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History of Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
Visit Quincy, Massachusetts, USA. Discover its history. Learn about the people who lived there through stories, old newspaper articles, pictures, postcards and ancestry.
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Quincy, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA
Quincy is a namesake of Col. John Quincy.
How New England Towns Received Their Names
The Day
New London, Connecticut
October 21, 1914
Fun fact: Qunicy is the home to both the first Dunkin Donuts and the first Howard Johnson's.
Quincy includes: Quincy Adams Station, Squantum, St. Moritz, Wollaston Station, Adams Shore, Atlantic Station, Barry's Corner, Germantown, Hough's Neck, Merrymont, Montclair Station, and Norfolk Downs.
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Quincy Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
Hancock Street
Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
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Battle Ship Rhode Island At Fore River Iron Works Quincy, Mass. (1906)
Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
Postcard
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Hancock Street (1912)
Discover Quincy: History, News, Travel, and Stories
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1826 - First American Railroad
First American railroad built in Quincy
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1826-03-04 - 1st US RR chartered, Granite Railway in Quincy, Mass
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First American railroad built in Quincy
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1826-03-04 - 1st US RR chartered, Granite Railway in Quincy, Mass
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1839 - Quincy
Quincy, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. The territory of Quincy was a part of ancient Braintree, until 1792. It lies on Braintree or Quincy bay, in Boston harbor, and is bounded on the N.W. by Neponset river and the town of Milton. It is 8 miles S. by E. from Boston and 10 E. by S. from Dedham. Population, 1820, 1,623; 1830, 2,192; 1837, 3,049.
The surface of the town is diversified by hills, valleys and plains. Back from the bay about 3 miles is a range of elevated land, in some parts more than 600 feet above the sea, containing an inexhaustible supply of granite. This is the source of "Quincy Granite," a building material justly celebrated in all our cities for its durability and beauty. Vast quantities of this admirable stone are annually quarried and wrought in this vicinity by the most skillful workmen, into all dimensions, both plain and ornamental; and it is fortunate for the public that the supply is abundant, for the demand for it from various parts of the United States is... Read MORE...
Quincy, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. The territory of Quincy was a part of ancient Braintree, until 1792. It lies on Braintree or Quincy bay, in Boston harbor, and is bounded on the N.W. by Neponset river and the town of Milton. It is 8 miles S. by E. from Boston and 10 E. by S. from Dedham. Population, 1820, 1,623; 1830, 2,192; 1837, 3,049.
The surface of the town is diversified by hills, valleys and plains. Back from the bay about 3 miles is a range of elevated land, in some parts more than 600 feet above the sea, containing an inexhaustible supply of granite. This is the source of "Quincy Granite," a building material justly celebrated in all our cities for its durability and beauty. Vast quantities of this admirable stone are annually quarried and wrought in this vicinity by the most skillful workmen, into all dimensions, both plain and ornamental; and it is fortunate for the public that the supply is abundant, for the demand for it from various parts of the United States is... Read MORE...
1845 - QUINCY. [Pop. 3,486. Inc. 1722.]
This town was originally settled in 1625, and was the first parish
of Braintree.
It was called Mount Wollaston, after Captain Wollaston, the chief
settler ; then Merry Mount, by some licentious persons led by one Morton ; and, finally, Quincy, from the distinguished family of that name.
Quincy has had the rare fortune to give birth to two Presidents of the United States, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams, his son.
The hills of Quincy furnished the stone of which Bunker Hill Monument, and many other splendid structures, are built ; and the railroad, that conveys the stone to the landing, was the first in the United States.
Next to stone the most valuable manufacture is boots and shoes.
Distance from Dedham, 10 miles; from Boston, 7.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
This town was originally settled in 1625, and was the first parish
of Braintree.
It was called Mount Wollaston, after Captain Wollaston, the chief
settler ; then Merry Mount, by some licentious persons led by one Morton ; and, finally, Quincy, from the distinguished family of that name.
Quincy has had the rare fortune to give birth to two Presidents of the United States, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams, his son.
The hills of Quincy furnished the stone of which Bunker Hill Monument, and many other splendid structures, are built ; and the railroad, that conveys the stone to the landing, was the first in the United States.
Next to stone the most valuable manufacture is boots and shoes.
