History of Littleton, Massachusetts, USA

1686 - Littleton is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1715 - Littleton is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Littleton
Littleton, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. The Indians called this town Nashabah [Nashoba]. It is 27 miles W.N.W. from Boston and 10 N.W. from Concord. Incorporated, 1715. Population, 1837, 876. There are several beautiful ponds in the town, and limestone. The soil is tolerably good, and adapted for the growth of rye and hops. There are some manufactures of boots, shoes, and straw bonnets.
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 - LITTLETON. [Pop. 927. Inc. 1715.]
This town, which had previously been an Indian settlement, called Nashoba, was named in honor of Lord Lyttleton, an English statesman, who is said to have sent the town a Bell, which it never received, in consequence of being misdirected to Littleton instead of Lyttleton.

Littleton is an agricultural town, and contains several fine ponds.

Distance from Concord, 10 miles ; from Boston, 27.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
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1848 - Littleton
This town was formerly a gore of land not included in any of the adjoining towns: it remained in this state many years after they were incorporated. It was but thinly inhabited by some English people, together with Indians living on their ancient settlements, and was known by the name of Nishoba. In 1715, upon the petition of one Whitcomb and Powers, this place was incorporated into a town, by the name of Littleton. It was so called after the name of the Hon. George Lyttleton, Esq., member of Parliament, and one of the commissioners of the treasury. In return for the honor done to his name, the noble gentleman presented this town with a church bell; but, on account of an error in spelling the name, caused by substituting the i for the y. which formed the word Littleton, the valuable present miscarried, and was finally withheld, under the pretence that no such town as Lyttileton, to which the bell was to be presented, could anywhere be found. It is stated, that the same bell is now in... Read MORE...

1854 - Littleton
Littleton, a post-township of Middlesex co., Mass., on the Fitchburg railroad, 31 miles W. N. W. from Boston. Population, 987.
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 Littleton Massachusetts
Littleton is a handsome farming town situated in the northwestern part of Middlesex County, and bounded on the northeast by Westford, on the southeast by Acton, on the southwest by Boxborough, on the west by Harvard, and on the northwest by Ayer. The Littleton depot on the Fitchburg Railroad, somewhat west of the centre of the town, is 32 miles from Boston. The Stony Brook Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad and the Nashua and Acton Railroad have stations, the first on the northern, the latter on the eastern border. The assessed area in 1888 was 10,534 acres, including 3,592 acres of woodland.

The surface of the town is pleasantly varied by hill, valley, plain and upland. There are areas specially hilly in the south, west, east and a little north of the centre. The most noted eminence is Nashoba Hill, on the eastern border. From this, since first settlement, a rumbling noise is sometimes heard, which is locally called "the shooting of Nashoba Hill." The principal stream is... Read MORE...

1895 - Littleton
Littleton, a post-village and township of Middlesex co., Mass., on the Fitchburg Railroad, and on the Nashua, Acton & Boston Railroad, 31 miles W.N.W. of Boston. It contains 3 churches. Pop. 950.
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
Littleton, a post-village and township (town) of Middlesex co., Mass., on the Boston and Maine R., 31 miles WNW. of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1179 ; of the village, about 500.
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

2023 - While Littleton is a small town, there are still some fantastic places to visit and things to do. Here's a list to get you started:
Littleton Common: Start your exploration in the heart of Littleton at Littleton Common. This charming area features historic buildings, small shops, and a picturesque New England atmosphere.

Bumblebee Park: If you're traveling with family or enjoy outdoor activities, Bumblebee Park is a lovely spot. It has a playground for kids, sports fields, and open spaces for picnics or a leisurely stroll.

Kimball Farm: Just a short drive away, Kimball Farm is a popular destination for families. It's known for its delicious ice cream, mini-golf courses, and a range of activities, including bumper boats and an animal petting area.

Nashoba Valley Winery: If you appreciate wine, consider visiting Nashoba Valley Winery. Besides wine tastings, they offer tours and have a restaurant with a farm-to-table menu. The scenery of the vineyard is an added bonus.

Great Brook Farm State Park: Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Great Brook Farm State Park. It's perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and even... Read MORE...