History of Barre, Massachusetts, USA

1720 - Barre is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1774 - Barre is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Barre
Barre, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This excellent agricultural township is on high land and is well watered, particularly by Ware river, on which are many mills. The manufactures of Barre for the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to about $365,000. The articles manufactures were woollen and cotton goods, ($161,000) copper pumps, boots, shoes, carriages, leather, palm-leaf hats, ($167,200) straw bonnets, axes, scythes, and gunpowder. Large quantities of beef, butter, cheese, &c, are annually sent from this town to Boston market. It was incorporated in 1774. Population, 1837, 2,713. It lies 65 miles W. by S. from Boston, 24 N. by W. from Worcester, and 15 N.E. from Ware. Barre took its name in honor of Col. Barre, an eloquent friend of America in the British Parliament.
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 - BARRE. [Pop. 2,751 Inc. 1774.]
Barre, (pronounced Barry), was a part of Rutland, and called Hutchinson from 1774 to 1777, when its name was changed to Barre,
in honor of Colonel Barre, a member of the British parliament, who
defended the cause of the American colonies when Gov. Hutchinson was betraying it.

The soil is excellent, and the produce considerable. The most
important manufactories are situated on Ware river and its branches, and the chief articles made are cotton and woollen goods, gunpowder,
and palm-leaf hats.

Distance from Worcester, 21 miles ; from Boston, 60.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Barre
This town was the north west part of Rutland original grant. It was made a district in 1749, and called Rutland District, until it was incorporated a town in 1774; when the name of Barre was given to it, as a token of respect to Col. Barre, a worthy friend of America, at that time a member of the British house of commons. The Congregational church was gathered here in 1753, and Rev. Thomas Frink was installed their pastor. He was dismissed in 1766, and was succeeded the next year by Rev. Josiah Dana. Mr. Dana died in 1801, and was succeeded by Rev. James Thompson in 1804. A Trinitarian society was formed here in 1827. Their first pastor, Rev. John Storrs, was ordained in 1829. He was succeeded by Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor in 1832. The succeeding ministers were Rev. John F. Stone, installed in 1834, and Rev. Samuel A. Fay, in 1837.

The above is a southern view in the central part of Barre, as seen from the Barre Hotel. The Unitarian church appears in the central part of the engraving; ... Read MORE...

1854 - Barre
Barre, a post-township of Worcester county, Massachusetts, about 55 miles W. from Boston, well watered by the Ware river, which affords many valuable mill-seats. It is noted for its extensive manufacture of woollen and cotton goods, shoes, &c. Population, 2976.
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.

1869 - A correspondent of the New England Farmer says the town of Barre maybe considered the banner town in Massachusetts cheese making.
There are three cheese factories, having 875 cows; receiving 25,800 pounds of milk daily, manufacturing 2,900 pounds of cheese daily.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
July 24, 1869

Barre Massachusetts, 1890
Barre is an old town near the geographical centre of the State, which had thrifty days in the stage-coach times ; and since the railroad (Massachusetts Central and Ware River railroads, Boston and Albany system) has entered and established stations at Barre (central village) and Barre Plains, the place has taken a fresh start.

Worcester lies at the southwest, about 21 miles away, and Boston is 60 miles eastward. The town lies in the western part of the middle belt of Worcester County ; having Hubbardston on the northeast, Rutland and Oakham on the southeast, New Braintree and Hardwick on the southwest, and Dana and Petersham on the northwest. Its form is nearly square, with angles at the cardinal points of the compass. The area is 26,442 acres ; or, adding the highways and water surfaces, upwards of 42 square miles. Prince River rises in the north, where there is a pretty pond, runs southward to Barre Plains, in the southern part of the town, where it joins Ware River; this being... Read MORE...

1895 - Barre
Bar're, a post-village of Worcester co., Mass, in Barre township, about 20 miles N.W. of Worcester, and 60 miles W. of Boston. It has a national bank, a savings-bank, 5 churches, and manufactures of cotton, wool, straw hats, &c. One weekly newspaper is published here. Barre township is intersected by Ware River, and has a station named Barre Plains, on the Ware River Railroad. Pop. (1890) 2239.
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
Bar're, a banking post-village and township (town) of Worcester CO., Mass., on the Boston and Albany and the Boston and Maine Rs., 18 miles NW. of Worcester and 60 miles W. of Boston. It has manufactures of lumber, foundry products, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2059.
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

2023 - Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing day out, Barre has something to offer. Here's a list to get you started:
Barre Common: Start your exploration at the heart of the town, Barre Common. This historic town green is surrounded by picturesque homes and the quintessential New England white-steepled church. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll and some people-watching.

Barre Historical Society and Museum: Dive into Barre's past at the Historical Society and Museum. Learn about the town's history, prominent figures, and see artifacts that tell the story of Barre's evolution over the years.

Barre Falls Dam: Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to Barre Falls Dam. It's a scenic spot for hiking, bird watching, or a relaxing picnic. The dam itself is an impressive structure, and the trails around it offer stunning views.

Barre Sculpture Studio and Gardens: Explore the artistic side of Barre at the Barre Sculpture Studio and Gardens. This unique spot features a sculpture garden with works by local artists. It's a peaceful and creative space that showcases the town's artistic... Read MORE...