History of Millbury, Massachusetts, USA

1716 - Millbury is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1776 - The first paper mill in Central Massachusetts was built in Millbury by Abijah Burbank.

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Read more about Abijah BURBANK

1813 - Millbury is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1819 - In April, Luther Gould and Nathaniel Goddard began shoe manufacturing near the gun factory. (Millbury)

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Read more about Nathaniel GODDARD

1822 - A new store was opened by Benedict, Braman, and Preston, in which West India goods were sold. (Millbury)

archive.org/stream/ centennialhistor01mill/ centennialhistor01mill_djvu.txt

1824 - Thomas Blanchard exhibited at Springfield a steam carriage for running on the public road. (Millbury)

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Read more about Thomas BLANCHARD

1827 - The Goodell Manufacturing Co. is a very large establishment.
It is calculated to turn out three hundred yards of broadcloth per day. In the same neighborhood is the large gun factory of Asa Waters, Esq., with extensive scythe works, etc. Also there has been built in the town a new cotton factory.
archive.org/ stream/ centennialhistor01mill/ centennialhistor01mill_djvu.txt

1828 - This was the year of the digging of the Blackstone Canal.
On March 27th, the first shovelful of earth in Millbury was turned over, near Mr. Greenwood's; on October 4th, the canal was filled; and on October 6th, the first boat went to Worcester. The Worcester Spy of October 8th states: "We understand that the canal packet boat, 'Lady Carrington,' will take passengers for Millbury tomorrow morning and return in the evening." One of the canal boats was called the "Millbury."

archive.org/ stream/ centennialhistor01mill/ centennialhistor01mill_djvu.txt

1839 - Millbury
Millbury, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Millbury was taken from Sutton in 1813. It lies 42 miles W.S.W. from Boston, and 6 S.E. from Worcester. Branches of the Blackstone river rise in this town, and the Blackstone canal passes through it. It is a very pleasant manufacturing place, with a valuable water power. There are 1 paper, 6 woolen, and 1 cotton mills; and manufactures of boots, shoes, leather, hats, scythes, spades, forks, hoes, ploughs, muskets, trying squares, levels, trowels, machinery, black lead, tin ware, sashes and blinds: total value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $566,150. Population, 1837, 2,153.
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 - MILLBURY. [Pop. 2,171. Inc. 1813.]
Millbury was formerly a part of Sutton, and derived its name from its numerous mills, Bury and Borough and Burg meaning the same thing as Town or Ville.

The soil is good, though hilly. The town is well watered by the Blackstone and a large pond which empties into it.

The chief manufactures are cotton and woollen goods, muskets, scythes, boots, shoes and paper.

Distance from Worcester, 6 miles; from Boston, 42
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Millbury
MILLBURY, formerly a part of Sutton, was incorporated as a town in 1813. It was incorporated as a parish in 1742, and called the second parish in Sutton. The first meeting-house was built in 1743, but the church was not embodied till 1747 Rev. James Wellman, the first pastor, was ordained in 1747; Rev. Ebenezer Chaplin, his successor, was ordained in 1764. Rev. Joseph Goffe, the next pastor, was ordained in 1794. Rev. Osgood Herrick succeeded Mr. Goffe in 1830. The next pastor, Rev. Nathaniel Beach, was settled in 1837. The Rev. George Campbell was installed the first pastor of the Second church, in 1830; he was succeeded, in 1834, by Rev. William A. Learned. Rev. Samuel G. Buckingham, the next pastor, was ordained in 1837.

In the town are several flourishing villages. The one seen in the engraving is called the Armory Village, in which is the post office; Millbury Bank, with a capital of $100,000; and the Second Congregational meeting house. Burbank Village is situated about one... Read MORE...

1854 - Millbury
Millbury, a post-township of Worcester co., Massachusetts, intersected by the Black- stone river and canal, 42 miles W. S. W. from Boston, contains 1 bank. Pop. 3031.

