History of Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA

1657 - Marlborough is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1660 - Marlborough is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

General Henry Knox and his troops passed through Marlborough, Massachusetts in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."


Read more about Henry KNOX

1827 - ACCIDENT.
In Marlborough on Wednesday last, as the workmen were raising the frame of a building designed for an Academy and Masonic Hall, an accident occurred of very painful consequences. When the whole frame except the roof had been raised, there were eleven persons standing on the roof. In this situation, the support of the beam gave way, and the beam broke and fell, precipitating the whole eleven into the cellar; in falling, the beam was broken and shattered into several pieces. Five of these persons escaped almost unhurt though they had fallen fifteen or twenty feet, from the plate to the cellar, landing among heaps of stones, broken timbers, and rubbish. The remaining six were all badly bruised, three of these had bones broken and were otherwise much hurt. No lives were lost at the time; but one of the unfotunate[sic] workmen was so badly bruised that his chance of recovery was thought to be very small; we have not since ascertained his fate. Some of the others have the prospect of a long ... Read MORE...

1839 - Marlborough
Marlborough [Marlboro], Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This is a large farming town, with a soil of great fertility and undulating surface.—The inhabitants are principally devoted to agricultural pursuits, and by their industry and skill, have acquired a great degree of independence. Among the productions of the town are fat cattle, pork, fruit, and all the varieties of the dairy, a large amount of which is annually sent to Boston market. A branch of Concord river, and a number of beautiful ponds, water the town.—The manufactures consist of boots, shoes, straw bonnets, leather, chairs and cabinet ware: annual amount, about $75,000. Marlborough, the Indian Okamakamesit, was first settled in 1654. It was taken from Sudbury in 1660; it suffered much during the Indian wars, and was for many years the residence of a number of Indians who had embraced the christian religion. The villages are very pleasant: the richness of the soil, and surrounding scenery; its excellent roads and... Read MORE...

1845 - MARLBOROUGH. [Pop. 2,101. Inc. 1660.]
Marlborough was probably first settled by the people of Sudbury, to which town it belonged before it was incorporated.

The Indian name was Okommakamesit, and the young settlement suffered so severely, that, during Philip's War, the inhabitants abandoned the town altogether.

Marlborough was originally a very large township, and included Northborough, Westborough, and Southborough, now in Worcester County. It depends chiefly on agriculture.

Distance from Concord, 14 miles; from Boston, 25.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Marlborough
A tract of land, six miles square, was granted to a number of petitioners, inhabitants of Sudbury, in 1656: which was incorporated by the name of Marlborough, in May, 1660. The Indian name of this place was Okommakamesit. The last distinguished leader of the tribe, who resided here, was Onomog. By the reason assigned in the petition for the land, it appears that the English settlement was begun about 1654. The infant town was severely checked in its growth by the invasion of the savages. In Mr. Packaed's account of the town (Mass. Hist. Coll., 4th vol.) is stated, that, on the Sabbath, when Mr. Brimsmead was in sermon, March 20, 1676, the worshipping assembly was suddenly dispersed by an outcry of ‘Indians at the door.’ The confusion of the first moment was instantly increased by a fire from the enemy; but the God whom they were worshipping shielded their lives and limbs, excepting the arm of one Moses Newton, who was carrying an elderly and infirm woman to a place of safety. In a few ... Read MORE...

1854 - Marlborough
Marlborough, a post-township of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, intersected by the Lancaster and Sterling Branch railroad, 34 miles W. from Boston. Population, 2941.
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.

Marlborough Massachusetts, 1890
Marlborough is an ancient and very thriving agricultural and manufacturing town, lying in the southwest part of Middlesex County, about 25 miles west of Boston. Its boundaries are Hudson on the north, Sudbury and Framingham on the east, Southborough on the south, Northborough on the southwest and Berlin on the northwest. The assessed area is 12,732; of which 3,939 acres are woodland. The Marlboro Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad terminates at Marlboro (centre); and the Framingham, Clinton and Fitchburg Division of the Old Colony Railroad crosses the southwest corner and has a station at South Marlboro and Marlboro (centre).

The land is finely diversified, rising into hills covered with fine farms and orchards, or sinking into valleys beautified by lakes, and streams and a rich and varied flora. Spoon Hill, in the north, overlooks a broad and beautiful sheet of water covering 250 acres, whose outlet is Fort-meadow Brook. Indian Head Hill, in the east, is a conspicuous object in the... Read MORE...

1890 - Marlborough is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1895 - Marlborough
Marlborough, a post-village of Middlesex co: Mass. in Marlborough township, on the Boston, Clinton & Fitchburg Railroad, and the Marlborough Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, 32 miles W. of Boston. It has a high school, a national bank, a savings-bank, and 20 extensive mannufactories of boots and shoes, also manufactures of machinery and cigars. It contains 7 churches and 2 newspaper offices. Pop. of the township in 1880, 10,127; in 1890, 13,865.
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

1897 - $150,000 FIRE LOSS.
Marlboro, Mass., Nov. 5. - Fire broke out at 1:30 a.m. Thursday in the three-story wooden block occupied by the Central Hotel and spread to the Corey block adjoining, which it completely destroyed, causing a total loss of nearly $150,000.

There were about 40 guests in the Central Hotel, all of whom escaped.
Massillon Item
Ohio
November 5, 1897

1902 - LEAVES ON RAILS CAUSE BAD WRECK. FORCE TWO ELECTRIC CARS TO COLLIDE, TWELVE OF THE PASSENGERS BEING INJURED.
Marlboro, Mass., Oct. 11. - Slippery rails on which leaves had fallen is given as the cause of a collision of electric cars in Monument Square this afternoon, the outcome being the injury of a dozen passengers.

A car on the Worcester and Marlboro divisions of the Consolidated Street Railroad ran into one of the Marlboro Street Railway Company's cars. Motorman CHARLES WHITNEY, of the former, was probably fatally hurt and WILLIAM DALEY, his conductor, received internal injuries.
Motorman GEORGE RAPPLYEA of the Marlboro car was bruised.

The wreck of both cars was complete.
The Post-Standard
Syracuse, New York
October 12, 1902

1906
Marlboro, a city of Middlesex co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 25 miles W. of Boston. It has extensive manufactories of boots and shoes, also manufactures of shoe-machinery, automobiles, hose-pipe, tires, lamps, electrical appliances, etc. Pop. in 1900, 13,609.
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

2023 - Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Marlborough:
John Brown Bell: Start your exploration of Marlborough with a visit to the John Brown Bell. This historic bell, cast in 1834, was used in the Civil War. It's now on display in Union Common and serves as a reminder of the city's rich history.

Callahan State Park: If you're a nature enthusiast, you'll love Callahan State Park. This beautiful park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike.

Solomon Pond Mall: For shopping enthusiasts, Solomon Pond Mall is the place to go. You can find a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options here. It's a perfect spot for a day of retail therapy.

Assabet River Rail Trail: If you enjoy biking or walking, check out the Assabet River Rail Trail. This scenic trail stretches for miles and takes you through some picturesque landscapes. It's a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the outdoors.

Wayside Inn Grist Mill: Just a short drive from... Read MORE...