History of Middleborough, Massachusetts, USA

1660 - Middleborough is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1669 - Middleborough is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Middleborough
Middleborough [Middleboro], Massachusetts
Plymouth county. This is the Indian Namasket; formerly thickly populated by the people of that tribe, and governed by the noted sachem Tispacan. On the rocks in this town are the prints of naked hands and feet, supposed to be the work of the Indians. Here are numerous ponds, several kinds of fish, and large quantities of iron ore is found in the ponds. These ponds, of which the Assawamset [Assawompset] and Long pond are the largest, empty into the Taunton river, and produce an extensive water power.

This town lies 34 miles S. by E. from Boston, 14 S.S.W. from Plymouth, and 10 S.E. from Taunton. Incorporated, 1660. Population, 1837, 5,005. This is probably the largest town in the state: it is 15 miles in length, and about 9 average breadth: it has several pleasant villages. There are 2 cotton mills, 2 forges, an air and cupola furnace, a nail factory, a manufactures of leather, shovels, spades, forks, ploughs, wrought nails, chairs, cabinet ... Read MORE...

1845 - MIDDLEBOROUGH. [Pop. 5,085. Inc. 1660.]
Marlborough was called Namashet by the Indians.

The township is one of the largest in the State, and the chief village is called Four Corners.

It contains many ponds, of which Assawamset and Long Pond are the largest, and empty into Taunton River.

Cotton goods, shovels, nails, straw bonnets, and tacks, are the principal manufactures.

Rev. Isaac Backus, who wrote a valuable history of the Baptists, was settled in Middleborough in 1748.

Distance from Plymouth, 14 miles ; from Boston, 34.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Middleborough
Middleborocgh, a post-township of Plymouth county, Massachusetts, on the left bank of Taunton river, about 40 miles S. by E. from Boston, contains an important manufacturing village of its own name, which is situated on the Fall River railroad, at its junction with Cape Cod railroad. Pop., 5336.
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.

1868 - Slight shocks of earthquake were felt at Middleboro, Mass., a few days ago.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
December 5, 1868

1890 Middleborough Massachusetts
Middleborough is an unusually level town of large area lying in the western part of the southern section of Plymouth County. The Cape Cod Division of the Old Colony Railroad runs through the midst of the town, swerving to the west of the centre, where it connects near Four Corners village (Middleborough station) with the Newport line and the Taunton Branch. It is some 35 miles from Boston, 20 from Fall River and New Bedford, 15 from Plymouth and 10 from Taunton.

On the north are Bridge water and Halifax; on the cast, Plympton and Carver; on the south, Wareham and Rochester; and on the west, Taunton and Raynham. The area is about 43,577 acres, of which 38,171 are taxed. There are 19,352 acres of forest, consisting principally of pines. Elms are numerous, especially about the villages. The land is slightly undulating in parts, but mostly low, level and swampy. There are not less than 19 swamps shown in the county map within the limits of the town. Several are of large extent, and one ... Read MORE...

1895 - Middleborough
Middleborough, mid'del-bür-rüh, a post-village of Plymouth co., Mass., in Middleborough township, on the Old Colony Railroad, at the junction of two branches with one of the main lines, 34 miles S. by E. of Boston, and 10% miles E. of Taunton. It has a bank, a fine town hall, an academy, a high school, a public library, gas-works, the Bay State Straw-Works, 5 shoe-factories, 3 churches, 1 news er office, and manufactures of woollen goods, lumber, shovels, spades, needles, trunks, boxes, varnish, &c. The township is bounded on the N.W. by the Taunton River, and has a pop. of 6065.
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
Middleboro, a banking post-village of Plymouth co., Mass., in Middleboro township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 34 miles S. by E. of Boston. It has a town-hall, public library, etc., and manufactures of boots and shoes, lumber, woollens, varnish, tiles, etc. The town is bounded on the NW. by the Taunton River. Pop. of the town in 1900, 6885.
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 some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in Middleborough:
Oliver Mill Park:

Start your journey in Middleborough with a visit to Oliver Mill Park. This historic park is home to the Oliver Mill, which dates back to the 17th century. It's a picturesque spot with walking trails along the Nemasket River, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Nemasket Kayak Center:

If you're a fan of water activities, head to the Nemasket Kayak Center. They offer kayak and paddleboard rentals, allowing you to explore the serene waters of the Nemasket River. It's a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature.

Southwick's Zoo:

While technically not in Middleborough, Southwick's Zoo is just a short drive away in Mendon. It's a fantastic destination for families, featuring a diverse range of animals and interactive exhibits. From giraffes to kangaroos, Southwick's Zoo offers a unique and educational experience.

Robbins Museum of Archaeology:

Dive into the region's history at the Robbins Museum of Archaeology. This museum... Read MORE...