settlers killed in this war in the Colony of Massachusetts.

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In 1789, it is purported that President George Washington, during his inaugural journey, was denied a room in Mendon by an innkeeper’s wife.

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1839 - Mendon
Mendon, Massachusetts
Worcester county. The Indian name of this town was Quanshipauge. It was first settled by people from Roxbury, about the year 1647. Incorporated, 1667. Mendon is a township of variegated surface, excellent soil, and in a good state of cultivation. The products of the dairy are large and valuable.—Blackstone river and canal pass its southwestern border, and Mill river traverses its whole extent. These streams afford an excellent hydraulic power. There are 8 cotton and 4 woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of boots, shoes, iron castings, scythes, ploughs, straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, machinery, wagons, and harnesses; total value, the year ending April 1, 1837,—$629,282. This very pleasant and flourishing town lies 32 miles S.W. from Boston, 18 S.E. from Worcester, and 22 N. from Providence. Population, 1830, 3,153; 1837, 3,657.
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 - MENDON. [Pop. in 1840, 1,007. Inc. 1667.]
Mendon was first attached to Middlesex county, and was settled by emigrants from Braintree and Weymouth, in Norfolk county.

This town was once eight miles square, but its territory has been greatly diminished to form the towns of Milford, Uxbridge, North-bridge, Bellingham, part of Upton, and, last of all, Blackstone.

After Lancaster, Mendon is the oldest town in the county. In 1675, it was destroyed by the Indians, but the inhabitants returned in 1680.

What remains of Mendon is essentially agricultural.

Distance from Worcester, 18 miles ; from Boston, 34.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Mendon
MENDON is situated at the south-easternmost extremity of the county of Worcester, and is the oldest town in it except Lancaster. It was incorporated May 15, 1667. It is 18 miles from Worcester, 34 from Boston, and 24 from Providence, R. I. It is 12 miles from the Worcester and Boston railroad at Westborough. Population in 1837, 3,657.

The face of the town is broken and hilly; the north part is the most fertile, producing large crops of hay and grain. This part of the township has also long been noted for its variety and abundance of winter apples. The south-westerly portion of the town is generally rough and stony, though there are some excellent farms in it. The south-easterly part is more level and sandy, and less fertile; the middle, hilly and thinly inhabited.

The manufacturing villages are all in the south parish, and are situated principally upon Mill and Blackstone rivers. They are called Millville, Blackstone, Waterford, and Upper and Lower Canadas. There are five post... Read MORE...

1854 - Mendon
Mendon, a post-village of Worcester co., Massachusetts, on a commanding elevation, 35 miles S. W. from Boston. It contains 3 or 4 churches, from 60 to 60 dwellings, and several stores. Pop. of the township, 1301.
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.

Mendon Massachusetts, 1890
Mendon lies in the southeasterly part of Worcester County, 34 miles southwest from Boston. South Hopedale (formerly South Milford), three miles east of Mendon village, on the Milford Branch of the New York and New England Railroad, is the nearest station. The northern part of the town lies partially between Upton and Hopedale. Bellingham lies on the east of the southern section, Blackstone on the south, and Uxbridge and Northbridge on the west.

The land is elevated in the centre, and rises into Miscoe Hill in the north, Neck Hill at the northeast, West and Pond hills in the western part of the northern section, Calebs (or Inman) Hill in the south, and Chestnut (or Wigwam) Hill in the southwest. Nipmuck (or Tufts') Pond, a beautiful sheet of water covering about 160 acres, with a pretty island in the centre, lies west of Mendon village. The outlet of this pond is Rock-meadow Brook, flowing southwest to the Blackstone River. Mill River flows through the southeastern section,... Read MORE...

1895 - Mendon
Mendon, a post-village in Mendon township, Worcester co, Mass, 35 miles S.W. of Boston. It has 3 churches, graded school, and manufactures of boots. Pop. of the township in 1890, 919.
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
Mendon, a post-village in Mendon township (town), Worcester co., Mass., 35 miles SW of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 911.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Mendon:
Southwick's Zoo: A popular family destination, Southwick's Zoo is home to a variety of animals and offers interactive exhibits. It's a great place for a day of fun and learning.

Mendon Twin Drive-In: Experience the nostalgia of a drive-in movie at the Mendon Twin Drive-In. It's a perfect outing for families, couples, or friends.

Purgatory Chasm State Reservation: Explore the unique rock formations and hiking trails at Purgatory Chasm. It's a beautiful natural area for hiking and picnicking.

Wapaska Pond: Enjoy a day of fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water at Wapaska Pond.

Mendon Town Beach: If you're visiting during the warmer months, the Mendon Town Beach is a great spot for swimming and picnicking.

Apothecary Hall: Discover the history of Mendon at Apothecary Hall, a museum that showcases the town's heritage and artifacts.

Miscoe Hill Trail: Hike the Miscoe Hill Trail for scenic views and a bit of outdoor exercise. It's a relatively easy trail... Read MORE...