History of Rowley, Massachusetts, USA

1639 - The town was settled in the spring of 1639 during the session of the General Court in Boston. It was named “Mr. Ezechi Roger’s Plantation Shalbee Called Rowley, Mass.”

rowleyhistory.org/ history/

(Rowley) In 1642, a keystone arch bridge and a dam were built on the Mill River for the fulling mill, the first such in the colonies.
The bridge was the first stone arch bridge in North America, constructed entirely of hand-chiseled granite and contained no mortar.
Wikipedia

1654 - May 3 - Bridge at Rowley Mass begins charging tolls for animals

historyorb.com

1839 - Rowley
Rowley, Massachusetts
Essex county. This town was first settled by a party of industrious and pious persons from Yorkshire, Eng., in 1639. They erected the first fulling mill in New England, and manufactured the first cloth in North America. There are a great variety of soils in the town; a large part is salt meadow, and the residue is fertile and productive. It comprises a part of Plum island, and large tracts of wood land. It is watered by Rowley river, which rises from several ponds in Boxford. This river affords a water power, and before its junction with Plum Island Sound, forms a harbor for vessels of moderate draught of water, and in which many vessels have been built.

Ancient Rowley was divided in 1838: its western part was detached and incorporated by the name of Georgetown. Since this division Rowley possesses but little manufacturing interest, but a valuable agricultural one, to which its inhabitants are principally devoted.

This ancient town is very pleasant, and... Read MORE...

1845 - ROWLEY. [Pop. 1,203. Inc. 1639.]
Rowley was named in honor of its first minister, who had previously been settled at Rowley in England, and who afterwards left a considerable legacy to the town.

Rowley once included Bradford, Boxford, and Georgetown.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Rowley
Rowley, a post-village in Essex co., Massachusetts, on the Eastern railroad, 29 miles N. N. E. from Boston, contains several churches. Pop. of the township, 1075.
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.

Rowley Massachusetts, 1890
Rowley, lying in the eastern part of Essex County, is territorially long and narrow, extending from the ocean, between Newbury and Georgetown on the north, and Ipswich. on, the south, some ten miles to Boxford, on the southwest.

The eastern part (including a section of Plum Island) is marshy, nearly 2,000 acres being annually mown, yielding about the same number of tons of hay. Westward the land is, in different parts, level and undulating. Prospect Hill, 264 feet high, rises near on the southwest of the village, and Bradford Street Hill on the west; with one or two small hills beyond these. The geological formation is alluvium, sienite and porphyry. The principal streams are Mill River, with its affluents; Great Swamp Brook and smaller streams, flowing northeasterly into Parker's River; and Rowley River, forming part of the southern line, and navigable for small vessels nearly to Rowley village, near the middle line and south side of the town.

The assessed area is 10,371 acres. ... Read MORE...

1895 - Rowley
Rowley, a post-village in Rowley township, Essex co, Mass., on the Eastern Railroad, 31 miles N.N.E. of Boston. It has 2 churches, a hotel, and manufactures of boots, shoes, &c. The township is bounded E. by the Atlantic, and contains extensive salt-marshes, Pop. of township, 1162.
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
Rowley, a post-village in Rowley township (town), Essex co., Mass., on the Boston and Maine R., 31 miles NNE. of Boston. It has manufactures of boots, shoes, heels, canoes, etc. The town contains extensive salt-marshes. Pop. in 1900, 1391.
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

Whether you're a resident looking for something to do or a visitor passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Rowley and its surrounding areas.
Plum Island Beach: Just a short drive from Rowley, Plum Island is a beautiful barrier island with miles of pristine sandy beaches. It's an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, or birdwatching. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on the island is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.

Tendercrop Farm: This family-owned farm in Rowley is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you have kids. They offer seasonal activities like apple picking, pumpkin picking, and hayrides. The farm store also sells fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products.

Rowley Common: Stroll through Rowley's historic Common, a picturesque park surrounded by historic homes. It's a great place for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or simply relaxing under the shade of old trees.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary: Located in nearby Topsfield, this sanctuary is a nature lover's paradise. You can explore miles of trails through woods, wetlands, and along the Ipswich River.... Read MORE...