Millbury, a post-village of the aforesaid township, on the Providence and Worcester railroad. It contains several churches.
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 - A man recently drove his horse from Millbury to Worcester, seven miles, in twenty one minutes for $25, and the animal died shortly afterwards in great agony after entering the stable.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 23, 1870

1877 - LARGE STOCK STABLES BURNED
Worcester, Mass., May 20 - The extensive stock stables on Grass Hill farm, Millbury, were burned this morning, together with the contents and most of the stock. Loss, $20,000; insured for $12,000.
Harrisburg Telegraph
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
May 21, 1877

1885 - A curious coincidence in connection with a half-dozen houses being built at Millbury Juncation, Mass.,
is that the little piece of land upon which they are to stand is in three towns - Worcester, Millbury and Grafton.
The Council Grove Republican
Council Grove, Kansas
October 2, 1885

Millbury Massachusetts, 1890
Millbury is situated near the middle of the southern half of Worcester County, 39 miles from Boston by the Boston and Albany Railroad, which crosses the northeastern corner, and sends a branch to the centre. The Providence and Worcester Railroad runs across the town at the middle.

The greatest length of the territory is northeast and southwest, and is about twice its width. The assessed area is 9,303 acres, including 2,915 acres of forest consisting of pine, chestnut, maple and elm. Auburn and Worcester lie on the northwest, and the northeast angle rests on Lake Quinsigamond. Grafton bounds it on the east, Sutton on the south, and Oxford on the southwest. Bond Hill, at the centre, affords a fine view of the busy villages and of the line of the Blackstone River as it winds through the town. Dorothy Hill rises in the northeast, and near it is Dorothy Pond; in the southwest is Grass Hill, with Ram's-horn Pond at its base. East of this is Singletary Pond, lying on the southern line,... Read MORE...

1895 - Millbury
Millbury, a post-village in Millbury township, Worcester co, Mass., on the Blackstone River, on the Providence & Worcester Railroad, and on a branch of the Boston & Albany Railroad, 6 miles S.S.E. of Worcester, and 37 miles N.N.W. of Providence. It has a high school, a national bank, a savings-bank, several cotton- and woollen-factories, and 5 churches. The township contains 6 cotton-mills, 6 woollen-mills, a foundry, a machine-shop, and a pop. (1890) of 4428.
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

1899 - After Five-Year Shutdown,
Millbury, Mass., Jan. 9. - The big woolen factory at Blackstone, known as No. 1 mill, is resuming business after a shutdown of five years and will soon be in full operation. The mill is one of the largest and most important in the Blackstone valley, and gives employment to 500 hands. The stock for the mill has already arrived, and some of the employees are at work. The property was bought last March by Charles Fletcher of Providence, and has since been thoroughly repaired.
The North Adams Transcript
North Adams, Massachusetts
January 9, 1899

1906
Millbury, a banking post-village in Millbury township (town), Worcester co., Mass., on the Blackstone River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford and the Boston and Albany Rs., 6 miles SSE. of Worcester. The town contains several cotton and woollen-mills, a foundry, etc., and has manufactures of edge-tools, tickings, thread, etc. Pop. in 1900, 4460.
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 Millbury:
Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park: Explore the beautiful natural surroundings of Millbury by visiting this state park. You can hike along the trails, go fishing, have a picnic, or simply enjoy the scenic views of the Blackstone River and its historic canal.

Asa Waters Mansion: Step back in time by visiting this historic mansion built in 1826. It's a fantastic example of Federal architecture and often hosts various events and tours that provide insight into the town's history.

Candlepin Bowling: Millbury is known for its unique style of bowling, known as candlepin bowling. Head to a local alley like Colonial Bowling Center or Millbury Ten Pin to enjoy this regional sport.

Waters Farm: This is a historic working farm that offers a glimpse into Millbury's agricultural past. You can visit the farm's museum, explore the farmstead, and learn about the history of New England farming.

Local Eateries: Millbury has some fantastic local restaurants and cafes where you... Read MORE...