History of Royalston, Massachusetts, USA

1762 - Royalston is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1765 - Royalston is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Royalston
Royalston, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Royalston is a pleasant town and is well watered by Miller's river, a beautiful mill stream. The surface of the town is uneven, but the soil is generally rich and productive. There are two woolen mills, and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, chairs, cabinet ware, palm-leaf hats and mats, wooden ware, &c. First settled, 1762. Incorporated, 1765. It lies 70 miles W.N.W. from Boston and 38 N.W. from Worcester. Population, 1837, 1,629.
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 - ROYALSTON. [Pop. 1,667. Inc. 1765.]
Royalston was named after Col. Isaac Royal, one of those to whom the town was originally granted.

Several streams unite in this town, forming Tully River, which falls into Miller's, in Athol.

The soil is good, and well diversified for tillage and grazing.

Here are several active saw-mills; and woollen goods, cabinet furniture, and palm-leaf hats are manufactured.

Distance from Worcester, 34 miles; from Boston, 70.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1848 - Royalston
This town was granted by the general court, in 1752, to the Hon. Messrs. Hubbard, Erving, Royal, Otis, and others. The grant was known by the name of Royalshire, until its incorporation in 1765, when it was called Royalston, in compliment to the late Col. Isaac Royal. one of the original proprietors. Before the last French war, some who intended to settle at the place began to work upon their lands. but the breaking out of the war put a stop thereto. Towards the close of that war, some people began to work there again, and in 1762 several families moved into the place, the first of which came in June. its progress in improvement was very rapid, for in less than three years from that time it was incorporated with distinct town privileges. In 1766 a Congregational church was organized in the town, and in 1768 Rev. Joseph Lee was ordained their pastor. Mr. Lee continued an able and faithful pastor more than 50 years. His successor, Rev. Ebenezer Perkins, was ordained in 1819. Among the... Read MORE...

1854 - Royalston
Royalston, a post-village in Worcester co., Massachusetts, on the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad, Co miles W. N. W. from Boston. Population of the township, 1546.
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.

1870 - RAILROAD ACCIDENT.
Boston, June 16. - A fearful accident occurred on the Vermont and Massachusetts Railroad between Royalston and Athol today. A train going west broke through a bridge. MR. JOHNSON, pop corn man and two others were killed; JOHN MURPHY, seriously wounded; WM. ELLIOTT, baggage-master, seriously wounded; A. C. GARDNER, leg broken; A. W. HOLCOMB, mail agent, seriously wounded; MISS L. L. BULLOCK, of Royalston, injured in the head; WM. FOSTER, engineer, injured in the head; Master THOS. JONES, head slightly injured; P. S. YOUNG, slightly wounded; NELLIE WHITAKER, slightly wounded; ALICE MATHER, slightly wounded; MRS. SALLIE FISH, slightly wounded; JONES, fireman, seriously wounded; MRS. CHAS. BEAN, slightly wounded; ANGELINE LATTERS, slightly wounded; HATTIE KING and infant, face hurt. R. WATERMAN, while assisting at the wreck, had his leg hurt. Surgeons were on hand, and every attention was shown to the wounded. The engine and three cars were wrecked.

Boston, June 17. - Those killed... Read MORE...

Royalston Massachusetts, 1890
Royalston forms the northwestern corner of Worcester County. The Fitchburg Railroad runs through the southeast corner, whose station of "Royalston" at South Royalston village is 77 miles from Boston in a northwest direction. Winchendon bounds it on the cast; Phillipston, Templeton, Athol and Orange on the south; the latter and Warwick on the west; and Richmond and Fitzwilliam, in N H., on the north. The assessed area is 25,669 acres; there being about 12,000 acres of forest.

The geological structure is calcareous gneiss, in which occur crystals of beryl, mica, felspar, ilmenite, and allanite, occasionally of large size. The soil is strong and moist. Two north and south ranges of hills, and their valleys, occupy the middle of the town. A wild and romantic spot, called the "Royal Glen," attracts many visitors. The most conspicuous elevation is Jacob's Hill, near the central village. The principal water-courses are Priest's Brook in the northeast, Lawrence Brook and the east branch of ... Read MORE...

1895 - Royalston
Roy'alston, a post-village and township in Worcester co., Mass., about 24 miles W.N.W. of Fitchburg. It has 2 churches, and is surrounded by hills and beautiful scenery. Pop. of the township, 1260. It has 3 saw-mills, and manufactures of cassimere, chairs, &c. Royalston Station, in this township, is at South Royalston, on the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad, 26 miles W. by N. of Fitchburg.
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
Royalston, a post-village and township (town) of Worcester co., Mass., about 24 miles WNW. of Fitchburg, on the Boston and Maine R. It is surrounded by hills and beautiful scenery. Pop. of the town in 1900, 958.
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 Royalston:
Tully Lake: Explore Tully Lake, which is part of the Tully Lake Tri-Town Conservation Area. You can go fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or enjoy a leisurely hike along the many scenic trails. The lake also has a swimming area.

Royalston Falls: Hike to Royalston Falls, a beautiful waterfall tucked away in a lush forest setting. The trail to the falls is a relatively short and moderately easy hike, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

Royalston Common: Visit the historic Royalston Common, where you'll find charming old buildings and a sense of New England's rich history. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and to appreciate the town's architecture.

Hiking and Bird Watching: Royalston offers numerous hiking trails that wind through its pristine woodlands. Birdwatchers will find the area particularly appealing, as it's home to a variety of bird species.

Camping: If you're an outdoor enthusiast, consider camping in the Tully Lake Campground. It's a fantastic ... Read MORE...