History of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, USA

1722 - Shrewsbury is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1727 - Shrewsbury 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 - Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This is an agricultural town of a pleasing variety of surface, and good soil, 36 miles W. by S. from Boston and 6 E. from Worcester. Quinsigamond or Long Pond lies principally in this town. It is nearly four miles in length and from 40 to 250 rods in width. It empties into the Blackstone river and canal, and produces a considerable hydraulic power. A floating bridge crosses this pond for the accommodation of the Worcester turnpike, 525 feet in length, built in 1818, and cost $6,000.

The manufactures of Shrewsbury consist of clothing, guns, hats, chairs, straw bonnets, leather, boots, shoes, &c.: the value of which, during the year ending April 1, 1837, was $211,287. The town was incorporated, 1727. Population, 1830, 1,386; 1837, 1,507.

Levi Pease, the father of mail stages in this country, was a native of this town. He died here in 1824, aged 86. Mr. Pease was a man of great enterprise; he projected the first turnpike road in New... Read MORE...

1845 - SHREWSBURY. [Pop. 1,481. Inc. 1727.]
This town was originally granted to some citizens of Marlborough, in Middlesex county, and included the whole town of Bolyston, and part of West Boylston, Sterling, Westborough, and Grafton.

Long Pond, the principal feeder of the Blackstone Canal, lies between Shrewsbury and Worcester.

General Artemas Ward, who commanded the whole American army before the appointment of Washington, was a native of Shrewsbury.

In 1784, Levi Pease, a citizen of Shrewsbury, started the first line of mail-coaches between New York and Boston. The mail, or letter-bag, had been previously carried once a fortnight, on horseback, in a pair of common saddle-bags. Now, it goes at least once a day, and often weighs several tons.

The town depends mainly upon agriculture, but many shoes and much clothing are made here.

Distance from Worcester, 6 miles ; from Boston, 36.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Shrewsbury
This township was granted to certain persons in 1717, most of whom belonged to Marlborough, and was originally larger than at present. It began to he settled the same year by a few people from Marlborough; but the settlement did not progress as rapidly as some other towns in its vicinity. Indeed, at that time people, not deeming it a good tract of land, passed through and took up their residence elsewhere. Such progress was, however, made, in the course of ten years, that application was made to the general court to be invested with full town privileges. This petition was granted, and the town incorporated in 1727. The town originally included most of what is now Boylston, most of West Boylston, and a portion of Sterling, Westborough, and Grafton. It is a remarkable fact that the name of Indian, as is stated, does not occur on the records of the town. They had, some years before, retired to a distance too great to alarm the first settlers.

The first church was gathered in this town ... Read MORE...

1854 - Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury, a post-township in Worcester co., Massachusetts, 38 miles W. by S. from Boston. Population, 1596.
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 Shrewsbury Massachusetts
Shrewsbury is situated on high land in the easterly part of Worcester County, and has Boylston on the north, Northborough and Westborough on the east, Grafton on the south, and Worcester on the west. The assessed area is 12,746 acres. The forests occupy 2,816 acres.

The geological basis of this locality is Merrimack schist and calcareous gneiss. There is a mineral spring, highly impregnated with sulphur, on the Leonard farm, in the easterly part of the town; and in the southwesterly part there is a large meadow containing excellent peat. The land is remarkably uneven; and, in passing through the town, the traveller meets with a constant succession of rounded hills and winding valleys. The scenic views are very charming, Rawson Hill, Harlow's Hill, Sewall's Hill, and Meeting-house Hill, in the northern section, are all beautiful and commanding eminences. Ward Hill in the east, Green Hill in the southeast, and Prospect Hill. in the southwest corner, well repay the lover of the... Read MORE...

1895 - Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury, shrooz'ber-e, a post-village in Shrewsbury township, Worcester co., Mass, about 6 miles by rail N.E. of Worcester, and 36 miles W. of Boston. It has 2 churches, an academy, and manufactures of boots, tin-ware, &c. The township is bounded on the W. by Quinsigamond Lake, 4 miles long. Pop. of the township, 1524.
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
Shrewsbury, a post-village in Shrewsbury township (town), Worcester co., Mass., 6 miles NE. of Worcester. The town is bounded on the W. by Quinsigamond Lake, 4 miles long. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1626.
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 places to go and things to do in Shrewsbury:
Dean Park: Dean Park is a beautiful spot for outdoor enthusiasts. It features walking trails, a playground for kids, and plenty of open space for picnics. It's a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

Shrewsbury Public Library: If you're a book lover, don't miss the Shrewsbury Public Library. It offers a wide selection of books, magazines, and digital resources. The library also hosts various events and programs throughout the year.

Shrewsbury Historical Society: Explore the town's rich history at the Shrewsbury Historical Society. You can learn about Shrewsbury's past through exhibits and artifacts, including a well-preserved one-room schoolhouse.

Lake Quinsigamond: This beautiful lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and picnicking. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a day on the water. The lake's scenic views make it a popular spot for photography as well.

Farmers' Markets: Check out one of the local farmers' markets, like the Shrewsbury Farmers... Read MORE...