History of Stow, Massachusetts, USA

1681 - Stow is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1683 - Stow is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Stow
Stow, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. Stow is watered by the Assabet river, and possesses a good water power. The soil is light and sandy, and good for the growth of hops. It lies 24 miles W. by N. from Boston and S.W. by S. from Concord. Incorporated, 1683. Population, 1837, 1,134.

There are two woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of leather, boots, shoes, straw bonnets, and palm-leaf hats: total value, the year ending April 1, 1837, $231,611.
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 - STOW. [Pop. 1,230. Inc. 1683.]
Stow was called by the Indians, Pompsiticut, and Shabbukin, which were the names of two of its hills.

It had but two male settlers at the breaking out of Philip's War, and one of these was killed, and the other, with both families, for a time fled to other settlements.

Until the incorporation, the plantation, as these unincorporated settlements were generally called, was governed by a committee of the inhabitants.

Woollen goods, shoes, and boots, are manufactured here to a considerable amount.

Distance from Concord, 8 miles; from Boston, 24.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Stow
The Indian names of this place were Pompsiticut and Shabbukin, from “two notable hills.” It appears that the first minister called to the pastoral office in this place was the Rev. John Eveleth; this was in 1700. Mr. Eveleth was dismissed in 1717. Rev. John Gardner was ordained in 1718, as the next pastor; he died in 1774, and was succeeded by Rev. Jonathan Newell the next year. Stow is 8 miles south westerly from Concord, and 24 westward from Boston. It contains 1 Congregational church and 1,134 inhabitants. The town is watered by Assabet river, on which is situated a broadcloth factory. Of late years the cultivation of hops has received considerable attention in this town. In 1837, there were in this town 2 woollen mills, 7 sets of machinery; 55,000 yards of cloth were manufactured, valued at $210,000; males employed, 40; females, 45. There were 587 pairs of boots and 61,044 pairs of shoes manufactured, valued at $18,905.50; males employed, 32; females, 30.

The first settlement... Read MORE...

1854 - Stow
Stow, a post-village in Middlesex co., Massachusetts, on the Lancaster and Sterling branch of the Fitchburg railroad, 27 miles W. by N. from Boston. Population of the township, 1455.
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.

1890 Stow Massachusetts
Stow is a pleasant town of 976 inhabitants, situated in the westerly section of Middlesex County, about 25 miles west of Boston by the Massachusetts Central Railroad, and 30 miles by the Marlboro Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, both having stations at Rockbottom, in the southern part of the town. This and Stow (centre) are the post-offices; and Lower Village occupies a projecting angle on the southern side of the town.

The boundary on the north is Boxborough; on the northeast, Acton; on the east, Maynard; on the southeast, Sudbury; on the south, Hudson; on the west, Hudson and Harvard. The assessed area is 11,021 acres; the forests embracing 3,698. It is agreeably diversified by hill and valley. Spindle and Marble hills, near the centre, are prominent objects in the landscape. The principal stone is calcareous gneiss. Assabet River, flowing northeastward through the eastern section of the town, and its affluents, Assabet Brook and Heathen-meadow Brook, form its drainage system.... Read MORE...

1895 - Stow
Stow, a post-village in Stow township, Middlesex co., Mass., on the Assabet River, about 26 miles W. by N. of Boston. It has 2 churches. The township is intersected by a branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, and has a woollen-mill and a pop. of 1022.
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
Stow, a post-village in Stow township (town), Middlesex Co., Mass., on the Asabet River, about 26 miles W. by N. of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1002 ; of the village, about 500.
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 activities to enjoy in and around Stow:
**1. Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge: This beautiful refuge offers hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a chance to connect with nature. It's a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll or a day of wildlife photography.

**2. Lake Boon: Spend a sunny day at Lake Boon, a small lake in Stow perfect for swimming, boating, and picnicking. There's a public beach for swimming and several areas where you can launch a kayak or paddleboard.

**3. Honey Pot Hill Orchards: This popular orchard is a must-visit in the fall. You can pick your own apples, enjoy a hayride, and indulge in delicious apple cider donuts.

**4. Stow Minuteman National Historic Park: Discover Stow's role in American history by visiting this historic park. You can explore exhibits and learn about the local militia's involvement in the American Revolution.

**5. Hiking and Biking Trails: Stow offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, including the Assabet River Rail Trail and the Delaney Wildlife... Read MORE...