History of Westminster, Massachusetts, USA

Westminster was first settled in 1737

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1770 - Westminster is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

Westminster Cracker Company formed in 1828

wikipedia.org

1839 - Westminster
Westminster, Massachusetts
Worcester county. This town lies on the range of high lands which separate the waters of the Connecticut and Merrimack. From the village a prospect is presented of lake and mountain with all the varied scenery which renders a New England town peculiarly delightful.

Several streams rising from large ponds in this town and its neighborhood, produce a considerable water power, which is improved for manufactures of various kinds. These waters are so elevated and constant that, with a small expense, they might be rendered exceedingly valuable. They deserve particular attention of those in search of mill sites in this part of the state.

This town lies 50 miles W.N.W. from Boston, 20 N. by W. from Worcester, and 7 S.W. from Fitchburgh. Incorporated, 1759. Population, 1830, 1,640.

The manufactures of Westminster consist of chairs, cabinet and wooden wares, hats, boots, shoes, straw bonnets, palm-leaf hats, card boards, saddlery, and leather: annual value... Read MORE...

1845 - WESTMINSTER. [Pop. 1,645. Inc. 1770.]
This town was granted to the soldiers who had served in Philip's War. Long afterwards, it was greatly exposed to the Indians from Canada, who never failed to molest the English colonies, whenever there was a war between France and England.

Westminster is on the highlands between the Connecticut and the Merrimack. It once contained part of Gardner.

Agriculture is the chief employment, but much cabinet furniture and many straw bonnets are manufactured.

Distance from. Worcester, 26 miles; from Boston, 50.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Westminster
This town, with others, was granted by the general court to the soldiers who did service in the Narragansett or King Philip’s war, or to their heirs. It was styled Narragansett No 2. until its incorporation in 1769, when it was named Westminster. The proprietors of this town were chiefly inhabitants of Cambridge, Charlestown, Watertown, Weston, Sudbury, Newton, Medford, Malden, and Reading.

The first person who settled on the grant was Capt. Fairbanks Moor, who moved there with his family in March, 1737. In June following, Den. Joseph Holden moved his family into the place. These two families contained 15 persons. It being an exposed plantation, settlers moved in hut slowly. The proprietors erected a meeting. house in 1739. The Congregational church was formed, and Rev. Elisha Marsh ordained pastor, in 1742. He was dismissed in 1757, and the town had no minister from that time till 1765, when the Rev. Asaph Rice was settled. Previously Mr. Rice had been a missionary among the... Read MORE...

1854 - Westminster
Westminster, a post-village of Worcester Co., Massachusetts, on the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad, 48 miles W. by N. from Boston. It contains 3 or 4 churches and several stores. Population of the township 1914.
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.

The Westminster Town Library was established in 1868

wikipedia.org

Westminster Massachusetts, 1890
Westminster is an elevated and pleasant farming and manufacturing town, situated upon the highlands in the midst of the northern part of Worcester County, 55; miles northwest of Boston by the Fitchburg Railroad, which crosses the northern section of the town, having a station for Wachusett Village, and one at the village called Westminster Depot. The post-offices are the latter, Westminster (centre) and South Westminster. North Wachusett is another village.

Fitchburg lies on the east, and on the north of an eastern projection; Leominster, on the east; Princeton on the southeast; Hubbardston, on the southwest. and Gardner and Ashburnham both on the northwest and north. The assessed area is 22,484 acres; of which 4,059 acres are forest, consisting of birch, beech, maple, oak, chestnut, walnut, pine arid hemlock. The underlying rock is ferruginous gneiss, dolerite, and, in the east, Merrimack schist. Graphite is found in small quantities. The soil is various, but generally fertile.... Read MORE...

1895 - Westminster
Westminster, a post-village in Westminster township, Worcester co., Mass., 8 miles S.W. of Fitchburg, and 3 miles S. of the Vermont & Massachusetts Railroad. It has 3 churches, a hotel, a high school, and a national bank. The township has manufactures of chairs, combs, and paper. Pop. of the township, 1712.
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
Westminster, a post-village in Westminster township (town), Worcester co., Mass., 8 miles SW. of Fitchburg. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1327; of the village, about 950.
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 diverse list of places to go and things to do in and around Westminster:
Wachusett Mountain State Reservation:

Hit the trails for hiking during the warmer months or enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
The summit provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Westminster Historical Society:

Immerse yourself in the town's history by visiting the local historical society.

Explore artifacts, photos, and exhibits that showcase Westminster's past.

Carter & Stevens Farm:

Experience a working farm and perhaps pick your own fruits or vegetables, depending on the season.
The farm may also host events or offer tours.

Crocker Pond Recreation Area:

Spend a relaxing day by the pond, fishing, canoeing, or enjoying a picnic.

The area is surrounded by beautiful nature, providing a peaceful retreat.

Forbush Memorial Library:

If you're a book enthusiast, the library is a great place to explore.

Check for community events, book clubs, or simply find a cozy corner to read.

Meetinghouse Pond Conservation Area:

Take ... Read MORE...