History of Roxbury, Massachusetts, USA*

1630 - Roxbury is settled and incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Roxbury
Roxbury, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. This town is joined to Boston by a neck of land, over which are broad and pleasant avenues. Between the centre of each town is about 3 miles. The surface is rocky and uneven, with a strong soil in a high state of cultivation. It displays a great degree of agricultural taste and skill, and abounds in country seats and pleasure grounds. That part of this town bordering on Jamaica pond, 4 miles S.W. from Boston, is exceedingly pleasant. This town and Boston were incorporated the same year, (1630;) and nothing but municipal regulations divide their interests and feelings. Population, 1810, 3,669; 1820, 4,135; 1830, 5,247; 1837, 7,493.

The first hourly coach from Boston commenced running to this town in 1827. There are now a large number continually running between the two places, and not less than 250,000 persons pass annually. Since that time, others of a similar kind have been established to Charlestown, Cambridge, Dorchester, &c., and tend... Read MORE...

1845 - ROXBURY. [Pop. 9,089 Inc. 1630.]
Roxbury, the largest town in Norfolk County, is the only town naturally united to Boston by land.

On a level tract, called Jamaica Plain, is a beautiful pond, about four miles from Boston centre, from which many families in Boston are supplied with fresh water, by means of an aqueduct of logs and iron pipes under ground.

The first minister of Roxbury was John Eliot, so distinguished as a missionary among the neighboring Indians that he was called the Apostle.

General Joseph Warren, who was killed at Bunker Hill, was born here in 1740, and his mansion is still standing in Warren Street. William Heath, also a General in the Army of the Revolution, was a citizen of Roxbury.

Roxbury was the birth-place of Governors Thomas Dudley,Joseph Dudley, and Increase Sumner, and the residences of Governors Shirley, and Eustis.

Its vicinity to the metropolis causes it to be highly cultivated, and
rapidly to increase in population.

Distance from Dedham, 7 miles ; from Boston,... Read MORE...

1846 - Roxbury is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1854 - Roxbury
Roxbury, a beautiful city of Norfolk county, Massachusetts, 8 miles S. from Boston, with which it is connected by what is termed "Boston Neck." Leading over this neck are three broad avenues, which are traversed by numerous lines of stages plying between the two cities. Much of the site now occupied by Roxbury was originally rocky and very irregular, but of late has been greatly improved. Portions of it are quite elevated, affording fine views of Boston and the surrounding scenery. It would perhaps be difficult to find concentrated in any city of equal extent such a diversity of surface, or so many elements of the picturesque. The private edifices, all of which are neat, and some very elegant, are, for the most part, enclosed by spacious grounds adorned with flower gardens and a profusion of shrubbery ; indeed, few places have been more improved by the horticulturist. For several years past the city has been very flourishing, owing in part to its having become a favorite place of... Read MORE...

1854 - October 1 - The watch company founded in 1850 in Roxbury by Aaron Lufkin Dennison relocates to Waltham, Massachusetts, to become the Waltham Watch Company, a pioneer in the American System of Watch Manufacturing.

historyorb.com

1867 - Annexed to Boston
Roxbury was incorporated as a town September 28, 1630; as a city March 12, 1846; and was annexed to Boston June 1, 1867.

A Gazetteer of the State of Massachusetts, with Numerous Illustrations Rev. Elias Nason, M.A.; revised and enlarged by George J. Varney. Boston: B.B. Russell. 1890, 724 pages

1868 - In the city of Boston there are 507 streets, and 489 courts and places. The newly acquired Roxbury adds 107 streets, and 101 courts and places.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 1, 1868

1869 - An Israelite in Roxbury, Mass., was recently fined for keeping open his store on Sunday.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 20, 1869

1895 - Roxbury / Boston Highlands
Roxbury, or Boston Highlands, a former city of Norfolk co, Mass., on Massachusetts Bay, 3 miles S.S.W. of Boston. The site is elevated and uneven, and affords fine views of picturesque scenery. Here are many elegant residences, with gardens and ornamented grounds. In 1867 Roxbury was annexed to Boston, of which it forms the 13th, 14th, and 15th wards. It has 20 churches, 2 banks, a high school, 2 newspaper offices, manufactures of steam engines, boilers, fire-engines, chemicals, carpets, clocks, leather, paper, cordage, fringes, tassels, &c., and is connected with the city proper by electric street-railways and lines of horse-cars.
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
Roxbury, or Boston Highlands, a former city of Suffolk co., Mass., on Massachusetts Bay, 3 miles SSW. of Boston, of which it now constitutes a part. Here are many elegant residences, with gardens and ornamented grounds. It has numerous and varied manufactures.
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

1967 - June 2 - Race riots in Roxbury section of Boston

historyorb.com
June 2, 1967

Here's a list of some of the best places to go and things to do in Roxbury, Massachusetts:
Explore Franklin Park
Franklin Park is a gem in Roxbury. This expansive park is not only a great place for a leisurely stroll, but it also houses the Franklin Park Zoo. The zoo is home to a diverse array of animals and is a fantastic spot for families or anyone with an appreciation for wildlife.

Visit the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
This museum is a celebration of African American culture and art. It features a wide range of exhibits that highlight the rich history and contributions of African Americans to the arts. It's a wonderful place to explore and gain insights into the vibrant heritage of the community.

Dudley Square
Dudley Square is the heart of Roxbury and a bustling commercial center. You'll find a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural institutions here. It's a great spot to experience the local flavor, grab a coffee, or explore some of the unique boutiques.

John Eliot Square
This historic square is named after John Eliot, a Puritan... Read MORE...