Add YOUR Family To This Page
History of Petersham, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Petersham, Massachusetts, USA
Explore Petersham, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Petersham Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!

Petersham, Worcester, MA
Petersham was first settled in 1733 and was officially incorporated on April 20, 1754. The town's lands were expanded greatly by the building of the Quabbin Reservoir in 1938. When the towns of the Swift River Valley were disincorporated, Petersham and neighboring New Salem benefited the most, with Petersham receiving all of the former town of Dana, much of the town of Greenwich, and a small portion of the former town of Prescott east of the Middle Branch of the Swift River. wikipedia
Petersham includes: Ledgeville and Nichewaug.
netronline.com/ mass_lookup.htm
Explore even more about Petersham, Massachusetts, USA. Keep reading!
Discover Petersham: History, News, Travel, and Stories

1839 - Petersham
Petersham, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Petersham is a very pleasant town, elevated on a swell of fertile land, and presenting a fine prospect of many of the neighboring towns. It was first settled about the year 1732, and was called by the Indians Nashawang. Swift river waters a part of the town, and affords a water power. There is a woolen mill in the town; and manufactures of palm-leaf hats, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, and cabinet ware: total annual value, about $60,000. It lies 62 miles W. by N. from Boston and 27 N.W. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,731. Incorporated, 1754.
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
Petersham, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Petersham is a very pleasant town, elevated on a swell of fertile land, and presenting a fine prospect of many of the neighboring towns. It was first settled about the year 1732, and was called by the Indians Nashawang. Swift river waters a part of the town, and affords a water power. There is a woolen mill in the town; and manufactures of palm-leaf hats, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, and cabinet ware: total annual value, about $60,000. It lies 62 miles W. by N. from Boston and 27 N.W. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,731. Incorporated, 1754.
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 - PETERSHAM. [Pop. 1,775. Inc. 1754.]
This town was granted to certain persons as a reward for services in the Indian wars, and it was called by its Indian name Nichewaug, till its incorporation.
The land is elevated, and the inhabitants are principally farmers.
Swift River waters the town, and. affords sites for factories of iron and woollen articles.
Distance from Worcester, 29 miles ; from Boston, 62.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
This town was granted to certain persons as a reward for services in the Indian wars, and it was called by its Indian name Nichewaug, till its incorporation.
The land is elevated, and the inhabitants are principally farmers.
Swift River waters the town, and. affords sites for factories of iron and woollen articles.
Distance from Worcester, 29 miles ; from Boston, 62.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
1848 - Petersham
This was an original grant made by the general court, in 1732, to John Bennet, Jeremiah Purley, and others, as a compensation for services done by them in the Indian wars, under Capt. John White, of Lancaster. Some time after the grant, the proprietors purchased the soil of the Indians, for a satisfactory consideration, and took of them a deed. It had been a residence of the Indians, and was called by them Nich-e-waug, which name it bore until it was incorporated a town, in 1754.
The chief seat of the Indians appears to have been in the south part of the town, near Nichewaug Hill, whereon, as in some other parts of the town, they had planted fields of Indian corn, the traces of which were remaining when the English began a settlement there. The first settlers experienced, many hardships and difficulties. In the infancy of the settlement in 1744, a French war broke out, and the Indians, being always in the interest of the French, became hostile, and began to commit, depredations in... Read MORE...
This was an original grant made by the general court, in 1732, to John Bennet, Jeremiah Purley, and others, as a compensation for services done by them in the Indian wars, under Capt. John White, of Lancaster. Some time after the grant, the proprietors purchased the soil of the Indians, for a satisfactory consideration, and took of them a deed. It had been a residence of the Indians, and was called by them Nich-e-waug, which name it bore until it was incorporated a town, in 1754.
The chief seat of the Indians appears to have been in the south part of the town, near Nichewaug Hill, whereon, as in some other parts of the town, they had planted fields of Indian corn, the traces of which were remaining when the English began a settlement there. The first settlers experienced, many hardships and difficulties. In the infancy of the settlement in 1744, a French war broke out, and the Indians, being always in the interest of the French, became hostile, and began to commit, depredations in... Read MORE...
1854 - Petersham
Petersham, a post-township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 67 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 1527.
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.
Petersham, a post-township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 67 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 1527.
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.
Petersham Massachusetts, 1890
Petersham is a beautiful town occupying high land in the northwest part of Worcester County, 75 miles west of Boston by the highways. The nearest railroad stations are those of the Fitchburg Railroad in Athol and of the Massachusetts Central Railroad in Barre. Phillipston bounds this town on the northeast; Barre, on the southeast; Dana, on the southwest; and New Salem and Athol, on the northwest.
The assessed area is 23,016 acres; of which 6,391 acres are forests of pine, hemlock, chestnut, oak and maple. The rocks are generally granite and felspar; and the soil is a clay loam. Petersham Centre occupies a high broad plateau, commanding extensive views. The east and west branches of Fever Brook and various branches of Swift River flow southwesterly through the town, furnishing valuable powers.
At South Petersham are a saw and a grist mill and a powder-keg mill, employing altogether about a dozen men. There are, beside, the usual manufactures of a farming town; the value of the... Read MORE...
Petersham is a beautiful town occupying high land in the northwest part of Worcester County, 75 miles west of Boston by the highways. The nearest railroad stations are those of the Fitchburg Railroad in Athol and of the Massachusetts Central Railroad in Barre. Phillipston bounds this town on the northeast; Barre, on the southeast; Dana, on the southwest; and New Salem and Athol, on the northwest.
The assessed area is 23,016 acres; of which 6,391 acres are forests of pine, hemlock, chestnut, oak and maple. The rocks are generally granite and felspar; and the soil is a clay loam. Petersham Centre occupies a high broad plateau, commanding extensive views. The east and west branches of Fever Brook and various branches of Swift River flow southwesterly through the town, furnishing valuable powers.
At South Petersham are a saw and a grist mill and a powder-keg mill, employing altogether about a dozen men. There are, beside, the usual manufactures of a farming town; the value of the... Read MORE...
1895 - Petersham
Pe'tersham, a post-village in Petersham township, Worcester co., Mass., 9 miles S. by E. of Athol, and about 28 miles N.W. of Worcester. It has 3 churches, the Highland Institute, and a manufactory of powder-kegs. Pop. of the township, 1203.
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
Pe'tersham, a post-village in Petersham township, Worcester co., Mass., 9 miles S. by E. of Athol, and about 28 miles N.W. of Worcester. It has 3 churches, the Highland Institute, and a manufactory of powder-kegs. Pop. of the township, 1203.
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
Petersham, a post-village in Petersham township (town), Worcester co., Mass., 28 miles NW. of Worcester. It has a manufactory of boxes. Pop. of the town in 1900, 853.
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
Petersham, a post-village in Petersham township (town), Worcester co., Mass., 28 miles NW. of Worcester. It has a manufactory of boxes. Pop. of the town in 1900, 853.
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 Petersham:
Harvard Forest:
Explore the Harvard Forest, a research forest owned and managed by Harvard University.
Hike the trails and enjoy the serene beauty of the New England landscape.
Learn about ongoing ecological research at the Fisher Museum.
Quabbin Reservoir:
Visit the nearby Quabbin Reservoir, a vast and scenic reservoir surrounded by forests and hiking trails.
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
Swift River Valley Historical Society:
Explore local history at the Swift River Valley Historical Society.
Visit the museum to learn about the history of Petersham and the surrounding region.
Nichewaug Inn:
Check out the historic Nichewaug Inn, a beautiful building with a rich history.
If available, consider having a meal or staying overnight to experience its charm.
Petersham Art Center:
Discover local art at the Petersham Art Center.
Attend art exhibitions or workshops if they are being held during your... Read MORE...
Harvard Forest:
Explore the Harvard Forest, a research forest owned and managed by Harvard University.
Hike the trails and enjoy the serene beauty of the New England landscape.
Learn about ongoing ecological research at the Fisher Museum.
Quabbin Reservoir:
Visit the nearby Quabbin Reservoir, a vast and scenic reservoir surrounded by forests and hiking trails.
Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
Swift River Valley Historical Society:
Explore local history at the Swift River Valley Historical Society.
Visit the museum to learn about the history of Petersham and the surrounding region.
Nichewaug Inn:
Check out the historic Nichewaug Inn, a beautiful building with a rich history.
If available, consider having a meal or staying overnight to experience its charm.
Petersham Art Center:
Discover local art at the Petersham Art Center.
Attend art exhibitions or workshops if they are being held during your... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Petersham Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Petersham, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about 33 ancestors who were born or died in Petersham.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Ancestors Who Were Married in Petersham, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Petersham.View Them Now
Genealogy Resources for Petersham
Discover Unique Gift Ideas from or related to Petersham
Get TODAY's Amazon Deals NOW!TARIFFS making you CRAZY? Check out Amazon Haul. Get good stuff CHEAP here!


