History of Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA

1639 - Wilmington is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1730 - Wilmington is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Wilmington
Wilmington, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. The surface of this town is generally level, with a light and sandy soil. The wood is chiefly pine, and much charcoal is made. This kind of soil, although unfit for the generality of crops, is well adapted for the growth of hops, of which large quantities, of a fine quality, are produced in Wilmington, and which frequently afford the cultivator a large profit.

During the period of 32 years, 1806-1837, inclusive, there were inspected at Charlestown, Mass., 76,860 bags of hops, weighing 16,467,182 lbs. The price varied from 34 to 5 cents a pound. The highest price was in 1817, the lowest, in 1819; average price, 13 1/ 5 cents. Total value, $2,169,430.

The town is watered by a branch of Ipswich river: the Middlesex canal passes through it, and adds much to the beauty of its scenery. Wilmington was incorporated in 1730. It is 14 miles N.N.W. from Boston and 10 S.E. by E. from Lowell. Population, 1837, 795.
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 - WILMINGTON. [Pop. 859. Inc. 1730.]
This town was composed of the adjacent corners of several towns ; and, though incorporated more than a century ago, it has yet no central village.

A chief source of Ipswich River rises here ; Wilmington borders on the Shawshine, a branch of the Merrimack, and the Middlesex Canal runs through it; and all contribute to give it a pleasant appearance.

A large quantity of hops is raised here, and the inhabitants are generally farmers, though the soil does not well reward them.

Distance from Concord, 12 miles; from Boston, 14.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Wilmington
This town was incorporated in 1730. This township was composed of the corners of the adjoining towns. “The soil of this town is thin and light, but produces most of the fruits of the climate, and especially hops have been raised here in great abundance and perfection.” The face of thc township is comparatively level. A main branch of Ipswich river takes its rise in this town. There is a Congregational church in the center, but no considerable village in any part of the town, the inhabitants being principally farmers, who live scattered over all parts of the town. Population, 795. Distance, 10 miles from Lowell, and 14 from Boston. The Middlesex canal and Lowell railroad pass through the western section of this town.
Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

1854 - Wilmington
Wilmington, a post-township of Middlesex CO.. Massachusetts, intersected by the Boston and Lowell, the Boston and Maine, the Salem and Lowell railroads, and a branch rail road, 10 miles N. W. by N. from Boston Population, 874.
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.

Wilmington Massachusetts, 1890
Wilmington is situated in the northeast part of Middlesex County, 15 miles north of Boston, and contains 991 inhabitants. Wilmington and North Wilmington are the post-offices. Oilier villages are Wilmington Centre and Wilmington Junction. The town is intersected by the Western Division of the 'Boston and Maine Railroad, the Boston and. Lowell, and the Lowell and Salem lines, which have stations convenient to all the villages.

Wilmington is bounded by Andover and Tewksbury on the north, by North Reading and Reading on the east, by Woburn on the southeast, by Burlington on the southwest, by Billerica on the west, and by Tewksbury on the northwest. The assessed area is 9,845 acres; and 4,901 acres — nearly one half — are woodland, containing pine, oak and maple. The land is rolling, with considerable plain. The underlying rock is chiefly calcareous gneiss, which in one locality crops out in a picturesque ledge called the "Devil's Den." In the northern part of Wilmington is a fine old... Read MORE...

1890 - Fire
At Wilmington
An old landmark on this Lowell Divisions of the Boston and Maine Railroad at Wilmington was burned Wednesday afternoon. It was the wooden building formerly occupied below as the railroad passenger station and at this time as a freight station. Four French families occupied tenements in the upper part, but their household effects were mostly saved. The building was about 100 years old and was owned by the Boston and Maine road. Buildings on the opposite side of the street, owned by Mrs. Joseph Amos caught fire on the roofs a number of times, and, as Wilmington has no Fire Department, matters looked serious and aid was sent for from Woburn and the steamer and hose carriage responded. Loss on the building was about $1500: insured.
Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
November 6, 1890

1895 - Wilmington
Wilmington, a post-village in Wilmington township, Middlesex co., Mass., on the Boston, Lowell & Nashua Railroad, at the junction of the Lawrence Branch, 15 miles N. of Boston. It has 2 churches, a high school, and a tannery. Near it is Wilmington Station on the Boston & Maine Railroad. Pop. of the township, 879. Wilmington Junction and Wilmington Station on the Salem & Lowell Railroad are also in Wilmington township.
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
Wilmington, a post-village in Wilmington township (town), Middlesex co., Mass., on the Boston and Maine R., 15 miles N. of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1596.
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 things to do in Wilmington:
Silver Lake: One of the town's most iconic features is Silver Lake. This picturesque lake is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a relaxing picnic, or even some fishing. It's an ideal spot for nature lovers and a great place to unwind.

Wilmington Town Common: The Town Common is a lovely, central gathering place. It's often used for community events, concerts, and festivals, so check the local calendar to see if any events coincide with your visit.

Wilmington Memorial Library: If you're a bookworm or simply looking for a quiet place to read or study, the Wilmington Memorial Library is an excellent choice. It also hosts various events, workshops, and activities for all ages.

Woburn Street Farmer's Market: Depending on the time of year, you might be able to catch the Woburn Street Farmer's Market. It's a great place to find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and handmade crafts.

Wilmington Dog Park: If you're traveling with your four-legged friend, the Wilmington Dog Park is a... Read MORE...