History of Douglas, Massachusetts, USA

1721 - Douglas is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1746 - Douglass is incorporated

1845 - DOUGLASS. [Pop. 1,617. Inc. 1746.]
Douglass was settled by persons from Sherburne, in Middlesex
county, and was called New Sherburne, until its incorporation, when
it was named Douglass, in honor of William Douglass, an eccentric physician of Boston, who wrote a sort of history of the British
colonies, and opposed inoculation for the small pox, but who was a
benefactor to this town.

Mumford River, a branch of the Blackstone, rises in Douglass.

Cotton goods, axes and hatchets, are the chief manufactures.

Distance from Worcester, 18 miles ; from Boston, 47.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Douglass
This town was granted about 1700, and began to be settled in 1722. The first settlers came from Sherburne, in the county of Middlesex, from which circumstance it was called New Sherburne until its incorporation in the year 1746, when it received the name of Douglass, to perpetuate the name and deeds of Dr. William Douglass of Boston, originally from Scotland, an eminent physician, and author of a history of New England, in 2 vols., a proprietor and considerable benefactor. The church was gathered here in 1747, and Rev. William Phipps was ordained their first pastor. He was dismissed in 1765, and was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Stone, who was ordained in 1771. Mr. Stone died in 1837. His successor was Rev. David Holman, who was ordained in 1808. The second Congregational church was organized in 1834, and Rev. John Boardman was installed pastor in 1835.

The general face of this town is uneven, hills and vales interspersed. Rivulets and springs abound, and the people reap great advantages ... Read MORE...

1854 - Douglas
Douglas, a post-township of Worcester county, Massachusetts, 40 miles S. W. from Boston. Population, 1878.
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.

1859
DOUGLAS, a town of Massachusetts, U.S., 40 m. SW of Boston. Pop. 1,607.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

Douglas Massachusetts, 1890
Douglas is a large agricultural and manufacturing town, adjoining the Connecticut line about midway of Worcester County. It is 48 miles southwest of Boston by the New York and New England Railroad, which has a station at Douglas (centre) and at East Douglas. These are also post-offices; other villages being South and West Douglas, and Tasseltop in the southern part of the town. Oxford and Sutton are on the north, Uxbridge on the east, Burrulville, R. I., on the south, Thompson, Conn., and Webster, Mass., on the west. There are 12,043 acres of woodland, and 21,286 acres of assessed area.

The geological formation is felspathic gneiss; and bowlders of almost every shape and size are liberally scattered over the surface, which is beautifully diversified by hill and valley, lake and streamlet. Good stone for building purposes is quarried quite extensively from the gneissic ledges. The most prominent elevations are Wallum Pond Hill, 778 feet high, Mount Daniel, 735 feet, and Bald Hill,... Read MORE...

1895 - Douglas
Douglas, a post-hamlet of Worcester co., Mass., in Douglas township, 48 miles by rail W.S.W. of Boston. The township contains a larger village, named East Douglas, and has 4 churches, woollen-, saw-, and grain-mills, and a manufactory of edge-tools and axes. Pop. 1908.
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
Douglas, a post-village of Worcester co., Mass., in Douglas township (town), 48 miles by rail WSW. of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2113.
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 mix of suggestions to help you make the most of your time in Douglas:
Douglas State Forest:

Start your outdoor adventure at the Douglas State Forest. Enjoy hiking trails, fishing, and perhaps a relaxing picnic. The forest provides a serene setting for nature lovers.

Wallum Lake Park:

If you're into water activities, Wallum Lake Park is a great spot for boating, kayaking, and fishing. The scenic lake and surrounding greenery make it a peaceful place to unwind.

Douglas Flea Market:

Check out the local flea market for unique finds and antiques. It's a great way to support local vendors and discover hidden treasures.

Crystal Lake:

Spend a day at Crystal Lake. Whether you're into swimming, sunbathing, or just enjoying the view, this could be a nice spot to relax.

Dudley-Gendron American Legion Post 414:

If you're interested in local history, visit the American Legion Post 414. Learn about the town's military history and perhaps attend an event hosted by the Legion.

Local Farms:

Explore nearby farms, like Douglas Orchard &... Read MORE...