Distance from Dedham, 10 miles; from Boston, 7.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
1854 - Quincy
Quincy, a post-township of Norfolk county, Massachusetts, bordering on Quincy bay, in Boston harbor, and intersected by the Old Colony railroad, 8 miles S. by E. from Boston. It is celebrated for its quarries of granite, commonly known as Quincy granite, which is exported in great quantities to all parts of the Union. About 1000 persons are constantly employed in working it. Blocks have often been quarried weighing as high as 300 tons. The first railroad ever constructed in America was here put in operation in 1826, for the purpose of transporting the granite from its bed to tide-water, in Neponset river, a distance of 3 miles. The village, which is considered remarkably beautiful, is situated on an elevated plain near the centre of the township. In a stone church, completed in 1828, at a cost of $40,000, is a beautiful marble monument, erected to the memory of John Adams and his wife. The town house, a fine granite edifice, 85 feet by 65, is deserving of notice. One newspaper is... Read MORE...
Quincy, a post-township of Norfolk county, Massachusetts, bordering on Quincy bay, in Boston harbor, and intersected by the Old Colony railroad, 8 miles S. by E. from Boston. It is celebrated for its quarries of granite, commonly known as Quincy granite, which is exported in great quantities to all parts of the Union. About 1000 persons are constantly employed in working it. Blocks have often been quarried weighing as high as 300 tons. The first railroad ever constructed in America was here put in operation in 1826, for the purpose of transporting the granite from its bed to tide-water, in Neponset river, a distance of 3 miles. The village, which is considered remarkably beautiful, is situated on an elevated plain near the centre of the township. In a stone church, completed in 1828, at a cost of $40,000, is a beautiful marble monument, erected to the memory of John Adams and his wife. The town house, a fine granite edifice, 85 feet by 65, is deserving of notice. One newspaper is... Read MORE...
1888 - Quincy is incorporated as a city
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
1890 Quincy Massachusetts
QUINCY is a handsome city in the northeastern part of Norfolk County, eight miles southeast of Boston by the Old Colony Railroad. The stations are at Quincy, Atlantic, Wollaston, West Quincy and Quincy Adams, which are also post-offices and villages. The other villages are North Quincy, French Village, Germantown, East Quincy, Squantum, Hough's Neck, Wollaston Heights, Quincy Point and South Quincy. The last two also are post-offices. The assessed area of the city is 8,630 acres. The number of dwelling-houses is about 2,500, and the population, 12,145.
The city is bounded on the northwest by the Dorchester district of Boston, on the northeast by Boston Harbor, south by Braintree and Randolph, and west by Milton. The form is very irregular, having Squantum Neck at the northeast, and Hough's Neck at the southeast, with a long southwesterly projection. The territory is remarkable for its eminences, situated mostly in the southwest part; though Mount Wollaston is near the shore on the... Read MORE...
QUINCY is a handsome city in the northeastern part of Norfolk County, eight miles southeast of Boston by the Old Colony Railroad. The stations are at Quincy, Atlantic, Wollaston, West Quincy and Quincy Adams, which are also post-offices and villages. The other villages are North Quincy, French Village, Germantown, East Quincy, Squantum, Hough's Neck, Wollaston Heights, Quincy Point and South Quincy. The last two also are post-offices. The assessed area of the city is 8,630 acres. The number of dwelling-houses is about 2,500, and the population, 12,145.
The city is bounded on the northwest by the Dorchester district of Boston, on the northeast by Boston Harbor, south by Braintree and Randolph, and west by Milton. The form is very irregular, having Squantum Neck at the northeast, and Hough's Neck at the southeast, with a long southwesterly projection. The territory is remarkable for its eminences, situated mostly in the southwest part; though Mount Wollaston is near the shore on the... Read MORE...
1890 - DEAD BY DOZENS. THE GRIM TERROR REAPS A GHASTLY HARVEST. FRIGHTFUL DISASTER ON THE RAIL. SIXTEEN SOULS HURRIED TO ETERNITY AND MORE THAN A SCORE OF PEOPLE SCALDED AND MUTILATED.
Boston, Aug. 20. - The Cape Cod and Woods' Hole train on the Old Colony railway was wrecked at Quincy, just the other side of the President's bridge at 1 p.m. yesterday. The disaster was a frightful one, resulting in the death of about twenty persons and the wounding of many others, some of whom are terribly scalded or mutilated. The train was express to Brockton, and from Brockton express to Boston. It left Brockton at 10:40, going at say thirty miles an hour. Just this side of President's bridge (so called because the homestead of President John Quincy Adams is close by) the engineer whistled to "down brakes." The train began to shake as if shivered by the shock of an earthquake. Then came a crash, the engine left the track, turned itself alongside the rails, while the train slid along, leaving the engine about midway of the train opposite the first passenger car from the smoker. In this car most all the harm was done.
