History of Leicester, Massachusetts, USA

1714 - Leicester is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

General Henry Knox and his troops passed through here in the winter of 1775-76 with a load of 59 cannons pulled by teams of oxen.
The cannons were captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. They were transported from Lake Champlain to Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts and used by George Washington's army on March 17, 1776 (Evacuation Day) to free Boston from British control during the American Revolutionary War.

General Henry Knox Trail - Historic Marker reads:
"Through this place passed General Henry Knox in the winter of 1775-1776 to deliver to General George Washington at Cambridge the train of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga used to force the British army to evacuate Boston."

1839 - Leicester
Leicester, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This town is on the height of ground between Boston harbor and Connecticut river. It lies 46 miles W. from Boston, 6 W.S.W. from Worcester, 42 E.S.E. from Northampton, and 44 N.W. from Providence. It was first settled in 1713. Its Indian name was Towlaid. Population, 1837, 2,122. This town is well watered by French river, and branches of the Connecticut and Blackstone, which rise here, and afford mill sites for numerous manufactories.

Leicester Academy was founded in 1784. It has considerable funds, commodious buildings, and is highly respectable. It accommodates 100 pupils throughout the year.

The surface of the town is uneven with a strong, deep soil. There are 5 woolen mills in the town, and manufactures of machines, hand cards, machine cards, chairs, cabinet ware, scythes, leather, boots and shoes: total value the year ending April 1, 1837, $531,939.

A society of Jews built a synagogue and resided here from 1777 to 1783. They... Read MORE...

1845 - LEICESTER. [Pop. 1,707. Inc. 1714.]
Leicester originally included Spencer, and part of Auburn and
Paxton.

During the Revolution, a society of (about 70) Jews came hither from Newport, R. I., and erected the first, if not the only synagogue
ever built in the State, but now not one of the society remains.

Sources of the Blackstone, Quaboag and French River rise in Leicester.

The main village is on a high hill, and Clappville, a manufacturing
village, is about four miles from it.

The chief manufactures are woollen goods, and machine and hand
cards.

Distance from Worcester, 6 miles ; from Boston, 46.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Leicester
This township was purchased. of the Indians on the 7th of June, 1686-7, by Joshua Lamb, Richard Draper, Samuel Ruggles, and others. The natives called the place Towtaid, but by the English, before the present name was given, it was called Strawberry-hill. The settlement was not made till many years after the purchase.

In the beginning of 1713, the proprietors petitioned the general court for a confirmation of the purchase; which was granted, on the condition that within 7 years from that time 50 families should be settled on a part of the tract, and that a sufficient quantity of land should be reserved for the gospel ministry there and a school. The court ordered that the town should be named Leicester. It appears that the 50 families were settled on land previous to 1722, for on the 8th of Jan. of that year a deed was executed by order of the proprietors to John Stebbins and 46 others, securing to them their lands. Parts of the original purchase are now comprehended in the towns... Read MORE...

1854 - Leicester
Leicester, a post-township of Worcester county, Massachusetts, intersected by the Western railroad, 54 miles W. by S. from Boston. The Quinnebaug and branches of the Blackstone take their rise in this town ship, affording excellent water-power, which is extensively employed in manufacturing. The village is situated on a hill, commanding a beautiful prospect. It contains 2 or 3 churches, a bank, and one of the oldest academies in the state, founded in 1784. Population of the township, 2269.
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.

1890 Leicester Massachusetts
Leicester lies on high land in the central part of Worcester County, 50 miles from Boston. It is bounded on the north by Paxton, on the east by Worcester, southeast by Auburn, south by Oxford and Charlton, and west by Spencer. The assessed area is 14,650 acres; which includes the 6,287 acres of woodland in the town.

The central village (Leicester) occupies a commanding site. A range of hills lies across the town from northeast to southwest; the prominent elevations being Cary Hill north of the centre, Ballard Hill at its southwest, and Denny Hill in the southeast part. In the valleys on each side are pleasant ponds, — Sargent, Burncoat, Shaw and others; and among the hills are many springs and rivulets, — Lynde and Kettle brooks, flowing into the Blackstone River; Town-meadow Brook, into French River; Shaw Brook, into the Chicopee River, and furnishing valuable mill privileges. The higher lands especially are much broken by ledges and bowlders; the soil is clayey and wet, — better... Read MORE...

1895 - Leicester
Leicester, les’ter, a post-village of Worcester co., Mass., in Leicester township, 6 miles W.S.W. of Worcester. It contains 2 or 3 churches, the Leicester Academy, a public library, a town hall, a national bank, and savings-bank. The Boston & Albany Railroad touches the S. part of the township, which is drained by the sources of the Quinebaug River, and has manufactures of canis?. machinery, and woollen goods. It contains villages named Cherry Valley and Rochdale. Pop. of township 3120.
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
Leicester, les'ter, a banking post-village of Worcester co., Mass., in Leicester township (town), 6 miles WSW. of Worcester. It contains the Leicester Academy, a town- hall, etc. The Boston and Albany R. touches the S. part of the town, which is drained by the sources of the Quinebaug River, and has manufactures of cards and woollen goods. Pop. in 1900, 3416 ; of the village, about 1150.
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

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in and around Leicester:
Hollow Brook Golf Club:

If you're a golf enthusiast, Hollow Brook Golf Club is the place to be. Enjoy a day out on the green, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Leicester Country Club:

Another spot for golf lovers, Leicester Country Club offers a challenging course and a friendly atmosphere. It's a great place to spend a weekend morning.

Leicester Historical Society:

Explore the town's history by visiting the Leicester Historical Society. Learn about the local heritage through exhibits and artifacts that showcase the development of the community.

Cedar Meadow Lake:

For a peaceful day by the water, head to Cedar Meadow Lake. It's a serene spot where you can fish, have a picnic, or simply relax by the lakeside.

Leicester Town Common:

The town common is a central gathering place. You might find community events, farmers' markets, or just locals enjoying a sunny day. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll.

Leicester Public Library:

If you're a bookworm or... Read MORE...