History of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, USA

Established in 1643, Rehoboth is one of the oldest towns in Massachusetts.
Early Rehoboth, known as "Old Rehoboth," included all of what is now Seekonk, Massachusetts, and East Providence, Rhode Island, as well as parts of the nearby communities of Attleboro, North Attleborough, Swansea and Somerset in Massachusetts, and Barrington, Bristol, Warren, Pawtucket, Cumberland, and Woonsocket in Rhode Island.
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Rehoboth had the first tornado in the United States recorded by European colonists in August 1671

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1839 - Rehoboth
Rehoboth, Massachusetts
Bristol county. This town was first settled in 1643 by the Rev. Samuel Newman and others from Weymouth. Rehoboth formerly comprised the towns of Seekonk and Pawtucket. This ancient town suffered greatly by Indian depredations. The surface of the town is pleasant, and the soil generally good for tillage. Its manufactures consist of cotton goods, leather, shoes, cutlery, ploughs, straw bonnets, carpenters' and joiners' tools, wagons, ox yokes, bobbins, cotton batting, wooden ware, &c.: annual value, about $60,000. Rehoboth is watered by Palmer's river. It lies 40 miles S. by W. from Boston, 10 S.W. from Taunton, and 7 E. from Providence, R.I. Population, 1837, 2,202. Its Indian name was Saconet.
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 - REHOBOTH. [Pop. 2,169. Settled 1645.]
This ancient town, called Saconet, by the Indians, originally included the towns of Seekonk, Pawtucket, Attleborounli, part of Swansey, and much more land that is now a part of Rhode Island.

The first white settler was probably the Rev. Wm. Blackstone. who first settled on the peninsula now called Boston, and advised Gov. Winthrop and his company to cross thither from Charlestown.

In 1634 he sold his lands in Boston, and removed the next year to Rehoboth. Blackstone River was named in honor of this worthy minister. His house and grave fell on the Rhode Island side of the boundary line.

The first settlers came from Weymouth, in Norfolk county, in 1644.

A large rock in Rehoboth is celebrated as the spot near which the colonists, under the famous Capt. Church, captured Annawon, the principal chief that remained after the death of Philip, in 1676.
Farming is the chief employment, though there are various manufactures to a small amount.

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1845 - Hornbine School is built in Rehoboth.

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1854 - Rehoboth
Rehoboth, a post-township in Bristol co., Massachusetts, intersected by the Warren river, 41 miles S. by W. from Boston. Population, 2104.

Rehoboth, or Rehoboth Village, a post- village in the above township, 44 miles S. by W. from Boston.
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.

Rehoboth Massachusetts, 1890
Rehoboth is a large and prosperous agricultural town in he western part of Bristol County, 39 miles south of Boston. Attleborough and Norton are its boundaries on the north; Taunton, Dighton and Swansey on the east; the latter on the south; and Seekonk on the west. Its form is nearly a parallelogram, extending north and south about nine miles. The area is about 70 square miles, with but 26,993 acres of assessed land. Nearly one-half the area is forest, containing oak, maple and cedar.

There are several extensive cedar swamps in the town; two of which in the eastern part — Squannakonk and Mamwhauge — contain about 2,500 acres each. The surface of the town is undulating; the highest eminences being Great-meadow Hill in the northeast, 266 feet high; and Great Rock in the northwest, 248 feet. The northern, middle and southwestern sections are drained by Bliss, Wolf-plain, Bad-luck and Carpenter brooks; which form Palmer's River, a beautiful stream, that, receiving other streams,... Read MORE...

1895 - Rehoboth
Rehoboth, a post-village and township of Bristol co,. Mass., 8 miles E. of Providence, R.I. It has 3 churches, and manufactures of hosiery and wooden-ware. P. 1827.
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 - Rehoboth
Rehoboth. - This was the second town formed in Bristol county. It originally consisted of a great tract of "common land" called Seacunck, and was incorporated with its present name June 4, 1645. On June 6, 1649, the bounds were to be established, and on May 5, 1668, the town of Swansea was set off. On August 11, 1670, the bounds between Rehoboth and Swansea were established. July 7, 1682, the North Purchase was granted to Rehoboth and the bounds were established July 7, 1682. On October 19, 1694, the North Purchase was set off as the town of Attleborough. September 10, 1697, the bounds between Rehoboth and Attleborough were established. On February 16, 1812, the town of Seekonk was set off. The population according to the State census of 185 is 1,810, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 357. The town forms a part of the Twelfth Congressional District, and with Attleborough, North Atleborough, Norton and Seekonk, constitutes the First Representative District, with 4, 663... Read MORE...

1906
Rehoboth, a post-village and township (town), of Bristol co., Mass., 8 miles E. of Providence, R.I. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1840.
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

2023 - Whether you're a local looking for something new to do or a visitor exploring the area, there's something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Rehoboth:
Rehoboth Antiquarian Society:

Start your visit by exploring the Rehoboth Antiquarian Society. This historical society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the town's history. You can learn about the area's past through exhibits, documents, and artifacts.

Hornbine School Museum:

Take a step back in time by visiting the Hornbine School Museum. This one-room schoolhouse from the 19th century provides a glimpse into the education of the past and is a great educational experience for all ages.

Rehoboth Village Historic District:

Stroll through the Rehoboth Village Historic District, where you can admire well-preserved colonial and Federal-style homes. The district is a reminder of the town's early days and offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk.

Perryville Dam Recreation Area:

If you enjoy fishing or just want to relax by the water, visit the Perryville Dam Recreation Area. It's a serene spot along the Palmer River, perfect for picnicking, birdwatching,... Read MORE...