History of Melrose, Massachusetts, USA

1629 - Melrose is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1850 - Melrose is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1854 - Melrose
Melrose, a new post-township of Middle sex co., Massachusetts, 5 miles N. from Boston, contains a village which is situated on the Boston and Maine railroad. Population, 1260.
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.

1890 Melrose Massachusetts
Melrose is a beautiful suburban town in the eastern part of Middlesex County, seven miles north of Boston on the main line. Western Division, of the Boston and Maine Railroad, whose stations in. the town are the Fells, at the south, Wyoming, Melrose (centre) and Melrose Highlands (Stoneham station).

The boundaries are Wakefield on the north, Saugus on the east, Malden on the south, and Stoneham on the west. The area, excluding highways and water surfaces, is 2,738 acres. A considerable portion, especially at the south, consists of forests of pine, oak and walnut. At the centre is Ell Pond (or Crystal Lake) covering about 50 acres; in the east is Long Pond, and in the southeast. Swain's. A beautiful streamlet from Spot Pond, at the west, dashes down the rocky slopes, and through Wyoming, where it joins the outlet of Ell Pond, which becomes Malden River. Affluents of the Saugus River drain the eastern part of the town. The rock is chiefly sienite, and shows in many ledges. The... Read MORE...

1895 - Melrose
Melrose, a handsome post-village of Middlesex co. Mass., in Melrose township, on the Boston & Maine Railroad, 7 miles N. of Boston. It has a high school, a newspaper office, a bank, several churches, and manufactures of boots, shoes, furniture, &c. The township contains also a village named Melrose Highlands. Pop, in 1890, 8519.
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

1899 - Melrose is incorporated as a city

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1904 - KILLED IN TROLLEY CRASH Half a Score Dead and Many More Injured by Explosion.
DYNAMITE CAUSES DISASTER

Car Runs Into Box of High Explosive in Boston Which Had Dropped From a Truck Onto the Track - Concussion Felt at Great Distance - Crowd of Three Thousand Gathers at Spot.

Boston, Mass. - By the explosion of a fifty-pound box of dynamite under a crowded trolley car in Melrose, a suburb of this city, six persons were killed outright - among them a woman and her child - three others received fatal injuries from which they died in the hospital and seventeen more were severely hurt. The front part of the car was blown to pieces and a huge hole torn in the ground. Men standing 100 feet away were knocked off their feet by the force of the explosion and windows were shattered for blocks around.

The conductor of the car was a Harvard student named BLANCHARD.

For more than two hours the history of the explosion was a complete mystery and popular fears in the neighborhood approached panic, as the belief grew that a deliberate outrage had been perpetrated.... Read MORE...

1906
Melrose, a city of Middlesex co., Mass., on the Boston and Maine R., 7 miles N. of Boston. It has manufactures of boots, shoes, and rubbers. Pop. in 1900, 12,962.
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

1930 - BEAN FACTORY BLAST CRITICALLY BURNS MAN
Melrose, Feb. 23. - (AP) - Armand Thiberg, an employe[sic] of Friend Brothers, bakers, was critically burned about the face and hands tonight when a large gas oven in the company's bean factory exploded. At Melrose hospital it was believed he would lose the sight of one eye.

Thiberg had come to the factory to light the ovens. It was believed that the heater did not light and that gas collecting in the oven became ignited. Thiberg was thrown across the room by the force of the blast, which aroused residents for several blocks.
Springfield Republican
Springfield, Massachusetts
February 24, 1930

2023 - Whether you're a resident or just passing through, here's a list of places to go and things to do in Melrose:
Middlesex Fells Reservation: If you love the outdoors, the Middlesex Fells Reservation is a must-visit. It's a large natural area with hiking trails, lakes, and beautiful scenery. Perfect for a day of hiking or a peaceful nature walk.

Ell Pond: A serene spot in the heart of Melrose, Ell Pond is great for a relaxing afternoon. You can take a leisurely stroll around the pond or have a picnic by the water. There's also a playground nearby if you have kids.

Beebe Estate: This historic mansion hosts various community events and art exhibits. Check out their calendar to see if there's anything interesting happening during your visit.

Downtown Melrose: The downtown area is filled with small shops, cafes, and restaurants. Take a stroll down Main Street, explore the boutiques, and grab a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes.

Melrose Victorian Fair: If you happen to be in Melrose during September, don't miss the annual Victorian Fair. It's a lively event with street performers,... Read MORE...