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History of Groton, Massachusetts, USA
Journey back in time to Groton, Massachusetts, USA
Explore Groton, Massachusetts, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Groton Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Groton, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA
The town was officially settled and incorporated in 1655, named for Groton in Suffolk, England. Called The Plantation of Groton, it included all of present-day Groton and Ayer, almost all of Pepperell and Shirley, large parts of Dunstable, Littleton, and Tyngsborough plus smaller parts of Harvard and Westford, as well as Nashua, New Hampshire and Hollis, New Hampshire.
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Groton includes: Newell, Paper Mill Village, Squamacook Junction, and Vose.
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Postcards and Memories of Groton, Massachusetts, USA
Groton Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f94&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fgroton_ma_1.jpg&description=Groton, Massachusetts, USA - Groton Inn, Built 1770, Groton, Massachusetts
"The Groton Inn was a historic inn on Main Street in Groton, Massachusetts.
The Old Groton Inn was an inn consisting of three historic structures located in Groton, Massachusetts. The oldest structure was complete in 1678, making the inn the oldest in the United States. From 1797 until 1847 the inn served as a meeting place for St. Paul's Masonic Lodge, where Paul Revere was Grand Master. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The inn was severely damaged by fire in August 2011. Attempts were made to save the front of the building, which was barely harmed by a fire which severely damaged the rest of the structure, but the owners chose to demolish the inn in November 2011..." wikipedia){kind=small}
Groton Inn, Built 1770, Groton, Massachusetts
"The Groton Inn was a historic inn on Main Street in Groton, Massachusetts.
The Old Groton Inn was an inn consisting of three historic structures located in Groton, Massachusetts. The oldest structure was complete in 1678, making the inn the oldest in the United States. From 1797 until 1847 the inn served as a meeting place for St. Paul's Masonic Lodge, where Paul Revere was Grand Master. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The inn was severely damaged by fire in August 2011. Attempts were made to save the front of the building, which was barely harmed by a fire which severely damaged the rest of the structure, but the owners chose to demolish the inn in November 2011..." wikipedia
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Birthplace of Colonel William Prescott
Read more about William PRESCOTT
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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 and Phillips Academy at Andover (1778). wikipedia){kind=small}
Lawrence Academy
Lawrence Academy at Groton is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational college preparatory boarding school located in Groton, Massachusetts, in the United States. Founded in 1792 by a group of fifty residents of Groton and Pepperell, Massachusetts as Groton Academy, and chartered in 1793 by Governor John Hancock, Lawrence is the tenth oldest boarding school in the United States, and the third in Massachusetts, following Governor Dummer Academy (1763) and Phillips Academy at Andover (1778). wikipedia
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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The Blacksmith Shop
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Union Congregational Church
The history of the Union Congregational Church of Groton began in 1826, exactly 50 years after the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. Mr. John Todd was invited by The Rev. Daniel Chaplin, Pastor of the First Parish Church in Groton, to be his assistant. The Church voted on November 14, 1825 to call Mr. Todd. As was the custom, a Town Meeting was also convened to ratify the call to Mr. Todd. At this meeting, the vote was against calling him. A movement ensued in which followers of Mr. Todd separated themselves from the First Parish Church and formed a separate society. It was at this time that the First Parish Church became part of the Unitarian Movement and the Union Church of Christ of Groton was formed as a Congregational Church.
In 1826, subscriptions were drawn for a new meeting house, 512 shares sold at $10 each. On July 4, 1826, the cornerstone was laid. The Union Church of Christ in Groton was formally organized on... Read MORE...
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Groton High School, Groton, Mass.
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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 is one of the most single most selective private college-preparatory boarding schools in the United States, and it is located in Groton, Massachusetts...
Groton School was founded in 1884 by the Rev. Endicott Peabody, a member of a prominent Massachusetts family and an Episcopal clergyman...
Groton School has changed significantly since 1884. Originally, it admitted only boys; the school became coeducational in 1975... wikipedia){kind=small}
Groton School
Groton School (founded as Groton School for Boys) is one of the most single most selective private college-preparatory boarding schools in the United States, and it is located in Groton, Massachusetts...
Groton School was founded in 1884 by the Rev. Endicott Peabody, a member of a prominent Massachusetts family and an Episcopal clergyman...
