History of Milton, Massachusetts, USA

1636 - Milton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1662 - Milton is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Milton
Milton, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. This interesting and pleasant town, the Uncataquissit of the Indians, lies 7 miles S. from Boston and 6 E. from Dedham. Neponset river washes its northern border and affords numerous valuable mill sites. This town was taken from Dorchester, in 1662. Population, 1837, 1,772. A large part of the land is a gravelly loam, strong and very productive. The manufactures consist of paper, granite, leather, hats, chairs, cabinet ware, playing cards, &c.: total annual amount, about $100,000. The manufacture of paper from beach grass has recently been commenced, and promises to be a good substitute for rags, for the more common kinds.

The village called the "Mills," comprising a part of Dorchester, at the head of navigation, on the Neponset, is a wild, romantic place, and ever since the first settlement of the country, has been the seat of considerable trade and manufacture.

The village at the rail-road, near the granite quarry, in Quincy, about a mile ... Read MORE...

1845 - MILTON. [Pop. 1,822. Inc. 1662.]
Milton, called by the Indians, Uncataquisset, was originally a part of Dorchester, and probably not named in honor of John Milton, the Great Author of Paradise Lost, but Mill-ton, from its Mills.

The Blue Hills in this town and Canton, are the highest land in the county, being 710 feet above the level of the sea.

The first paper-mill in the United States was established here, on the Neponset, by some Boston merchants, in 1728.

A house, still standing on what is called Milton Hill, was the residence of Thomas Hutchinson, who wrote a valuable History of Massachusetts, and governed the State just before the Revolution, when he went to England, and died in 1780.

Distance from Dedham, 6 miles ; from Boston, 7.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Milton
Milton, a post-township of Norfolk county, Mass., 8 miles S. from Boston. Pop., 2241.
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 - New Public Library
The town of Milton, Mass., with a population of less than 3,000, has voted $5,000 to establish a public library, and an equal amount has been raised by subscription.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
January 14, 1871

1886 - "Anna and Wendell Phillips" is to be the inscription on the tombstone of the famous Abolitionist and his wife, at Milton, Mass.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 3, 1886

Milton Massachusetts, 1890
Milton is an old suburban town of much scenic beauty, lying in the northeasterly part of Norfolk County. It is bounded on the north by Boston (Dorchester district), east by Quincy, south by the same and Randolph and Canton; by the latter also on the southwest; and on the west by Hyde Park. The assessed area is 8,040 acres.

The forests are chiefly oak. The borders of the town are hilly, except on the north, and there is an extensive elevation in the central part. On the border next Canton is Blue Hill, whose summit is 635 feet above the level of the sea; and the views here obtained are exceedingly beautiful. On this hill is a meteorological observatory whose weather indications are published in the Boston dailies. From the blue tints this and other hills of this group wear when seen from the sea, they have gained their name of Blue Hills. They were formerly the habitat of numerous rattlesnakes. The principal underlying rocks are sienite and granite, and are extensively quarried.... Read MORE...

1895 - Milton
Milton, a post-township, in Norfolk co., Mass., on the Neponset River, and on a branch of the Colony Railroad, 7 or 8 miles S. of Boston. It contains a high school, 3 churches, a paper-mill, a chocolate-mill and many elegant residences. Fine granite is found here. P. of the township, in 1890, 4278.
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
Milton, a banking post-village in Milton township (town), Norfolk co., Mass., on the Neponset River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 8 miles S. of Boston. It has paper-mills, manufactures of ceiling-wax, cement, tallow, etc. Fine granite is quarried here. Pop. in 1900, 6570.
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

1938 - "Long Island Express"
The "Long Island Express" was first detected over the tropical Atlantic on September 13, although it may have formed a few days earlier. Moving generally west-northwestward, it passed to the north of Puerto Rico on the 18th and 19th, likely as a category 5 hurricane. It turned northward on September 20 and by the morning of the 21st it was 100 to 150 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. At that point, the hurricane accelerated to a forward motion of 60 to 70 mph, making landfall over Long Island and Connecticut that afternoon as a Category 3 hurricane. The storm became extratropical after landfall and dissipated over southeastern Canada on September 22.

Blue Hill Observatory, Massachusetts measured sustained winds of 121 mph with gusts to 183 mph (likely influenced by terrain). A U.S. Coast Guard station on Long Island measured a minimum pressure of 27.94 in. Storm surges of 10 to 12 ft inundated portions of the coast from Long Island and Connecticut eastward to... Read MORE...

1960 - March 3-5 -Eastern Massachusetts greatest March snowstorm of record -
The storm produced record 24 hour snowfall totals of 27.2 inches at Blue Hill Observatory, 17.7 inches at Worcester, and 16.6 inches at Boston. Winds gusted to 70 mph.
The Weather Channel

1960 - September 12 - Hurricane Donna produced wind gusts to 138 mph at Blue Hill Observatory MA

The Weather Channel

2023 - Milton, Massachusetts, is a charming town located just a few miles south of Boston. It offers a mix of historical sites, natural beauty, and recreational activities. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Milton:
Blue Hills Reservation: This vast state park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike, bike, or go horseback riding on the numerous trails. If you visit in winter, there's cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Skyline Trail offers stunning views of the Boston skyline.

Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate: This historic estate features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a stunning Tudor-style mansion. It's a lovely place for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.

Adams Street Library: This quaint public library is a great spot to relax and read a book. It has a cozy atmosphere and a collection that's worth exploring.

Governor Hutchinson's Field: This historic site is a peaceful place to visit. It's named after Thomas Hutchinson, a colonial governor of Massachusetts, and offers a glimpse into the area's history.

Milton Art Center: If you're into the arts, this center hosts exhibitions, classes, and workshops. It's a fantastic place to appreciate local talent and perhaps... Read MORE...