History of Malden, Massachusetts, USA

1640 - Malden is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1649 - Malden is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Malden
Malden, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. A bridge over Mystic river, 2,420 feet in length, connects this town with Charlestown. It lies 5 miles N. from Boston and 16 E. by S. from Concord. First settled, 1648. Incorporated, 1649. Population, 1830, 2,010; 1837, 2,303. It contains a large tract of salt meadow, and considerable timber. The uplands are rough and uneven. The manufactures of Malden consist of leather, boots, shoes, block tin, tin ware, twine, lasts, and manufactures of iron and dye-wood; total amount, the year ending April 1, 1837, $351,160.
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 - MALDEN. [Pop. 2,514. Inc. 1649.]
Malden lies on Mystic River, and was originally a part of Charlestown.

Its chief manufactures are shoes, boots, and leather. Distance from Concord, 12 miles; from Boston 4.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Malden
MALDEN was originally a part of Charlestown. It was probably incorporated a distinct town about 1649. Some uncertainty exists respecting the exact time of the incorporation of some of the ancient towns in the state, from the fact that such acts cannot be found in print. The records which remain are oftentimes quite laconic. The record respecting Maiden is thus expressed: “The Mistic north side men are incorporated into a town called Malden.” From this it appears that the bounds of the town were made to include all that part of Charlestown lying north of Mystic river. The precise period of erecting the first meeting house is not known. it appears, however, that one existed in 1682, from the town order of that date, which provides “that the meeting house be repaired, to keep out the weather, and to save the sills from rotting.” At this time, the town was in possession of a bell, which for many years was placed upon an elevated rock, termed Bell Rock. This custom of locating the town’s... Read MORE...

1854 - Malden
Malden, a flourishing post-village of Middlesex county, Massachusetts, at the junction of the Medford branch with the Boston and Maine railroad, 6 miles N. from Boston. It contains several churches, and a bank. A bridge 2420 feet in length across the Mystic connects it with Charlestown. Population of the township, 3520.
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.

1855 - The Boston Rubber She company plant No. 1, built in 1855, was located in Edgeworth...
Both men and women were employed in the factory, as well as a number of Italian immigrants who attended company-sponsored "Americanization" classes at the plant.
www.cityofmalden.org/

1881 - Malden is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

Malden Massachusetts, 1890
MALDEN is a prosperous manufacturing and residential city in the southeastern part of Middlesex County, 4 miles north of Boston, with which it is connected by street railroads, and by the main line of the Boston and Maine Railroad in the western section, and by the Saugus Branch, which passes through the midst of the town east and west.

It is bounded on the north by Melrose, on the east by Revere, south by Everett and Medford, and west by the latter. The assessed area is 2,650 acres. Its greatest length from east to west is about three miles, and its average width about one and a half miles. The soil is loamy and fertile; and there is much clay. Slate and felspar porphyry are the principal rocks. There are frequent small tracts of forest; and at the northern and northwestern verge lies that extensive tract of wild, rocky woodland known as "Middlesex Fells." Pine, oak and maple are the most numerous trees. The southeasterly part is somewhat low and marshy, but the land rises in the... Read MORE...

1895 - Malden
Malden, a city of Middlesex co., Mass., on a small river of the same name, and on the Boston & Maine Rail road and the Saugus Branch of the Eastern Railroad, 5 miles N. of Boston. It has several churches, 2 newspaper offices, a national bank, a high school, a savings-bank, and manufactures of rubber boots and shoes, cords and tassels, sandpaper, &c. Pop. in 1890, 23,031.
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

1895 - Explosion's Quick Work.
Malden, Mass, Jan. 16.- This city was shaken at midnight by a tremendous explosion at the works of the Malden and Melrose Gaslight company. The large building was completely destroyed. Seven employes(sic) were about the premises when the explosion occurred, but all escaped without serious injury except P. F. Nolan, who was badly burned. In less than a minute the building, which was a brick one, extending along Charles street about 60 feet, was a mass of ruins. The loss will be $30,000 or more.

The Fitchburg Sentinel
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
January 16, 1895

1911 - STICKS TO BLAZING ENGINE. Only When Train Reaches Station Does Engineer Leave His Post.
MALDEN, Mass., Jan. 6.- With the woodwork of the cab ablaze and a shower of sparks streaming behind, Engineer Goodwin drove a Boston & Maine locomotive with six crowded passenger cars attached into the Faulkner station to-night. The passengers had no inkling of trouble until they heard the fire engines. Firemen extinguished the blaze and the train proceeded.

The engineer said that a broken pipe had allowed water to fall into the firebox, causing a small explosion, which threw hot coals back into the cab. Although burned about the face and hands, the engineer stuck to his post.
The New York Times
New York, New York
January 7, 1911

Whether you're a local looking for something new to explore or a visitor passing through Malden, here's a list of some great options:
Malden Public Library: Start your visit with a trip to the Malden Public Library. It's a beautiful historic building that offers a quiet place to read, study, or simply enjoy the architecture.

Bell Rock Memorial Park: This park is a peaceful spot for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. It also has a playground for kids and is a favorite spot for locals to relax.

Fellsmere Park: Another lovely park in Malden, Fellsmere Park is perfect for a family outing. You can enjoy a nice walk around the pond, and there's a playground for children as well.

Malden Riverwalk: Take a walk along the Malden Riverwalk for beautiful views and a chance to connect with nature. It's a great place to unwind and get some exercise.

Mystic River Reservation: This nearby natural area offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and kayaking. It's a fantastic spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Boda Borg: Located in nearby Malden, Boda Borg is an adventure center with interactive challenges and activities. It's... Read MORE...