Groton School has changed significantly since 1884. Originally, it admitted only boys; the school became coeducational in 1975... wikipedia
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Groton Hospital
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Main Street (1910)
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Boston & Maine Station
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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The Groton School Chapel
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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The Boutwell School
First built in 1915, in the Spanish Revival style, the Boutwell school is named after Governor George S. Boutwell, who also served as a Groton school committee member while he was state Secretary of the Board of Education... wikipedia.com
Read more about George Sewall BOUTWELL
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Groton High School
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Hon. Wm. F. Wharton's Residence
Read more about William Fisher WHARTON
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Chicopee Road
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Town Hall
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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The Brooks House, Groton School
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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The Arbor at Side of Gymnasium, Groton School
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Residence of Ex-Governor Boutwell
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Lowthorpe School
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Main Street, Looking South
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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The Library
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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New Band Stand and Main Street
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Mountain Lake
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Old Ayer Road
Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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Roman Catholic Church
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to GROTON
MASSACHUSETTS Gift t shirt Made in MASS, Got Wicked Class Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt
Are you looking for a t-shirt that's as comfortable as it is stylish? Look no further! Our Unisex Softstyle T-Shirt is the perfect blend of comfort, quality, and Massachusetts pride. Whether you're a lifelong Massachusetts resident or just passing through, you'll appreciate the "wicked class" that this shirt exudes.
MASSACHUSETTS Gifts - Cranberries, Baked Beans and Fluffernutter - I Love Massachusetts! - Ceramic Mug MA
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MASSACHUSETTS Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Celebrate Your Bay State Heritage!
Show off your deep-rooted connection to the Bay State with our Massachusetts Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while tracing family history, this ceramic mug is a tribute to the rich heritage of Massachusetts.
MASSACHUSETTS Pride Coffee Cup - Made in Mass “Got Wicked Class” Mug
Show off your Massachusetts pride with a sip of sass! The Made in Mass “Got Wicked Class” Mug delivers local humor and hometown swagger in every cup. Perfect for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, this high-quality ceramic mug comes in 11 oz or 15 oz and is dishwasher & microwave safe. Ideal for early commutes, porch mornings, or late-night study sessions, it’s a bold, fun reminder of where you’re from—and the attitude that goes with it. A must-have gift for anyone who loves Massachusetts, humor, and a wicked good cup of coffee!
Discover Groton: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1655 - Groton is settled and incorporated
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates
1704 - Groton attacked
In August 1704, the Abernaki, with strong support from the French, attacked Groton, another village not far from Boston.
History of Quebec for Dummies by Eric Bedard, published by John Wiley & Sons, Canada, Ltd.
In August 1704, the Abernaki, with strong support from the French, attacked Groton, another village not far from Boston.
History of Quebec for Dummies by Eric Bedard, published by John Wiley & Sons, Canada, Ltd.
1839 - Groton
Groton, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This is a delightful town, with an extraordinary good soil; 32 miles N.W. from Boston, and 13 W. by S. from Lowell.
Groton was settled soon after Concord. It was for some years a frontier settlement and much exposed to the Indians. In 1676, the town was attacked by 400 Indians, and all the buildings plundered and burnt, except four garrison houses.
The town is finely watered by the Nashua and Squanacook rivers and a number of beautiful ponds. The buildings are in a style of great neatness and taste, and some of elegance. This town has a female seminary of high reputation, and a number of moral and religious institutions. The local beauties of Groton and its facilities for education are so great as to induce many wealthy families to make it their residence. The manufactures of Groton consist of paper, axle-trees, soap-stone pumps, mathematical instruments, clothing, palm-leaf hats, chairs, cabinet ware, leather, boots and shoes.... Read MORE...
Groton, Massachusetts
Middlesex county. This is a delightful town, with an extraordinary good soil; 32 miles N.W. from Boston, and 13 W. by S. from Lowell.
Groton was settled soon after Concord. It was for some years a frontier settlement and much exposed to the Indians. In 1676, the town was attacked by 400 Indians, and all the buildings plundered and burnt, except four garrison houses.
The town is finely watered by the Nashua and Squanacook rivers and a number of beautiful ponds. The buildings are in a style of great neatness and taste, and some of elegance. This town has a female seminary of high reputation, and a number of moral and religious institutions. The local beauties of Groton and its facilities for education are so great as to induce many wealthy families to make it their residence. The manufactures of Groton consist of paper, axle-trees, soap-stone pumps, mathematical instruments, clothing, palm-leaf hats, chairs, cabinet ware, leather, boots and shoes.... Read MORE...
