History of Townsend, Massachusetts, USA

1676 - Townsend is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1732 - Townsend is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Townsend
Townsend, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. The surface of this town is rather level; some parts are pine plains. The soil is generally light, but in some sections it is productive, particularly of fruit trees. It is watered by a branch of the Nashua, a beautiful mill stream, on which are divers mechanical operations. "Townsend Harbor," on the road from Groton to New Ipswich, N.H., is an active, pleasant village. The manufactures of this town consist of leather, palm-leaf hats, boots, shoes, ploughs, straw bonnets, fish barrels, nail kegs, and dry casks; annual value, about $75,000. This town was incorporated in 1732. Population in 1830, 1,506; 1837, 1,749. It lies 38 miles N. from Boston, and 22 N.W. from Concord.
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 - TOWNSEND. [Pop. 1,892. Inc. 1732.]
Townsend is situated at the northwestern extremity of the county, and were it not for Ashby, it would be the end of the towns, as its name implies.

Several small streams unite in this town and form the Squanicook, which is a branch of the Nashua.

A considerable village in the eastern part of the town, is called Townsend Harbor.

The chief manufactures are palm-leaf hats, and leather, but the chief dependence is upon agriculture.

Distance from Concord, 22 miles ; from Boston 38.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Townsend
This town was incorporated in 1732. The land in this township is more level than the towns to the north and west; most of it is gently undulating, and some of it consists of level pine plains. The soil generally is not of the first quality; there are, however, some good farms in the town, and the soil is generally good for fruit-trees of all kinds which are common in this part of the country. In the central part of the town there is a village, containing two Congregational churches, one of which is Unitarian. Several brooks unite in this town, and form Squanicook river, which discharges its waters into the Nashua. In the eastern part of the town there is a village called Townsend Harbor, where there are several mills, stores, &c. Population, 1,749. Distance, 22 miles from Concord, 8 from Fitchburg, and 38 from Boston, in 1837, there were manufactured here 159,700 palm leaf hats, valued at $22,750; the value of fish barrels, nail kegs and dry casks manufactured, was $9,357; there were... Read MORE...

1854 - Townsend
Townsend, a post-village in Middlesex co., Massachusetts, 40 miles N. W. by W. from Boston, on Squanticook river, and the Peter borough and Shirley railroad, contains 2 or 3 churches. Pop. of the township, 1947.

Townsend Harbor, a post-village in Middle sex co., Massachusetts, on the Peterborough and Shirley railroad, 42 miles N. W. from Boston, contains a number of mills.
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.

1870 - The Congregational church at Townsend Centre, Mass., have discontinued the use of fermented wines at their communion services, using instead the expressed juice of raisins.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 26, 1870

1890 Townsend Massachusetts
Townsend is a large town of unusual scenic beauty in the northwesterly section of Middlesex County, 45 miles northwest of Boston. Pepperell and Shirley bound it on the east, Lunenburg on the south and southwest, Ashley [Ashby] on the west, and Mason and Brookline, in N.H., on the north.

Harbor, Little Goose, Davis, Worden and Walker ponds beautify the town. The Squannacook River, formed in the western part of the town, flows across its midst southeasterly, affording, with its numerous tributary brooks, many useful powers. Along its valley runs the Peterboro and Shirley Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, having stations at the villages of Townsend Harbor, Townsend (centre) and West Townsend, which are also post-offices. Other villages are Townsend Hill in the northeast and Rogersville in the southwest. Several beautiful eminences beautify the landscape along the southern and western borders, while Barker and. West hills, in the northern section, are wild and woody heights; while over ... Read MORE...

1895 - Townsend / Townsend Centre / Townsend Harbor / West Townsend
Townsend, or Townsend Centre, a post-village in Townsend township, Middlesex co., Mass., on the Squannacook River, and on a branch of the Fitchburg Railroad, about 22 miles W. of Lowell, and 44 miles W.N.W. of Boston. It has 3 churches, a national bank, and several factories. The name of its post-office is Townsend. Pop. of the township (which contains Townsend Harbor and W. Townsend) in 1880, 1967; in 1890, 1750.
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
Townsend, a banking post-village in Townsend town ship (town), Middlesex co., Mass., on the Squannacook River and on the Boston and Maine R., 22 miles W. of Lowell. It has manufactures of lumber and brooms. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1804.
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 go and things to do in Townsend:
Willard Brook State Forest:

If you love the outdoors, Willard Brook State Forest is a must-visit. It offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and beautiful picnic areas. The forest is particularly stunning during the fall when the foliage is at its peak.

Pearl Hill State Park:

Another great outdoor destination, Pearl Hill State Park, is known for its scenic views and recreational activities. It's a fantastic spot for hiking, bird watching, and enjoying a relaxing day by the water.

Squannacook River Rail Trail:

For those who enjoy biking or taking a leisurely stroll, the Squannacook River Rail Trail is a wonderful option. This scenic trail winds along the Squannacook River, providing a peaceful and picturesque route.

Brookside Family Farm:

If you're looking for a family-friendly experience, Brookside Family Farm is a delightful spot. You can pick your own fruits and vegetables, enjoy farm activities, and perhaps indulge in some delicious homemade treats.

Townsend... Read MORE...