Massachusetts Gift Idea - Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class - Ceramic Mug 15oz
Our 15oz Ceramic Mug is the perfect blend way to show your Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this mug exudes.

Massachusetts Gift t shirt Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt
Are you looking for a t-shirt that's as comfortable as it is stylish? Look no further! Our Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt is the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this shirt exudes.

Massachusetts Gifts - Cranberries, Baked Beans and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! - Ceramic Mug MA
Our Ceramic Mug, Cranberries, Baked Beans, and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! is more than just a beverage holder; it's a piece of art that celebrates the flavors and traditions of the Bay State. So whether you're sipping your morning coffee, evening tea, or a comforting cup of hot cocoa, you can do it with style and a dash of Massachusetts charm. Plus, it's a fantastic conversation starter. Imagine sharing stories about your favorite Massachusetts memories while enjoying a drink from this delightful mug.

Massachusetts Baby Gift - Bay State Baby: Made in MASS, Loved Worldwide! - Baby Short Sleeve Onesie®
Join the Bay State Baby family and let your baby's style shine with a onesie showing that your baby was made in Mass. and is loved worldwide. Because when it comes to dressing your little bundle of joy, nothing beats the perfect blend of comfort, style, and hometown pride!

Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Celebrate Your Bay State Heritage!
Show off your deep-rooted connection to the Bay State with our Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while tracing family history, this ceramic mug is a tribute to the rich heritage of Massachusetts.

Patriotic Memories: Memorial Day Vintage Postcard Coffee Mug
Remembering the Brave, Honoring the Fallen Celebrate the spirit of Memorial Day with this stunning ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcards commemorating the holiday. Perfect for honoring the brave men and women who served, this mug is both a functional keepsake and a nostalgic work of art. Whether you're sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an afternoon tea, this dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly mug is a timeless way to show your patriotism. Ideal as a gift for veterans, history buffs, or anyone who cherishes American traditions, this mug makes Memorial Day even more meaningful.
Not the place you are looking for? Try again!
Search for YOUR Family by Place
Our Genealogy Gift Ideas

Ancestry Family Tree Search
Search for YOUR Family by Name
NOTE: If you don't know your ancestor's whole name or are unsure of the spelling, specify part of the name.Updated: 10/8/2023 10:10:21 AM