History of Somerset, Massachusetts, USA

1677 - Somerset is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1790 - Somerset is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Somerset
Somerset, Massachusetts
Bristol county. This town is pleasantly situated on the north side of Taunton river, opposite to Fall River, and is the proposed depot of a rail road from Fall River to Providence, R.I. It is 16 miles S.E. from Providence, 13 S. from Taunton, and 45 S. from Boston. Population, 1837, 1,063. Incorporated, 1790.

There are some manufactures of stone and earthen wares, but ship building is the principal branch of mechanics in the town.
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 - SOMERSET. [Pop. 1,005. Inc. 1790.]
Somerset, before its incorporation, was a part of Swansey, known as the Shawamet Purchase.

It is pleasantly situated on the bank of Taunton River, which is navigable to this place for considerably large vessels.

The inhabitants pay some attention to shipbuilding, and the manufacture of stone and earthenware.

Distance from Taunton, 13 miles; from Boston, 45.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Somerset
Somerset, a post-village in Bristol co., Massachusetts, on the northern side of the Staunton river, near the Fall River railroad, 50 miles S. by W. from Boston. Population of township, 1166.
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.

Somerset Massachusetts, 1890
Somerset, near the centre of Bristol County, lies on the west bank of the Taunton River, opposite the city of Fall River. Dighton lies on the north, and Swansey on the west, also on the north of a southwestern projection; and on the south is Mount Hope Bay. The form is long, narrow, and curved southwestward. The assessed area is 4,705 acres. The Fall River and Newport line of the Old Colony Railroad has a station at Somerset (village), in the northeast, 45 miles from Boston; and the Fall River, Warren and Providence Branch of the same road terminates at the southeast extremity of the town. The first road, and a carriage bridge three fourths of a mile long, connect it with Fall River. A ferry, also, and many boats, convey passengers and freight

The surface of the town is undulating, and the gently sloping eminences afford very beautiful views of the city, river and bay. There are many tracts of oak and maple; and the latter and elms shade many streets. The geological structure is... Read MORE...

1895 - Somerset
Somerset, a post-village in Somerset township, Bristol co., Mass., on the W. bank of the Taunton River, and on the Old Colony Railroad, 43 miles S. of Boston, and 6 miles N. of Fall River. It has a graded school, 7 churches, ins: works, a stove-foundry, and manufactures of stone. Pop. of the township, in 1880, 2006; in 1890, 2106.
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 - Somerset
Somerset. - This is the fifteenth town formed in Bristol county. It was originally called the Showamet Purchase and was a part of Swansea, from which it was set off on February 20, 1790. There was no territorial change until April 4, 1854, when a small part of Dighton was annexed. The population by the census of 1895 is 1,983, and the number of registered voters in 1897 was 422. The town is situated in the central western part of the county, an is bounded on the north by Dighton, on the east by Taunton River, on the south by Mt. Hope Bay, and on the west by Swansea. It is a part of the Thirteenth Congressional District, and with Wards 8 and 9 of Fall River, and the town of Swansea, constitutes the Eleventh Representative District, with 6,827 legal voters, entitling the district to three representatives.

Taunton River is navigable for vessels of considerable burden far past the eastern boundary of Somerset, which is past years gave the town quite a degree of commercial importance... Read MORE...

1906
Somerset, a post-village in Somerset township (town), Bristol co., Mass., on the W. bank of the Taunton River and on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 43 miles S. of Boston. It has iron-works, a stove-foundry, etc. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2241 ; of the village, about 1500.
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 see and things to do in Somerset:
Pierce Beach & Playground:

Enjoy a day at Pierce Beach, a beautiful waterfront area with a sandy beach and a playground for the kids. It's a great spot for picnics and relaxation.

Somerset Village Waterfront:

Take a stroll along the Somerset Village Waterfront. The peaceful atmosphere and scenic views make it a lovely place for a leisurely walk.

Lees River Marsh Conservation Area:

Nature lovers will appreciate the Lees River Marsh Conservation Area. Explore the walking trails and observe the local wildlife in this serene environment.

Chace Cory House:

Step back in time at the Chace Cory House, a historic home dating back to the 18th century. It's a fascinating glimpse into Somerset's past.

Perry's Last Stand:

Learn about local history at Perry's Last Stand, a historic site associated with the Revolutionary War. It's a small but significant piece of Somerset's heritage.

Buffington Mill Site:

Visit the Buffington Mill Site, another historical site that... Read MORE...