History of Auburn, Massachusetts, USA

1714 - Auburn is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1778 - Ward is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1837 - Ward renamed Auburn

1839 - Auburn
Auburn, Massachusetts
Worcester county. Until 1837, this town had been called Ward, in honor of General Ward, of the revolutionary army. It was incorporated in 1778. Population, 1837, 1,183. Auburn is a pleasant agricultural town. French river passes through it. It lies 5 miles S. by W. from Worcester and 45 W.S.W. from Boston.
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 - AUBURN. [Pop. 1,183. Inc. 1778.]
This small town was a part of Worcester, Sutton, Leicester, and Oxford. Until 1837, it was named Ward, in honor of Artemas Ward, who was Commander-in-Chief of the American army around Boston, when the battle of Bunker Hill was fought, before Washington arrived; and who, after the war, was distinguished for his uprightness and firmness as a judge, particularly during the Shays' rebellion.

The town is well watered by several sources of Blackstone River, which furnish a few mill-sites; agriculture, however, is the chief employment of the inhabitants.

Distance from Worcester 5 miles ; from Boston, 45.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
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1848 - Auburn
This town was formerly part of Worcester, Sutton, Leicester, and Oxford, incorporated a town by the name of Ward in 1778; so named in honor of Arternas Ward, the first major-general in the Revolutionary war, who died at Shrewshury, Oct. 28, 1800. It received the name of Auburn in 1837. It was made a poll parish in 1773, and in 1776 the church was embodied, and the next year Rev. Isaac Bailey was ordained their pastor.

This town is uneven, but the hills are not very high. The soil is in general fertile, and suited to both grazing and tillage. The town is, perhaps, as well watered by springs and perennial rivulets as any town in the county. The principal stream is French river. There are 4 small ponds; the largest is situated about a mile south of the meeting house. There is an outlet from this pond to the north, usually called Dark Brook, and an inlet at the south, while the pond is in its natural state; but by an artificial raising of the water about 4 feet, the current in the... Read MORE...

1854 - Auburn
Auburn, a post-township of Worcester co., Mass., about 5 miles W. by S. of Worcester, intersected by the Western railroad and Norwich and Worcester railroads. Pop., 879.
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.

1859 - Auburn
AUBURN, a township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 5 m. S by W of Worcester. Pop. 669.

A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Auburn Massachusetts, 1890
Auburn is a pleasant little town near the centre of the southern half of Worcester County, 50 miles southwest of Boston. It is connected with Worcester and towns south of it by the Norwich and Worcester Railroad, which runs through the whole length of the town. The Boston and Albany Railroad passes along its northwestern side, having a station (Rochdale) near the line in Leicester. Leicester and Worcester bound it on the north ; the last and Millbury on the east ; Oxford on the south and southwest ; and Leicester on the west. The villages are Larnedville and Stoneville ; the post-offices, Auburn and West Auburn.

The largest of the six ponds lies in the northern part of the town, and contains about 175 acres. Eddy Pond, in the southern section, covers 40 acres. Bark Brook, Kettle Brook and Stone Brook run northerly through the town, furnishing valuable power, and with other tributaries forming Blackstone River. The rock formation of the town is Merrimack schist and gneiss, in which... Read MORE...

1895 - Auburn
Auburn, a post-hamlet of Worcester co., Mass., in Auburn township, on the Norwich & Worcester Railroad, 5 miles S. of Worcester. It has 2 churches and a public library. Pop, of township in 1890, 1532.
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

1916
Auburn, a post-village of Worcester co., Mass., in Auburn township (town), 5 miles S. of Worcester, its banking point. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1621.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1926 - Rocket
The first successful liquid fuel rocket launched by Dr. Robert Goddard in Auburn.

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2023 - Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring the area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Auburn:
1. Explore Goddard Memorial State Park:
Goddard Memorial State Park is a beautiful green oasis in Auburn. You can enjoy a relaxing day outdoors with a picnic, fishing, hiking, or even take a paddleboat ride on Lake Ripple. The park is a great place to unwind and soak in some natural beauty.

2. Shop at the Auburn Mall:
If you're in the mood for some retail therapy, head to the Auburn Mall. It's a shopping hub featuring a variety of stores, from clothing and electronics to home goods and accessories. You'll also find a food court with several dining options.

3. Golf at Pakachoag Golf Course:
For golf enthusiasts, Pakachoag Golf Course is a must-visit. This public golf course offers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf amidst scenic surroundings. It's a great place to work on your swing or just enjoy a day on the green.

4. Visit the Goddard Rocket Launching Site:
Auburn has a unique historical landmark in the form of the Goddard Rocket Launching Site. This is where Dr.... Read MORE...