History of Wenham, Massachusetts, USA

Wenham was first settled in 1635 as a part of Salem

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

In September 1643, the General Court of Massachusetts granted that Wenham should be a town in its own right and send a representative to the General Court. It was the first town to be set off from Salem.

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

The year 1692 saw the witchcraft hysteria in which Sara Good, raised in Wenham, was hanged as a witch.

www.wenhamma.gov/ wenham_history.php

1839 - Wenham
Wenham, Massachusetts
Essex county. This town is 20 miles N. by E. from Boston, 6 N. from Salem, and 16 S. from Newburyport. First settled, 1643. Population, 1837, 689.

Wenham or Enon pond is a beautiful sheet of water, about a mile square, and affords an abundance of excellent fish. It is much visited. The first sermon preached in this place was on the border of this pond, by the celebrated Hugh Peters, minister of Salem, about the year 1636. His text was, "At Enon near Salem, because there was much water there."

Mr. Peters went to England, as agent for the colony, 1641; engaged in the civil wars on the side of the parliament, and was executed after the restoration of Charles II.

The surface of the town is pleasant: the soil is generally of a good quality, and well cultivated by industrious and independent farmers.

John Duntan, an Englishman who travelled in this country in 1686, and on his return to England published a journal of his travels, gives the following account ... Read MORE...

1845 - WENHAM. [Pop. 689. Inc. 1643.]
While a part of Salem, Wenham was called Enon. [John 3 : 23.] The inhabitants are mostly farmers, and the soil is generally good. Wenham Pond, on the edge of Beverly, is a beautiful sheet of water.

Distance from Salem, 6 miles; from Boston, 21.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 (Wenham) - In 1854, it was voted to build a Town Hall since the Meeting House was no longer adequate.

www.wenhamma.gov/ wenham_history.php

1854 - Wenham
Wenham, a post-township of Essex co., Massachusetts, intersected by the Eastern railroad, 21 miles N. by E. from Boston. The manufacture of boots and shoes is an import ant branch of business. Wenham pond furnishes large quantities of ice for exportation. Population, 977.
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 - The citizens of Wenham, Mass., have resolved that no bees shall be kept in that town.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 11, 1868

1869 - One hundred and fifty acres of woodland in Wenham, Mass., belonging to Mr. White, were burned over lately. Two thousand cords of hard wood ready for market were also destroyed.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 15, 1869

1890 Wenham Massachusetts
Wenham lies in the southern part of Essex County, 22 miles northeast of Boston on the main line of the Eastern Division of the Boston and Maine Railroad, which has a station at the central village. The post-offices are Wenham and Wenham Depot. The villages bear these names; also, of Maple-wood, East Wenham and Wenham Neck.

The boundaries are Hamilton on the north, Manchester on the east, Beverly on the south, and Danvers and Topsfield on the west. The assessed area is 4,490 acres; of which 1,254 are woodland. Along the village streets and beside many a comfortable farm-house are handsome elms and maples. In every direction are good roads and pleasant drives. Gracefully rounded hills, and the line of lakes at the middle of the town, contribute to form scenery of especial loveliness. Wenham Lake — famous for its ice — has an area of some 320 acres, about one half of which, however, is in Beverly. Northward are Cedar and Muddy ponds, of about 20 acres each, and Pleasant Pond (of late... Read MORE...

1895 - Wenham
Wen'ham, a post-village in Essex co., Mass., in Wenham township, on the Eastern Railroad, 22 miles N.N.E. of Boston. It has 2 churches, and manufactures of boots and shoes. Here is Wenham Lake, from which large quantities of ice are exported. From Wenham Station branch railroads extend to Essex and Asbury Grove. Pop. of the township, 985.
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
Wenham, a post-village of Essex co., Mass., in Wenham township (town), on the Boston and Maine R., 22 miles NNE. of Boston. Here is Wenham Lake. Pop. of the town in 1900, 847.
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 things to do in Wenham:
1. Wenham Museum:
Start your exploration of Wenham at the Wenham Museum. It's a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town's history. From antique toys to local memorabilia, you'll get a glimpse into Wenham's past.

2. Gordon College:
Take a stroll around the beautiful campus of Gordon College. The architecture and landscaping are picturesque, making it a peaceful place for a walk. Check out any ongoing events or performances at the college for a cultural experience.

3. Wenham Tea House:
Enjoy a delightful afternoon tea at the Wenham Tea House. This charming spot not only offers a variety of teas but also serves delicious pastries and sandwiches. The cozy atmosphere adds to the overall experience.

4. Wenham Village Improvement Society (WVIS) Trails:
If you're a nature enthusiast, explore the trails maintained by the Wenham Village Improvement Society. The WVIS trails take you through scenic landscapes, including forests and wetlands, providing a serene ... Read MORE...