History of Milford, Massachusetts, USA

1662 - Milford is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1780 - Milford is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Milford
Milford, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This town, the Indian Wopowage, is well watered by Charles and Mill rivers. It lies 28 miles S.W. by W. from Boston and 18 S.E. from Worcester. Incorporated, 1780. Population, 1837, 1,637. The soil is generally fertile, and the surface pleasantly diversified. The manufactures of the town, for the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $257,671. They consisted of cotton goods, leather, boots, shoes, chairs, tin and cabinet wares, straw bonnets, varnish, clothing, shoe pegs, wagon irons, and whips.
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 - MILFORD. [Pop. 1,773. Inc. 1780.]
This was once the northeasterly part of Mendon, and when so, was called Mill River.

One source of the Charles, and one of Mill River, a branch of the Blackstone, run through the town.

The inhabitants are chiefly farmers; but, besides a great amount of produce sent to market, they manufacture a very large number of boots and shoes.

Distance from Worcester, 18 miles; from Boston, 28.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Milford
This town was formerly the north easterly part of Mendon. It was set off as a Separate parish in 1741, and was commonly known by the name of Mill River. It was incorporated as a town in 1780. The church was formed here in 1741, of 26 male members: over which Rev. Amariah Frost was settled in 1743. Some time after the settlement of Mr. Frost, a separation took place, and. a Mr. Hovey preached to the disaffected, and was ordained among them. He remained with them, however, but a few years. Mr. Frost continued pastor of the first society till his death, in 1792; he was succeeded by Rev. David Long, in 1801.

The following is a north eastern view of the central part of Milford, as seen from the road on the eastern side of a branch of Charles river, a mill stream passing through the village. In the engraving, the Universalist church is seen on the right; the spires of the Congregational church and town house are seen towards the central part. An academy was established in this place in... Read MORE...

1854 - Milford
Milford, a post-village of Worcester co., Massachusetts, on the Milford Branch rail road, thirty-four miles S. W. from Boston. It contains four churches, one bank, and several stores. Population of the township, 4819.

Milford, a post-village in the above town ship, pleasantly situated on the borders of a small lake. It contains several churches, a bank, and the office of a semi-monthly paper.
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.

1867 - Destructive Fire at Milford
WORCESTER, Mass., Sunday, Dec. 29. A fire occurred in Milford, on Saturday afternoon, which consumed a barn containing fifteen tons of hay, a large quantity of grain, eleven cattle and three sheep, the property of Nelson Madden. It was set on fire by a little boy three years old. The loss will amount to about $3,000; insurance small.
The New York Times
New York, New York
December 30, 1867

1868 - Fire in Milford, Mass.
MILFORD, Mass., Thursday, April 2. A fire in Milford, this morning, destroyed Underwood's large boot manufactory. The stock and fixtures were mostly saved. It is supposed to be the work of an incendiary. The loss is estimated at $25,000, mostly covered by insurance in Boston offices.
The New York Times
New York, New York
April 3, 1868

1882 - VALUABLE MACHINERY LOST. BURNING OF THE CLINCHING-SCREW FACTORY AT MILFORD, MASS.
MILFORD, Mass., Feb. 23. - The manufactory of Estabrook & Co., was burned last evening. The fire, the cause of which is unknown, broke out in the first story of the building, occupied by the owners for making boot and shoe machinery, by the Clinching-screw Company, and by J. E. Kimball. The total loss is nearly $50,000. The insurance is placed in the Milford Company on the building and contents, and $7,250 in the Ætna, North British, and Lancashire. The Clinching-screw Company had $5,000 in the Niagara and Continental companies. The boiler-house was partially damaged. Estabrook & Co. were employing abut 60 men. Several small buildings in the immediate vicinity of the factory were damaged. The Clinching-screw Company had five tons of nails ready for shipment - a total loss. A large amount of insurance is placed out of town. The name of one of the firms burned out is Estabrook. Wires & Co., manufacturers of patent clinching screw-nails for boots and shoes, boot trees, &c. The machinery ... Read MORE...

