History of New Braintree, Massachusetts, USA

1709 - New Braintree is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - New Braintree
New Braintree, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Ware river and other streams water this town, and afford it good mill privileges. The soil of the town is good, particularly for grazing: it has become celebrated for its good farmers, and for its excellent beef cattle, butter and cheese. There is a cotton mill in the town, and manufactures of leather, palm-leaf-hats, &c. It lies 60 miles W. from Boston and 18 W.N.W. from Worcester. Incorporated, 1751. Population, 1837, 780.
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 - NEW BRAINTREE. [Pop. 752. Inc. 1751.]
Part of New Braintree was granted to the inhabitants of old Braintree, in Norfolk county, for public services, and this tract, with a portion of Hardwick and Brookfield, made the new town.

This town was a rendezvous of the Indians in Philip's War, when they burned Brookfield and Lancaster.

It is well watered by Ware River, and its sources, and agriculture is the chief business of the inhabitants.

Distance from Worcester, 18 miles; from Boston, 58.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - New Braintree
The general court having granted 6,000 acres of land to certain persons of the ancient town of Brain tree, in the county of Suffolk, for services rendered to the public, it was called and known by the name of Braintree Farms. This tract, together with a part of Brookfield and a part of Hardwick, was incorporated in 1751, and named New Braintree. The church was embodied here in 1754, and. Rev. Benjamin Ruggles was ordained their first pastor. Rev. Daniel Foster was ordained a colleague with Mr. Ruggles in 1778. Mr. Ruggles died suddenly in 1782, in the 82d year of his age, and 62d of his ministry. Rev. John Fiske, the successor of Mr. Foster, was ordained in 1796.

The surface of this town is uneven, with moderate hills and valleys; the soil is generally good, but better adapted to grazing than tillage. The town is celebrated for good farmers, and the abundance of excellent beef; butter, and cheese produced. The township is finely watered by brooks, rivulets and springs. Ware river... Read MORE...

1854 - New Braintree
New Braintree, a township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 60 miles W. from Boston. Population, 852.
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.

New Braintree Massachusetts, 1890
New Braintree is situated in the western part of Worcester County, its northwest side lying on Ware River, which separates it from Hardwick and Ware. The territorial form is mainly triangular, with apex to the north and its base line east and west. Barre and Oakham bound it on the north east, and North Brookfield and West Brookfield on the south. The assessed area is 12,856 acres, including 2,790 acres of forest, chiefly maple, ash, chestnut, oak and walnut. Tufts' Hill, in the easterly part of the town, rises to an altitude of 1,179 feet, and is one of the highest points of land in the county. Near on its northwest side are Pepper and Webb's ponds. Many bubbling springs and sparkling brooks mark the surface, which is much varied by hills and valleys. The soil is good, affording excellent grazing; and the dairy products have been regarded as of superior quality. The 119 farms in 1885 yielded products to the value of $178,114. The cereal and apple crops are proportionately large. The... Read MORE...

1895 - New Braintree
New Brain'tree, a post-village in New Braintree township, Worcester co., Mass., about 20 miles W. by N. of Worcester. It has a church and a cheese-factory. The township is bounded on the N.W. by the Ware River. Pop. of the township, 606.
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
New Braintree, a post-village in New Braintree township (town), Worcester co., Mass., about 20 miles W. by N. of Worcester. The town is bounded on the NW. by the Ware River. Pop. of the town in 1900, 500.
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 and around New Braintree:
Dean Park:

Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a family picnic in Dean Park, a green space with walking trails and playgrounds.

St. Thomas-a-Becket Church:

Visit this historic church, known for its charming architecture and serene surroundings.

Quabbin Reservoir:

Explore the nearby Quabbin Reservoir, a vast and beautiful area offering hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic views. It's a great place for nature lovers.

Swift River Valley Historical Society:

Learn about the local history by visiting the Swift River Valley Historical Society. It may have exhibits and artifacts related to New Braintree's past.