1845 - GROTON. [Pop. 2,189. Settled 1655.]
The name of Groton was given to part of the Indian district of Petapaway, in honor of a town in England from which Governor Winthrop's family came.
This town, and several others in its vicinity, were included in a grant, eight miles square, made by the General Court to Dean Winthrop, a son of the governor.
Groton suffered so much from the Indians in Philip's War, that the settlement was entirely abandoned for two years.
The boundary line of Groton is very irregular, and little or none of it remains as it was originally drawn.
This is a farming town, and some attention has been paid to the cultivation of hops.
Distance from Concord, 17 miles; from Boston, 84.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!
The name of Groton was given to part of the Indian district of Petapaway, in honor of a town in England from which Governor Winthrop's family came.
This town, and several others in its vicinity, were included in a grant, eight miles square, made by the General Court to Dean Winthrop, a son of the governor.
Groton suffered so much from the Indians in Philip's War, that the settlement was entirely abandoned for two years.
The boundary line of Groton is very irregular, and little or none of it remains as it was originally drawn.
This is a farming town, and some attention has been paid to the cultivation of hops.
Distance from Concord, 17 miles; from Boston, 84.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!
1848 - Groton
GROTON was originally a grant by the general court, made May 23, 1655, of eight miles square, to Mr. Dean Winthrop and others, at a place called Petapaway, and included the greatest part of the towns of Pepperell and Shirley, and parts of Dunstable, Westford, Littleton, and Harvard. Mr. Dean Winthrop, being a son of John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts colony, probably named the place Groton, from the town in England whence the family came. The grant, in the quaint language of the times, says, “the court judgeth it meet to grant the petitioners eight miles square in the place desired, to make a comfortable plantation,” and it is ordered to be laid out “with all convenient speed, that so no encouragement may be wanting to the petitioners for the speedy procuring of a godly minister among them.” Among the first settlers were William Martin, Richard Blood, Robert Blood, and John Lakin. The precise time of the first settlement is not known; but a committee of the general... Read MORE...
GROTON was originally a grant by the general court, made May 23, 1655, of eight miles square, to Mr. Dean Winthrop and others, at a place called Petapaway, and included the greatest part of the towns of Pepperell and Shirley, and parts of Dunstable, Westford, Littleton, and Harvard. Mr. Dean Winthrop, being a son of John Winthrop, the first governor of Massachusetts colony, probably named the place Groton, from the town in England whence the family came. The grant, in the quaint language of the times, says, “the court judgeth it meet to grant the petitioners eight miles square in the place desired, to make a comfortable plantation,” and it is ordered to be laid out “with all convenient speed, that so no encouragement may be wanting to the petitioners for the speedy procuring of a godly minister among them.” Among the first settlers were William Martin, Richard Blood, Robert Blood, and John Lakin. The precise time of the first settlement is not known; but a committee of the general... Read MORE...
1854 - Groton
Groton, a post-township of Middlesex co. Massachusetts, 30 miles N. W. from Boston Several railroads centre at Groton Junction in this township. Population, 2515.
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.
Groton, a post-township of Middlesex co. Massachusetts, 30 miles N. W. from Boston Several railroads centre at Groton Junction in this township. Population, 2515.
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.
1854 - The Destructive Gate - Its Effects at the East.
...At Groton Junction the side of a brick building, occupied by a blacksmith, was blown in...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
...At Groton Junction the side of a brick building, occupied by a blacksmith, was blown in...
The New York Times
New York, New York
March 21, 1854
1859
GROTON, a township in Middlesex co., in Massachusetts, 33 m. NW of Boston.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
GROTON, a township in Middlesex co., in Massachusetts, 33 m. NW of Boston.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859
1868 - 17 Pound Tumor
Mr. Luther Shattuck, of Groton, Mass., had a tumor removed from his neck, on the 11th inst., 16 inches long, 11 inches wide, 7 inches thick, weighing 17 pounds. The operation was skillfully performed by Dr. Norman Smith, of that place.
genealogybank.com
The Farmers' Cabinet
New Hampshire
June 18, 1868
Mr. Luther Shattuck, of Groton, Mass., had a tumor removed from his neck, on the 11th inst., 16 inches long, 11 inches wide, 7 inches thick, weighing 17 pounds. The operation was skillfully performed by Dr. Norman Smith, of that place.
genealogybank.com
The Farmers' Cabinet
New Hampshire
June 18, 1868
Groton Massachusetts, 1890
Groton is an ancient, handsome and nourishing town, situated in the northwesterly section of Middlesex County, about 32 miles northwest of Boston. It is bounded on the north by Pepperell and Dunstable, on the east by Tyngsborough and Westford, on the south by Ayer, on the west by Shirley and Pepperell, which are separated by a long western horn of Groton having Townsend at its western end. The assessed area is 19,770 acres; of which 6,368 are woodland.
