History of Braintree, Massachusetts, USA

Braintree was founded on land first colonized in 1625 by Captain Wollaston, and initially named Mount Wollaston.

www.braintreema.gov/ about_history.html

1640 - Braintree is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Braintree
Braintree, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. This town formerly included Quincy and Randolph, and was first called Mount Wollaston. It is celebrated for the antiquity of its settlement, (1625) and for the eminent men it has produced, both in church and state. The surface of the town is variegated by hill and dale, presenting many delightful views of Boston, its harbor and the adjacent country. The soil is a strong gravelly loam, and very productive. Excellent granite abounds here, of which large quantities are annually quarried and transported; and some of the best merchant ships are built of native white oak and cedar. The holley tree (Ilex aquifolium) is indigenous. Indications of coal have been so strong as to warrant an attempt at mining. The Manatiquot river, which rises in Randolph, after meandering through this town and receiving the waters of Great and Little ponds, meets the tide waters of Boston harbor, at Braintree landing, on Weymouth Fore river, 11 miles from Boston. At this ... Read MORE...

1845 - BRAINTREE. [Pop. 2,168 Inc.1640.]
Braintree formerly included Quincy and Randolph. The town of Quincy contains the oldest settlement.

The Maniquot river passes through the town, and unites with Weymouth Fore river, at Braintree Landing.

The chief manufactures are boots, shoes, nails, and paper.

Distance from Dedham, 12 miles ; from Boston, 10.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Braintree
This town formerly included Quincy and Randolph, and was at first called Mount Wollaston, and is one of the most ancient places in the state, the first settlement being made in the town as early as 1625. The ancient history of Braintree now properly comes under the head of Quincy, as Mount Wollaston, the place where the first settlement was made, is within the limits of that town. Braintree was incorporated in 1640, Quincy in 1792.

The soil of this township, though not very fertile, is strong, and well repays cultivation. The Maniquot river, after passing through this town and affording many mill sites, meets the tide-waters of Weymouth Fore river at Braintree landing. In the town are manufactories of cotton, satinet, shovels, paper, nails, and chocolate; large quantities of shoes are made here. There is excellent granite found here, and large quantities are exported; ship-building is also carried on to some extent. There are 3 churches, one of which is Unitarian. On the eastern... Read MORE...

1854 - Braintree
Braintree, a post-township of Norfolk co., Mass., on the S. Shore and Old Colony railroad, 10 miles S. by E. of Boston. Pop., 2969.
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.

Braintree Massachusetts, 1890
Braintree, one of the most respectable and ancient towns of the State, lies in the northeastern part of Norfolk County, 10 miles south of Boston, on the Old Colony Railroad. The stations, villages and post-offices are Braintree, South Braintree, and East Braintree. It is bounded on the northwest and north by Quincy, east by Weymouth, south by Holbrook, and southwest and west by Randolph. The area is 7,956 acres, aside from the highways and water surfaces. There are 1,997 acres of woodland, consisting chiefly of oak and pine. The holly tree (Ilex aquifolium) is indigenous here. Along the highways are numerous elms and maples, some of which have been growing fifty years.

Gooch, or Great, Pond, in the westerly part, contains about 150 acres; Little Pond, near South Braintree village, about 75 acres; and Cranberry Pond, at the south, 25 acres. The surface of the town is agreeably diversified by several eminences, affording fine views, but none of great height, except on the northwest... Read MORE...

1895 - Braintree
Brain'tree, a post-village of Norfolk co., Mass, in Braintree township, on the Old Colony Railroad, at its junction with the Granite Branch and with the South Shore Railroad (operated as a branch of the Old Colony), 10 miles S. of Boston. It has several churches, a savings-bank, a public library, a newspaper office, and Thayer Academy, which has a fund of $200,000. P. of township (1890), 4848. The township has granite-quarries, and manufactures of boots, carpets, paper, organs, shovels, twine, tacks, &c. It contains villages named South Braintree and East Braintree.
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
Braintree, a post-village of Norfolk co., Mass., in Braintree township (town), on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 10 miles S. of Boston. The town has granite-quarries and manufactures of absorbent linen, filters, carpets, leather, engines, etc. The banking point is Quincy. Down to 1792, Braintree included what is now Quincy, the birthplace of John Adams, John Hancook, and John Quincy Adams. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5981.
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

Braintree is the site of the infamous 1920 murders that led to the trial of Sacco and Vanzetti.

wikipedia.org

2023 - Braintree, Massachusetts, has a lot to offer in terms of both places to go and things to do. Here's a list:
Braintree Farmers Market:

If you're a fan of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and a vibrant community atmosphere, the Braintree Farmers Market is a must-visit. It usually runs from June to October.

Blue Hills Reservation:

Just a short drive away, Blue Hills Reservation offers fantastic hiking trails, scenic views, and recreational activities. It's a perfect escape into nature.

South Shore Plaza:

For shopping enthusiasts, South Shore Plaza is a premier shopping destination with a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

General Sylvanus Thayer Birthplace:

History buffs will appreciate a visit to the birthplace of General Sylvanus Thayer, a prominent figure in American military history.

Thayer Public Library:

The Thayer Public Library is not just a place for book lovers; it often hosts community events, lectures, and activities for all ages.

Braintree Town Hall:

Explore the town's civic life by visiting Braintree Town Hall. The... Read MORE...