History of Ashburnham, Massachusetts, USA

1736 - Ashburnham is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1765 - Ashburnham is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Ashburnham
Ashburnham, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This township was granted to Thomas Tileston and others of Dorchester, for services in an expedition against Canada in the year 1690. For many years it was called "Dorchester Canada." It was incorporated as a town in 1765. Ashburnham lies on the height of land between the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers. It is watered by large ponds which furnish good mill seats. Its manufactures consist of cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, chairs, cabinet ware, fur and palm-leaf hats; the annual value of which is about $100,000. This town is 30 miles N. from Worcester, 50 N.W. from Boston, and 35 W. from Lowell. Population, 1837, 1,758.
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 - ASHBURNHAM. [Pop. 1,652 Inc. 1765.]
This town was granted to certain inhabitants of Dorchester, for services in Canada, in 1690, and it was called Dorchester-Canada,
till incorporated. Part of Gardner was taken from this town.

Ashburnham being on the ridge between the Connecticut and the Merrimack, some of the sources of the former run west into Miller's River, and other streams run east into the Nashua. It has several
large ponds.

The chief manufactures are leather, cabinet furniture and palm leaf hats.

Distance from Worcester, 30 miles ; from Boston, 50
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Ashburnham
This town was granted by the general court to Thomas Tileston and others, for and in consideration of services done by officers and soldiers of the ancient town of Dorchester in the expedition to Canada, in 1690, under Capt. John Withrington. This grant was formerly known by the name of “Dorchester Canada,” but at its incorporation, in 1765, it was named Ashburnham. The Congregational church was gathered here in 1760, and Rev. Jonathan Winchester was ordained their pastor. He died in 1767, and was succeeded Rev. John Cushing, D. D., in 1768. Dr. Cushing died in 1823, and was succeeded by Rev. George Perkins, in 1824. Rev. George Goodyear was installed the next pastor, in 1832. About the year 1782, the Shakers made a commencement in this town, but they have long since become extinct.

This town lies upon the highlands between Connecticut and Merrimac rivers, so that part of its waters pass through Miller’s river into the Connecticut, and part through Nashua river into the Merrimac.... Read MORE...

1854 - Ashburnham / Ashburnham Depot
Ashburnham, a post-township of Worcester county, Massachusetts, 60 miles N. W. from Boston, is intersected by the Cheshire railroad, and has a number of valuable mill seats ; with manufactures of cotton goods, boots, cabinet ware, Ac. Population, 1875.

Ashburnham Depot, a post-office of Worcester county, Massachusetts.
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
ASHBURNHAM, a township of Massachusetts, U. S., 53 m. NW of Boston, on Miller's river. Pop. 1,652.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1882 - Fire
Austin Whitney & Sons' morocco leather tannery at Ashburnham, Mass., was burned at 8 o'clock yesterday morning. A shed, an engine, and some stock were saved. The loss and issurance[sic] are unknown at present.

The New York Times
New York, New York
March 13, 1882

Ashburnham Massachusetts, 1890
Ashburnham is a thriving town in the northern part of Worcester County, on the water-shed between the Connecticut and Merrimack rivers, and sixty miles northwest of Boston by the Fitchburg Railroad. Its stations on this road are Ashburnham — the central village — on a short branch, and Ashburnham Junction, where it connects with the Cheshire Railroad ; the last having a station here and at Burrageville (Ashburnham station) in the western part of the town. Its post-offices are Ashburnham, North Ashburnham, and Ashburnham Depot. These, with Lane Village and South Ashburnham, constitute the villages. The population in 1885 was 2,058 ; and in 1888 there were 467 dwelling-houses. The town is bounded on the north by Rindge, in New Hampshire, east by Ashby, south by Westminster and Gardner, and west by Winchendon. From precipitous and rocky Watatic Mountain, in the northeast, 1,847 feet above sea-level, is obtained a most splendid view of Monadnock, Wachusett, and other more distant... Read MORE...

1895 - Ashburnham / North Ashburnham / Ashburnham Depot
Ash'burnham, a post-village of Worcester co, Mass, in Ashburnham township, on the Ashburnham Railroad,55 miles W.N.W. of Boston. This railroad connects it with the Fitchburg Railroad, and is 3 miles long. It contains 4 churches, a national bank, a savings-bank, the Cushing Academy, and a large chair-factory. The township has 2 cotton-mills, and contains villages named North Ashburnham and Ashburnham Depot. Total pop. (1890) 2014.
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

1911 - CHURCH BURNS; BOYS BLAMED.
Fire Also Destroys Houses and Buildings in North Ashburnham, Mass.

NORTH ASHBURNHAM, Mass., July 4. - Boys celebrating the Fourth are thought to have started a fire which burned the Old Congregational Church, five dwelling houses, and other buildings today. The loss is estimated at $20,000.

The church building was 70 years old. It was formerly owned by the Congregational Society, but lately has been used as a general place of worship. Boys who climbed the old belfry to ring the Fourth of July bells are supposed to have dropped a match or cigarette, which started the fire.

Only one of the dwelling houses burned was occupied.
The New York Times
New York, New York
July 5, 1911

1916
Ash'burnham, a banking post-village of Worcester CO., Mass., in Ashburnham township (town), on the Boston and Maine R., 55 miles WNW. of Boston. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1882.
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

Ashburnham is the snowiest place in Massachusetts, averaging 75.1 inches (191 cm) per year.

National Weather Service

Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring this picturesque area, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Ashburnham:
Willard Brook State Forest:
Start your adventure in nature at Willard Brook State Forest. With over 2,597 acres, it's perfect for hiking, bird watching, and even fishing in the pond. The trails offer a mix of easy strolls and more challenging hikes.

Cushing Academy Art Gallery:
If you're into art, don't miss the Cushing Academy Art Gallery. It showcases a diverse range of exhibits, from contemporary pieces to classical works. It's a cultural gem in the heart of Ashburnham.

Lake Winnekeag:
Pack a picnic and head to Lake Winnekeag. It's a serene spot for relaxation and water activities. You can bring your kayak or rent one locally. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal place to unwind.

Ashburnham Ale House:
For a taste of local flavors, stop by the Ashburnham Ale House. It's a cozy spot offering craft beers and a menu with a variety of delicious pub-style dishes. It's not just a place to eat; it's an experience.

Meetinghouse Pond Conservation... Read MORE...