History of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, USA

1670 - Fairhaven is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1812 - Fairhaven is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Fairhaven
Fairhaven, Massachusetts
Bristol county. This pleasant town was taken from New Bedford in 1812. It lies across Acushnett river, about a mile east of New Bedford. It is united to New Bedford by a bridge 3,960 feet in length, and is associated with it in many of its enterprises. First settled, 1764. Population, 1830, 3,034; 1837, 3,649. There are 37 vessels belonging to this place engaged in the whale fishery, the tonnage of which is 11,564 tons. The value of whale oil and bone imported into this place, the year ending April 1, 1837, was $322,272. The number of hands employed in the fishery was 945. Capital invested, $957,000. The Acushnett produces some water power, on which are two cotton mills, a paper mill, and other operations by water. The value of cotton goods, leather, boots, shoes, tin ware, vessels, salt, wooden ware, chairs and cabinet ware manufactured, amounted to $40,363.
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 - FAIRHAVEN. [Pop. 3,951. Inc. 1812.]
Fairhaven was a part of New Bedford once, and, with New Bedford, was a part of Dartmouth.

It was named Fairhaven from the beauty of its situation.

Its chief business is the whale fishery; but the Acushnet, that separates it from New Bedford, furnishes water-power for a few mills.

Distance from Taunton, 25 miles; from Boston, 53,
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Fair Haven
Fair Haven, a post-township of Bristol co., Mass., on the Atlantic, 60 miles S. by E. from Boston, contains 1 bank. It is extensively engaged in the whale fishery. Pop., 4304.
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
FAIRHAVEN, a sea-port town in Bristol co., in the state of Massachusetts, U.S., situated in Buzzard's bay, 59 m. SE of Boston. Pop. 3,951. It has considerable shipping employed in the whale-fishery.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1870 - A lady in Fairhaven, Mass., in making a bed a few mornings since, after turning it over felt something move inside the ticking.
She called for help, and found a large adder about two feet in length and an inch in diameter coiled away in it. The snake probably crawled into the house in the day time, and had been in the bed the previous night with the occupant.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
October 29, 1870

Fairhaven Massachusetts, 1890
Fairhaven lies on the eastern side of Acushnet River and of New Bedford Harbor, forming the southeast corner of Bristol County, 60 miles south of Boston by the Fairhaven Branch of the Old Colony Railroad. It is bounded on the north by Acushnet, east by Mattapoisett, south by Buzzard's Bay and New Bedford Harbor and west by New Bedford.

The assessed area is 6,985 acres, including 1,685 acres of wood-land. The streets, also, are well shaded elms. The land slopes gently to the south; and a narrow peninsula called " Sconticut Neck," with its little village, juts far out into Buzzard's Bay; on its eastern side lie West's and several smaller islands. The town has a fine harbor, an expansion to the northeastward of New Bedford Harbor. Upon its shore is the principal village, where the railroad terminates, and where is the post-office of Fairhaven. North of this, the harbor is divided by islands, and here a convenient bridge nearly a mile in length connects the town with the city of New... Read MORE...

1895 - Fair Haven
Fairhaven, a post-village of Bristol co, Mass, in Fairhaven township, on Buzzard's Bay, at the mouth : the Acushnet River, and on the Fairhaven Branch Rail. road, which connects with the Old Colony Railroad, 1 mile E. of New Bedford, and about 54 miles S. of Boston. It contains 5 churches, 2 banks, a newspaper office, a library, a public school, a high school, a tack-factory, and the Boston & Fairhaven Iron-works. It is connected with New Bed. ford by a long bridge, and has a good harbor, Pop. of township, 2919.
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 - Fairhaven
Fairhaven. - This was the seventeenth town organized in Briston county. It was set off from New Bedford on February 22, 1812, and then included the territory of the present town of Acushnet, which was organized February 13, 1860. Fairhaven is bounded on the north by Acushnet, on the east by Plymouth county, on the south by Buzzard's Bay and on the west by Acushnet River. In June, 1815, small part of Freetown was annexed, and on April 8, 1836, a small part of Rochester was annexed, and on April 9, 1836, a small part of Rochester was annexed. The population in 1895 was 3,338. The only post-office is Fairhaven in the village of that name, which is situated in the southwestern part of the town, directly opposite the city of New Bedford. The number of legal voters in 1895 was 893, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 684. Fairhaven, Freetown, Acushnet, and Dartmouth constitutes the Sixth Representative District of Bristol county, with 2,409 legal voters, entitling the district... Read MORE...

1916
Fairhaven, a post-village of Bristol oo., Mass., in Fair haven township (town), on Buzzard's Bay, at the mouth of the Acushnet River, and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 1 mile E. of New Bedford. It has fishing interests and a tack-factory, iron-works, manufactures of glass ware, whale-boats, and oil-casks. It is connected with New Bedford by bridge and has a good harbor. Pop. of the town in 1900, 3567.
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

2023 - Fairhaven has something for everyone. Here's a list to get you started:
Fort Phoenix State Reservation: Start your visit with a trip to Fort Phoenix, a historic site that played a crucial role during the American Revolution and the War of 1812. You can explore the fort's earthworks, take in scenic views of Buzzards Bay, and even have a picnic on the beach.

Fairhaven Town Hall: This iconic building, with its clock tower and beautiful architecture, is a must-see. Take a stroll around the Town Hall and appreciate its historical significance.

Fairhaven Village Center: The heart of Fairhaven is its charming village center. Explore the quaint shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It's a great place for a leisurely walk and some local shopping.

Fairhaven Bike Path: If you enjoy cycling, don't miss the Fairhaven Bike Path. It's a scenic route that takes you along the waterfront, offering beautiful views of the harbor and the Acushnet River.

Fairhaven High School: This historic high school building is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture. Even... Read MORE...