History of Princeton, Massachusetts, USA

In 1675, Mary Rowlandson was ransomed upon Redemption Rock, now within the town of Princeton, by King Philip.

wikipedia.org

1743 - Princeton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1771 - Princeton is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Princeton
Princeton, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This town, the Indian Wachusett, is pleasantly situated at the base of the mountain of that name, 45 miles W. by N. from Boston and 16 N. by W. from Worcester. Incorporated, 1758. Population, 1837, 1,267. This is a township of good land, and produces considerable quantities of beef, butter, cheese, &c. It is watered by a branch of the Nashua, and has some manufactures. Wachusett is 2,990 feet in height; it is the highest land in the county, and presents a landscape exceedingly variegated and beautiful. It is a place much frequented in the summer months.

The manufactures of the town consist of shoes, leather, palm-leaf hats, chairs, and cabinet ware: annual amount, about $50,000.
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 - PRINCETON. [Pop. 1,347. Inc. 1771.]
Princeton was made up of some land belonging to the State and of a portion of Rutland. It was named in honor of the Rev. Thomas Prince of Bolton, who left a valuable but unfinished Chronology of New England.

This town is on the high lands that separate the waters of the Merrimack and the Connecticut, and it sends streams into both of them.

Wachusett Mountain, the highest land in the county, is in Princeton, and the town itself was once called Wachusett.

Agriculture is the main occupation, but large quantities of shoes and palm-leaf hats are made.

Distance from Worcester, 15 miles ; from Boston, 45.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Princeton
This township was partly taken from Rutland, and partly made up of some lands in the neighborhood which belonged to the state. It was incorporated in 1771, and named Princeton, in honor of Rev. Thomas Prince, pastor of the Old South church in Boston, and a large proprietor of this tract of land.

At the time of its incorporation there were about 20 families in the place. The inhabitants erected a meeting house in 1762, and in 1764 the church was embodied; and alter a number of unsuccessful attempts to settle a minister, Rev. Timothy Fuller was ordained, in 1767. He was dismissed in 1776, and the church was destitute of a pastor till 1786, when Rev. Thomas Crafts was ordained. Inconsequence of ill health, he was dismissed in 1791. Rev. Joseph Russell, the next pastor, was ordained 1796, ana was succeeded by Rev. James Murdock, D. D.. in 1802. Rev. Samuel Clarke succeeded Dr. Murdock in 1817. Rev. Aloazo Phillips was ordained the pastor of the second church in 1820, and was succeeded... Read MORE...

1854 - Princeton
Princeton, a post-township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 45 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population, 1318.
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.

Princeton Massachusetts, 1890
Princeton is an agricultural town of high altitude in the northerly part of Worcester County, 60 miles west of Boston. The post-offices are Princeton (centre), East Princeton, Mount Wachusett, Princeton Depot and Brooks Station, — which are also villages, the two last being stations on the Gardner and Worcester Division of the Fitchburg Railroad, which passes through the western part of the town. The other villages are Everettville and Slab City.

The boundaries are Hubbardston and Westminster on the north-west; the latter, Leominster and Sterling on the northeast; the last and Holden on the southeast, and Rutland on the southwest. The assessed land is 21,756 acres; the area of forest being upwards of 6,500 acres. The grand and prominent feature of the town is Wachusett Mountain, which occupies a large space at the northern angle, rising to the height of 2,018 feet above sea-level. The ascent is through a growth of timber which diminishes in size toward the summit. On the top of the ... Read MORE...

1895 - Princeton
Princeton, a post-village and summer resort of Worcester co., Mass., in Princeton township, near Wachusett Mountain, and on the Boston, Barre & Gardner Railroad, 16 miles N. by W. of Worcester. It has 2 churches, 3 hotels, and several boarding-houses. Pop. of the township, 1063.
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
Princeton, a post-village and summer-resort of Worcester co., Mass. in Princeton township (town), near Wachusett Mountain and on the Boston and Maine R., 16 miles N. by W. of Worcester. Pop. of the town in 1900, 975; of the village, about 475.
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 Princeton:
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation:

Hike or take the scenic drive to the summit of Wachusett Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Skiing and snowboarding during the winter months.

Wachusett Mountain Ski Area:

Enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary:

Explore the trails and enjoy birdwatching and wildlife observation in this beautiful sanctuary.

Mount Wachusett Community College:

Attend cultural events, performances, or check out the art exhibits at the college.

Princeton Art Society:

Visit local art exhibits and support the thriving arts community in Princeton.

Princeton Center Historic District:

Take a stroll through the historic district to admire well-preserved colonial and Victorian architecture.

Wachusett Reservoir:

Enjoy fishing, hiking, or simply take a leisurely walk along the reservoir.

The Old Stone Church:

Visit this iconic landmark and... Read MORE...