History of Brewster, Massachusetts, USA

1656 - Brewster is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1803 - Brewster is incorporated
Prior to incorporation, Brewster was the north parish of Harwich.
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Brewster
Brewster, Massachusetts
Barnstable county. This town was the Indian Sawkatucket. It was taken from Harwich in 1830, and took its name from Elder Brewster, one of the first settlers of Plymouth; a man of great learning and piety, who died, 1644. In common with all the towns on Cape Cod, a large number of ship-masters, sailing to foreign ports, belong here. From three ponds in the town, covering about 1,000 acres, a never-failing stream of water is produced, on which are a cotton mill, carding mill, machine shop and other small mills. The value of the manufactures of cotton goods, boots, shoes, leather, axes, chairs, cabinet and tin wares, lampblack, Epsom and common salts, amounted, in one year, to $52,072. Product of the cod and mackerel fishery, $9,050. Brewster lies on the north side of the Cape, 16 miles E. by N. from Barnstable, and 6 N.N.W. from Chatham. Population, 1837, 1,534. Here are about 1,000 sheep.
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 - BREWSTER. [Pop. 1,522. Inc. 1803.]
Brewster, formerly the north parish of Harwich, was named after William Brewster, the venerable elder, who acted as minister to the Plymouth Pilgrims.

Notwithstanding the sandy soil, Brewster has a water power, supplied by several ponds, sufficient to turn several mills.

The town does somewhat in the manufacture of salt, and in fishing, but many of the citizens sail from other ports.

Distance from Barnstable, 16 miles ; from Boston, by water, 69.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Brewster
Brewster, a post-township of Barnstable county, Massachusetts, about 05 miles S. W. from Boston. Population, 1525.
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
BREWSTER, a township of Barnstable co. in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., 90 m. SE of Boston, on Cape Cod bay. Pop. in 1840, 1,522.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1888 - Chatham, Mass., May 10. - A heavy forest fire is raging in South Brewster and oding much damage to valuable wood land, also threatening small settlements lying in its track.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
May 12, 1888

Brewster, Massachusetts, 1890
Brewster lies in the inner side of the bend in the elbow of Cape Cod, 89 miles southeast of Boston by the Old Colony Railroad. The railway stations are Brewster and East Brewster; the post-offices and villages, these, South Brewster and West Brewster, formerly known, also, as Setucket. Cape Cod Bay bounds it on the north, Orleans on the east, Harwich on the south, and Dennis on the west. The harbor, at the middle of the shore line of the town, is formed by a breakwater; and in it small vessels may lie secure at any season of the year.

The area of the town is 8,600 acres, ponds and highways in addition. The surface is uneven to a small degree; and there are about 1,323 acres of woodland, chiefly of well-grown oak and pine. The lowlands are beautified by the azalea, wild rose, lily and other flowers. About 300 acres are devoted to the growth of cranberries. Peat of a good quality is dug at many points in the lowlands, and is used for fuel. There is a line of eminences through the... Read MORE...

1895 - Brewster
Brewster, a post-village of Barnstable co, Mass, in Brewster township, on Cape Cod Bay, and on the Old Colony Railroad, 90 miles S.E. of Boston. It has 2 churches and a manufactory of stockings. Pop. of the township, 1259.
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
Brewster, a post-village of Barnstable co., Mass., in Brewster township (town), on Cape Cod Bay and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 90 miles SE. of Boston. The banking point is Yarmouth. Pop. of the town in 1900, 829.
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 Brewster:
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History: Dive into the natural beauty of Cape Cod. The museum features exhibits on local flora and fauna, and there are nature trails that lead to the salt marsh and beach.

Nickerson State Park: A haven for outdoor enthusiasts. This state park offers camping, fishing, and miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking. In summer, you can also enjoy swimming in the freshwater ponds.

Crosby Landing Beach: A peaceful and less crowded beach with stunning views. Perfect for a relaxing day by the water, picnicking, or taking a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.

Brewster Historical Society Museum: Explore the rich history of Brewster through exhibits, artifacts, and historical documents. Gain insight into the town's development from its early days to the present.

Kate's Seafood: Indulge in fresh seafood at Kate's. Known for its clam chowder and lobster rolls, it's a must-visit for those craving the flavors of the sea.

Brewster Ladies' Library: A... Read MORE...