In the Fatal Fourth Car.
This fourth car collided with the ... Read MORE...
Boston, Aug. 20. - The Cape Cod and Woods' Hole train on the Old Colony railway was wrecked at Quincy, just the other side of the President's bridge at 1 p.m. yesterday. The disaster was a frightful one, resulting in the death of about twenty persons and the wounding of many others, some of whom are terribly scalded or mutilated. The train was express to Brockton, and from Brockton express to Boston. It left Brockton at 10:40, going at say thirty miles an hour. Just this side of President's bridge (so called because the homestead of President John Quincy Adams is close by) the engineer whistled to "down brakes." The train began to shake as if shivered by the shock of an earthquake. Then came a crash, the engine left the track, turned itself alongside the rails, while the train slid along, leaving the engine about midway of the train opposite the first passenger car from the smoker. In this car most all the harm was done.
In the Fatal Fourth Car.
This fourth car collided with the ... Read MORE...
1895 - Quincy
Quincy, quin've, a fine city of Norfolk co., Mass., on the Old Colony Railroad, 8 miles S. of Boston, and 14 miles from the sea. It is bounded on the N.E. by Massachusetts Bay. It contains a number of churches, a granite town hail, 2 national banks, a savings-bank, printing-offices which issue 1 daily and 2 weekly newspapers, a high school, a public library, and the well-endowed Adams Academy, founded in 1872; also quarries of the celebrated Quincy granite, which is exported to nearly all parts of the Union. Quincy was the birthplace of John Hancock, of John Adams, second president of the United States, and of his son, John Quincy Adams. Pop, in 1880, 10,570; in 1890, 16,723.
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
Quincy, quin've, a fine city of Norfolk co., Mass., on the Old Colony Railroad, 8 miles S. of Boston, and 14 miles from the sea. It is bounded on the N.E. by Massachusetts Bay. It contains a number of churches, a granite town hail, 2 national banks, a savings-bank, printing-offices which issue 1 daily and 2 weekly newspapers, a high school, a public library, and the well-endowed Adams Academy, founded in 1872; also quarries of the celebrated Quincy granite, which is exported to nearly all parts of the Union. Quincy was the birthplace of John Hancock, of John Adams, second president of the United States, and of his son, John Quincy Adams. Pop, in 1880, 10,570; in 1890, 16,723.
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
Quincy, a city of Norfolk co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 8 miles SE. of the centre of Boston and 1 1/ 2 miles from the seas. It has a boat-yard, manufactures of boots and shoes, brass and iron, soap, oils and chemicals, etc. It is the seat of the Thomas Crane Library, and Woodward Institute. Here are large quantities of the celebrated Quincy granite, which is exported to nearly all parts of the Union. The railroad constructed in 1826-27 for the transportation of the granite for the Bunker Hill Monument, about 3 miles long and operated by horse-power, was the first railroad in the United States. Quincy is the birthplace of John Hancock, of John Adams, second president of the United States, and of his son, John Quincy Adams. Pop. in 1900, 23,899. Quincy includes several villages within its municipal limits.
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
Quincy, a city of Norfolk co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 8 miles SE. of the centre of Boston and 1 1/ 2 miles from the seas. It has a boat-yard, manufactures of boots and shoes, brass and iron, soap, oils and chemicals, etc. It is the seat of the Thomas Crane Library, and Woodward Institute. Here are large quantities of the celebrated Quincy granite, which is exported to nearly all parts of the Union. The railroad constructed in 1826-27 for the transportation of the granite for the Bunker Hill Monument, about 3 miles long and operated by horse-power, was the first railroad in the United States. Quincy is the birthplace of John Hancock, of John Adams, second president of the United States, and of his son, John Quincy Adams. Pop. in 1900, 23,899. Quincy includes several villages within its municipal limits.
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
1911 - Auto Accident
Four year old Daniel Dhooge ran from his home on Glen Cove place, Quincy, yesterday afternoon out on to the street, directly in the path of an automobile. The machine struck him and knocked him down. He was picked up and taken to the Quincy Hospital, where physicians have little hopes of his recovery. The automobile is owned by William N. McKenna, Jr., of 1551 Center street, Roslindale.
The Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
September 4, 1911
Four year old Daniel Dhooge ran from his home on Glen Cove place, Quincy, yesterday afternoon out on to the street, directly in the path of an automobile. The machine struck him and knocked him down. He was picked up and taken to the Quincy Hospital, where physicians have little hopes of his recovery. The automobile is owned by William N. McKenna, Jr., of 1551 Center street, Roslindale.
The Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
September 4, 1911
1961 - First Nuclear-Powered Surface Vessel
First nuclear-powered surface vessel launched at Quincy
First nuclear-powered surface vessel launched at Quincy
2023 - Here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Quincy:
Adams National Historical Park:
Start your visit to Quincy with a trip to Adams National Historical Park. This park preserves the birthplaces, homes, and burial places of the second and sixth Presidents of the United States, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. You can take guided tours of the historic houses, explore beautiful gardens, and learn about the lives of these influential figures in American history.
Quincy Quarries Reservation:
For outdoor enthusiasts, Quincy Quarries Reservation is a must-visit. It's a former granite quarry that has been transformed into a rock climbing destination. Even if you're not into climbing, it's a great place for a hike or a picnic. The graffiti-covered cliffs make it a unique and picturesque spot for photography.
Wollaston Beach:
Quincy boasts a scenic coastline along Quincy Bay, and Wollaston Beach is one of the highlights. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, sunbathing, or swimming during the summer months. There are also numerous... Read MORE...
Adams National Historical Park:
Start your visit to Quincy with a trip to Adams National Historical Park. This park preserves the birthplaces, homes, and burial places of the second and sixth Presidents of the United States, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. You can take guided tours of the historic houses, explore beautiful gardens, and learn about the lives of these influential figures in American history.
Quincy Quarries Reservation:
For outdoor enthusiasts, Quincy Quarries Reservation is a must-visit. It's a former granite quarry that has been transformed into a rock climbing destination. Even if you're not into climbing, it's a great place for a hike or a picnic. The graffiti-covered cliffs make it a unique and picturesque spot for photography.
Wollaston Beach:
Quincy boasts a scenic coastline along Quincy Bay, and Wollaston Beach is one of the highlights. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, sunbathing, or swimming during the summer months. There are also numerous... Read MORE...
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Discover Your Roots: Quincy Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were born or died in Quincy.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
Nathaniel BRACKETT (23 September 1678, Braintree, Massachusetts, USA - May 1743, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)John GLOVER (18 September 1687, Dorchester, Massachusetts, USA - 6 July 1768, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)Nathan SPEAR (10 August 1703, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA - 1759, Boston, Massachusetts, USA)
Mary HORTON (22 December 1704, Milton, Massachusetts, USA - 19 December 1775, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)Susanna BOYLSTON (5 March 1708, Brookline, Massachusetts, USA - 17 April 1797, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)Gilford FIELD (1720, - 22 November 1804, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)Richard NEWCOMB (1728, - 5 December 1804, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)John BILLINGS (1729, - 12 November 1812, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)Thomas CLEVERLY (1729, - 18 April 1818, Quincy, Massachusetts, USA)Ancestors Who Were Married in Quincy, Massachusetts, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Quincy.View Them Now
Frank Porter WATERHOUSE (2 October 1856 - 26 May 1935) and Alice Dunbar BRIGHAM ( - ) married 6 September 1913Lawrence W LYONS (3 June 1881 - December 1954) and Anna Gertrude REARDON (June 10, 1886 - July 1968) married 25 June 1913Howard Brooks WHITE (20 May 1900 - 21 May 1956) and Marjorie Lucille RIPLEY (9 January 1896 - 17 September 1981) married 26 June 1924Lendall Augustine MAINS (28 July 1914 - 16 October 1979) and Barbara ROSS ( 9 June 1917 - ) married 20 November 1935Leroy Burton BAKER (17 September 1907 - 8 November 1981) and 
Ethel Marie CLARK (22 November 1919 - 24 June 2003) married December 1941Clifford Ashton PAYNE (28 January 1922 - 21 November 1998) and Agnes Marie ANDERSON (29 March 1921 - 16 June 2003) married 1945
Ronald Cameron "Jake" COOK (20 November 1922 - 14 September 2011) and June Marie HUGHES (4 June 1933 - 5 July 1987) married 17 October 1954
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