Through the town north and south, with a station at the centre, runs the Worcester, Nashua and Portland Division of the Boston and Maine Railroad; while the Peterboro' and Shirley Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad runs through the town northwestward, having a station, at West Groton; at East Groton is the Ayer and Lowell Branch of the Boston and Maine, and the Acton Branch of the Concord Railroad; while Ayer Junction furnishes connection with points south, east and west. Factory Village also is conveniently near the central... Read MORE...
Groton is an ancient, handsome and nourishing town, situated in the northwesterly section of Middlesex County, about 32 miles northwest of Boston. It is bounded on the north by Pepperell and Dunstable, on the east by Tyngsborough and Westford, on the south by Ayer, on the west by Shirley and Pepperell, which are separated by a long western horn of Groton having Townsend at its western end. The assessed area is 19,770 acres; of which 6,368 are woodland.
Through the town north and south, with a station at the centre, runs the Worcester, Nashua and Portland Division of the Boston and Maine Railroad; while the Peterboro' and Shirley Branch of the Fitchburg Railroad runs through the town northwestward, having a station, at West Groton; at East Groton is the Ayer and Lowell Branch of the Boston and Maine, and the Acton Branch of the Concord Railroad; while Ayer Junction furnishes connection with points south, east and west. Factory Village also is conveniently near the central... Read MORE...
1895 - Groton
Groton, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Groton township, 31 miles by rail N.N.E. of Worcester. It contains 4 churches, a public library, the Lawrence Academy, which has an endowment of $80,000, a newspaper office, and manufactures of paper. Pop. of township, 2057.
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
Groton, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Groton township, 31 miles by rail N.N.E. of Worcester. It contains 4 churches, a public library, the Lawrence Academy, which has an endowment of $80,000, a newspaper office, and manufactures of paper. Pop. of township, 2057.
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
Groton, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Groton township (town), 31 miles NNE. of Worcester, on tho Boston and Maine R. It has paper-mills, etc., and is the seat of the Lawrence Academy and the Groton School. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2052 ; of the village, about 1600.
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
Groton, a post-village of Middlesex co., Mass., in Groton township (town), 31 miles NNE. of Worcester, on tho Boston and Maine R. It has paper-mills, etc., and is the seat of the Lawrence Academy and the Groton School. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2052 ; of the village, about 1600.
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 list of places to go and things to do in Groton:
Groton Historical Society and Museum: Start your visit by exploring the history of Groton. The Groton Historical Society and Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that showcase the town's past. Learn about its colonial heritage and the role it played during the American Revolution.
Gibbet Hill: For a scenic hike and beautiful vistas, head to Gibbet Hill. This conservation area offers several trails, including the Skyline Trail, which takes you to the highest point in Groton. The views from the top are breathtaking, especially during the fall foliage season.
Groton Town Forest: If you're looking for more hiking options, the Groton Town Forest provides well-maintained trails that wind through wooded areas and around ponds. It's a great place for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Nashua River Rail Trail: For a leisurely walk or bike ride, check out the Nashua River Rail Trail. This 11-mile trail follows the former railbed of the Hollis Branch of the... Read MORE...
Groton Historical Society and Museum: Start your visit by exploring the history of Groton. The Groton Historical Society and Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that showcase the town's past. Learn about its colonial heritage and the role it played during the American Revolution.
Gibbet Hill: For a scenic hike and beautiful vistas, head to Gibbet Hill. This conservation area offers several trails, including the Skyline Trail, which takes you to the highest point in Groton. The views from the top are breathtaking, especially during the fall foliage season.
Groton Town Forest: If you're looking for more hiking options, the Groton Town Forest provides well-maintained trails that wind through wooded areas and around ponds. It's a great place for birdwatching and enjoying nature.
Nashua River Rail Trail: For a leisurely walk or bike ride, check out the Nashua River Rail Trail. This 11-mile trail follows the former railbed of the Hollis Branch of the... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Groton Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Groton, Massachusetts, USA
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