History of Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA

1629 - Marblehead is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

On December 12, 1648 a Salem Town Meeting voted, subject to the approval of the Massachusetts General Court, to grant Marblehead its complete independence from Salem.

www.marblehead.org/

1839 - Marblehead
Marblehead, Massachusetts
Essex county. This is a noted fishing town, on a rocky point of land extending into Massachusetts bay, with a hardy and intrepid crew of fishermen and sailors. The harbor is commodious and easy of access. The quantity of fish exported from this place in 1794 amounted to $184,532. Since that time the fishing business has greatly increased, and this place has now become one of the largest fishing ports on the American coast. There belong to this place from 90 to 100 sail of fishing, coasting and merchant vessels. Tonnage of the district, in 1837, 10,037. First settled, 1631. Incorporated, 1649. Population, 1837, 5,549. It lies 14 miles N.E. from Boston and 4 S.E. from Salem. The value of the cod and mackerel fishery the year ending April 1, 1837, was $153,487; employing 500 hands. The manufactures of Marblehead, the same year, amounted to $398,565. The articles manufactured consisted of boots, shoes, bar iron, chairs, cabinet and tin wares, vessels, soap,... Read MORE...

1845 - MARBLEHEAD. [Pop. 5,575. Inc. 1649.]
Marblehead was originally a part of Salem, and it is a rocky cape or badland, as its name denotes.

Its situation and its harbor are peculiarly adapted to commerce; and perhaps no place in the United States is, and always has been, so completely commercial.

The patriotism of Marblehead, by sea and land, has never been excelled. Her fisheries have supplied our fleets with seamen ; and, in the struggle for independence, this little town furnished an entire regiment of soldiers.

General John Glover, a brave officer of the Revolution, and Elbridge Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, were natives of Marblehead.

Besides its immense share in the fisheries, its manufactures of boots and shoes are very considerable.

Distance from Salem, 4 miles; from Boston, 16.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

On September 19, 1846, while the Marblehead fleet prepared to haul its catch of cod from the Grand Banks of Newfoundland,
a massive storm with hurricane-force gales caught the fleet by surprise. The crippled ships limped back to Marblehead, missing at least eleven vessels.
www.marblehead.org

1854 - Marblehead
Marblehead, a post-village and port of entry of Essex county, Massachusetts, on an irregular rocky peninsula of its own name, and at the terminus of a railroad by which it has communication with Salem, 18 miles N. E. from Boston. It is pleasantly situated on an excellent harbor, which is accessible at all sea sons to vessels of the largest class. A break water constructed in 1845 also renders it safe during storms. The inhabitants are extensively engaged in the cod fisheries, in which about 60 vessels are employed. The quantity of fish annually taken is about 60,000 quintals, in the curing of which upwards of 60,000 bushels of salt are consumed. The shipping of Marblehead June 30th, 1852, amounted to an aggregate of 1191 tons registered, and 6114 tons enrolled and licensed. Of the latter 1857 tons were employed in the coast trade, and 3675 tons in the cod fisheries. The foreign arrivals for the year were 168, (tons, 12,129.) of which 161 (tons, 11,464) were by foreign vessels. The... Read MORE...

1869 - A three-year-old son of George Curtis, of Marblehead, Mass., was burned to death the other day in trying to run through a bonfire, in imitation of some larger boys.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 15, 1869

1877 - DESTRUCTION BY FIRE. MARBLEHEAD, MASS., DEVASTATED.
TEN ACRES OF BUSINESS AND DWELLING HOUSES SWEPT AWAY IN A FEW HOURS -ALL BUT THREE OF THE SHOE FACTORIES OF THE TOWN, THE PUBLIC HALL AND ARMORY, A CHURCH, AND OVER 70 SHOPS AND DWELLINGS DESTROYED - OVER HALF A MILLION DOLLARS LOSS, WITH HALF OF IT INSURED.

Special Dispatch to the New-York Times.
BOSTON, June 25. - Worse than the great fire of 1870 was to Chicago, or that of 1872 to Boston, or the last destruction at St. John, was the conflagration that swept through the historic town of Marblehead this morning, when the relative size and wealth of the place is taken into consideration. The worst feature of this severe trail to the towns people of this thriving and industrious place, is that little doubt remains that it was an incendiary's torch that started the disastrous fire. Ten acres of the business portion of this town were laid waste in a few brief hours, embracing all but three of their shoe factories, the chief industry of the place, their public hall and armory, one... Read MORE...

1890 Marblehead Massachusetts
Marblehead is a picturesque and enterprising seaboard town situated on a broad neck of land in the southern part of Essex County; having Beverly harbor on the north, the ocean on the east and southeast, Swampscott on the south, and Salem with its harbor on the west. It lies some 20 miles northeast of Boston, with which it has connection by a railroad from Salem, at the northwest, and one from Swampscott at the south, branches of the Eastern division of the Boston and Maine Railroad. The assessed area is 2,399 acres.

The large village of Marblehead lies along the harbor, whose opposite shore is formed by Great Neck, a charming peninsula running northeast, parallel with the village shore. At its northern point is the Marblehead Light Station. Northeasterly from this, and midway of the outer line of Beverly Bay, is Baker's Island Light. The entrance to Marblehead Harbor is commanded by Fort Sewall, on the mainland, built in 1742. The principal seaward projections, beginning at the... Read MORE...

1895 - Marblehead
Marblehead, mar'b'l-hèd', a post-town and port of entry of Essex co., Mass., on Massachusetts Bay, in a small township of its own name, 18 miles N.E. of Boston, and about 3 miles S.E. of Salem. It is connected with Boston by two branches of the Eastern Railroad. Its site is a small peninsula, very rocky and uneven. It has a narrow, deep, and safe harbor, which admits the largest, vessels. It contains 8 churches, a high school, 2 national banks, a newspaper office, and numerous manufactories of boots and shoes. Its prosperity is partly derived from commerce and the fisheries, and numerous vessels are owned by its citizens. Pop., of the township in 1890, 8202.
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
Marblehead, a banking post-village of Essex co., Mass., on Massachusetts Bay, in a township (town) of its own name, 18 miles NE. of Boston, on the Boston and Maine R. Its site is a small peninsula, very rocky and uneven. It is one of the oldest and quaintest towns of New England, with many colonial buildings. It has a narrow, deep, and safe harobr, which admits the largest vessels. It has numerous manufactories of boots and shoes and a seed-growing industry. Marblehead was formerly one of the most important maritime towns of New England. Pop. of the town in 1900, 7852. Marblehead Neck is a popular bathing-place.
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 Marblehead:
Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary:

Take a stroll through this beautiful sanctuary, known for its diverse ecosystems and scenic views. It's a great place for bird watching and enjoying nature.

Old Town Historic District:

Explore the narrow streets and historic homes in the Old Town area. The architecture reflects Marblehead's maritime heritage.

Fort Sewall:

Visit this historic fort overlooking the harbor. It offers a peaceful place to walk, and you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.

Marblehead Light:

Head to Chandler Hovey Park to see Marblehead Light. It's an iconic lighthouse and a great spot for photos.

Devereux Beach:

Relax on the sandy shores of Devereux Beach. It's a lovely spot for a day of sunbathing and swimming.

Marblehead Museum and Historical Society:

Dive into the town's history at the local museum. It's filled with artifacts, exhibits, and stories from Marblehead's past.

Crocker Park:

Enjoy a peaceful afternoon in this... Read MORE...