History of Newton, Massachusetts, USA

1639 - Newton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1661 - The first church in the area, founded in 1661 at East Parish (Newton Centre), was the traditional church of the Puritans

www.hemlockgorge.org/ FHG_Makers_of_the_Mold/ MakersHistorical.htm

1688 - Newton is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Newton
Newton, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. A very beautiful, agricultural and manufacturing town, the Nonantum of the Indians, 7 miles W. by S. from Boston, 12 S.E. from Concord, and 7 N. from Dedham. Charles river washes the borders of this town 15 miles, and, by two falls of considerable extent, affords it a great and valuable water power. Nine bridges cross Charles river in this town. The soil is generally very good, and highly cultivated. There are 2 cotton, 1 woolen, and 5 paper mills in the town, and manufactures of nails, rolled iron, candles, vitriol, barilla, chaises, harnesses, morocco, leather, boots, shoes, machinery, chairs, and cabinet ware; the value of which, the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $815,872. Newton was incorporated in 1691; it formerly comprised the town of Cambridge, and is noted as the birth place and residence of many distinguished men. Population, 1830, 2,377; 1837, 3,037. A Theological Seminary was established in this town, in 1825.
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 - NEWTON. [Pop. 3,351. Inc. 1691.]
Newton is a corruption of New Town, by which name this part of Cambridge was called after it was dropped by the alder part of the town. Previously it had been called Cambridge Village.

The Indian name was Nonantum, and the hill on which the apostle Eliot collected the first congregation of Indians, still is called by its Indian name. The first minister of Newton was a son of the apostle.

Newton is nearly surrounded by Charles River, the falls of which furnish excellent sites for mills and factories.

The town has also a large pond, near which, on a beautiful hill, is the Baptist Theological Institution.

Besides the agricultural or East part of the town, there are four or five large and distinct villages, in one of which, called West Newton, is one of the State Normal Schools.

The chief manufactures are paper, cotton and woollen cloth, and nails.

Distance from Concord, 12 miles; from Boston, 7.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Newton
The exact period of the commencement of the settlement of Newton is unknown. It was originally a part of Cambridge, and was styled Cambridge Village, or New Cambridge. It was incorporated in I&91. This is a beautiful agricultural and manufacturing town, the Noanntum of the Indians. It is 12 miles S. E. of Concord, 7 N. of Dedham, and 7 miles west from Boston. Population, 3,037. There are five churches, 2 Congregational, 2 Baptist, and. 1 Episcopal. The Newton Theological Seminary, under the patronage of the Baptist denomination, was founded in this place in 1825, and was incorporated by the legislature the next year. In 1828 a brick building, three stories in height, besides a basement story, 85 feet long and 49 wide, was erected, at an expense of about $10,000. Three convenient houses have been since erected for the professors. In the mansion house are accommodations for the steward’s family, a dining hall, a chapel, and recitation rooms. The regular course of study occupies three... Read MORE...

1854 - Newton
Newton, a post-township of Middlesex CO., Massachusetts, intersected by the Boston and Worcester railroad, 10 miles W. from Boston, contains 1 bank. Pop. 6258.
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.

1871 - Express Delivery
At Denver, Col., a few days ago, a man tried to have himself sent by express to Newtown Corners, Mass., by securing himself in a box expressly manufactured by himself for that purpose. The box was five feet long, three feet high, and furnished with provisions and all necessary articles pertaining to a bed chamber. The express company refused to receive the box, which was valued at $300, on account of its insecurity. The box was left standing on an end, with the man in it, at the express office, for two hours, the man standing on his head all that time, as was afterward discovered. As the box was being removed, the man stirred while endeavoring to remain perpendicular, which led to his detection. The box was addressed to himself, and was so artfully arranged that he could have escaped at pleasure before reaching his destination.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 4, 1871

1872 - Boston pays its female teachers an average of $67.92 per month, and Newton $65.54.
These are the highest in the State. The lowest is the town of New Ashford, which pays only $16.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 16, 1872

1873 - Newton is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1889 - 200th Anniversary
The city of Newton, one of Boston's suburbs, celebrated its two hundredth anniversary as a town on the 27th.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 5, 1889

Newton Massachusetts, 1890
NEWTON is a large and handsome city of residences, having also its manufacturing localities, and is rapidly increasing in population and wealth. It lies in the southeastern extremity of Middlesex County, and adjoins the Brighton district of Boston on the east and the West Roxbury district on the southeast, with an angle of Brookline thrust deeply between them. Needham and Wellesley bound the southwest side; Weston the west; and Waltham and Watertown the north. The Charles River divides it entirely from Needham, Wellesley and; Weston, and partially from Waltham and Watertown.

In the midst of the river is a large bowlder called the "County Rock," marking the abutting corners of Norfolk and Middlesex counties and of the towns of Newton, Wellesley and Weston. Baptist Pond, covering some 33 acres, lying just south of Newton Centre, sends a stream southward to the Charles. Hammond's Pond lies near Brookline, and has an outlet to the Ballou Ponds, just north o:f.Newton Centre, which send... Read MORE...

1891 - First Fig Newton
The Kennedy Biscuit Works (later Nabisco) used a machine invented by James Henry Mitchell to mass-produce the first Fig Newton Cookies and named it for the town of Newton, MA.

www.e-referencedesk.com/ resources/state-history-timeline/ massachusetts.html

1895 - Newton / Newton Corner
Newton, or Newton Corner, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., a part of the city of Newton, on Charles River, and on the Boston & Albany Railroad, 8 miles W. of Boston. It contains several churches, a national bank, a newspaper office, many handsome residences, and a public library in a costly stone building.
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

1905
Newton, a banking city of Middlesex co., Mass., adjoining Boston on the WSW., on the Boston and Albany R. It contains several villages, namely, Newton, Newton Center, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls, Newtonville, Auburndale, West Newton, Newton Highlands, etc. It has the Lasell Seminar, the Newton Theological Institute, and manufactures of cotton, worsteds, machinery, hosiery, motor vehicles, pianos, dry-plates, starch, paper, silk, cordage, chemicals, etc. A city government was organized here Jan. 1, 1874. Pop. in 1880, 16,995; in 1890, 24,379; in 1900, 33,587.
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 Newton:
Historic Newton: Start your visit by exploring the history of the city. Historic Newton has several museums and historic properties that showcase the area's rich heritage. The Jackson Homestead and Museum and Durant-Kenrick House are must-visit spots for history enthusiasts.

Newton Centre: This is one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods. You can stroll along the streets, browse boutiques, and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants. Don't miss out on the picturesque Newton Centre Green.

Crystal Lake: If you're looking for a place to relax, Crystal Lake is perfect. You can swim, kayak, or simply lounge by the water. It's a serene spot in the heart of the city.

Newton Highlands: Another charming village in Newton, the Highlands offers a mix of shops and eateries. It's a great place to spend an afternoon browsing unique stores.

Newtonville: Explore this neighborhood for its lovely historic homes and a variety of dining options. It's a peaceful area that's perfect for ... Read MORE...