1889 - PANIC UNDER A CIRCUS TENT. HUNDREDS OF PERSONS INJURED BY THE SEATS FALLING DOWN.
FRIGHT ADDED TO THEIR DANGER.
SOMEONE YELLED THAT THE ANIMALS WERE ESCAPING, AND IN THE STAMPEDE WHICH FOLLOWED WOMAN AND CHILDREN WERE TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT - NO ONE WAS KILLED, BUT MANY WILL CARRY SCARS.
(Special To The World.)

Milford, Mass., July 17. - The performance at W. H. Bristol & Co.'s circus had scarcely begun last evening when two sections of seats, with 600 people seated thereon, caved in, sending the audience pell-mell to the ground. Women shrieked and fainted, children screamed and the performance was summarily brought to an end. Hardly had those who had been injured been removed when half of the reserve-seat section, with two hundred more persons, crashed down, causing a panic in which some of the women and children were trampled under foot while trying to get out of the tent. During the excitement some one shouted that the animals were escaping, and this added to the general fright. When the excitement had been in a measure allayed it was found that more than 200... Read MORE...

1890 Milford Massachusetts
Milford is a pleasant and prosperous town in the southeasterly border of Worcester County, about 34 miles west of Boston by the Milford Branch of the Boston and Albany Railroad, connecting at Framingham. The New York and New England Railroad also has a branch extending from Bellingham Junction to Milford; and there is also a direct connection with Worcester by the Grafton and Upton Railroad, just completed.

The town is bounded on the north by Hopkinton, on the northeast by Holliston, on the east by Medway, southeast by Bellingham, southwest by Hopedale, and west by Upton. The assessed area is 9,347 acres; of which 2,588 are forest, consisting chiefly of maple, chestnut and oak. The elevation is varied, and the scenery picturesque and beautiful. The rock generally is gneissic. There is found in the town a very extensive area of granite of a pink tint, which is largely in demand from all parts of the country. Bear Hill is the principal elevation, and overlooks the centre village.... Read MORE...

1895 - Milford / Hopedale / South Milford
Milford, a post-village in Milford township, Worcester co., Mass., on the Milford Branch of the Boston & Albany Railroad, and on the railroad from Ashland to Woonsocket, R.I., 34 miles W.S.W. of Boston, and about 18 miles S.E. of Worcester. It contains 5 or 6 churches, a national bank, 1 other bank, a town-house, a public library, a newspaper office, and several manufactories of boots. The township contains other villages, named Hopedale and South Milford. Pop. of township, 9818
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

1897 - HIT A LIVE WIRE.
Milford, Mass., Oct. 14. - Albert J. Cook, a carpenter of this place, sustained injuries which it is feared will prove fatal, as the result of having come in contact with a live electric feed wife at Norcross Bros' quarry at noon today. Cook, who is also night watchman for the Milford Electric Company, was riding on the top of a car. He received the full force of the voltage for an instant and was thrown from the car to the ground, a distance of 15 feet. In addition to the injuries caused by the shock, Cook's spine was fractured. He was taken to the Massachusetts General Hospital. He is 40 years of age.
Boston Morning Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
October 15, 1897

1906
Milford, a post-village in Milford township (town), Worcester co., Mass., on the Boston and Albany and other railroads, 34 miles WSW. of Boston. The town has manufactories of boots and shoes, straw and silk -goods, machinery, needles, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 11,376.
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 interested in exploring nature, enjoying cultural experiences, or indulging in good food, Milford has something to offer. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Milford:
Hopedale Parklands: This beautiful natural area spans across Milford and neighboring Hopedale, offering scenic trails for hiking, bird-watching, and picnicking. It's a great place to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors.

Louisa Lake: Located in Milford, Louisa Lake is a picturesque spot for fishing, kayaking, and picnicking. The serene environment and lush greenery make it an ideal place for a relaxing day by the water.

Milford Bike Path: If you enjoy cycling, the Milford Bike Path is a fantastic option. It provides a safe and scenic route for biking, running, or taking a leisurely stroll through town.

Southwick's Zoo: Just a short drive from Milford in Mendon, Southwick's Zoo is a popular family attraction. It's home to a wide variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and giraffes. The zoo also offers zip lines and other fun activities for all ages.

Draper Park: Located in downtown Milford, Draper Park is a charming green space featuring a playground, walking... Read MORE...