History of Amesbury, Massachusetts, USA

1654 - Amesbury is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1668 - Amesbury is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Amesbury
Amesbury, Massachusetts
This town is situated on the N. side of Merrimack river in the county of Essex, 40 miles N.E. from Boston, 6 N.W. from Newburyport, and 7 N.E. from Haverhill. Population, 1837, 2,567. It was taken from Salisbury in 1668, and is separated from it by Powow river, a navigable stream for vessels of 300 tons. A pond covering about 1000 acres, back of the town, 90 feet above the sea, serves as a reservoir for a constant and extensive water power. The manufacture of flannel and satinet is very extensively pursued. The amount of those articles manufactured in the year ending April 1, 1837, was $425,000. Many vessels are built here of superior timber, and the manufacture of boots, shoes, leather, chairs, phaetons, gigs, and carryalls is very considerable. The total amount of the various manufactures of this place is about $500,000 annually. About half the population of the town is engaged in mechanical labor. Josiah Bartlett, M.D., one of the signers of the declaration ... Read MORE...

1845 - AMESBURY. [Pop. 2,471. Inc. 1668.]
Amesbury was named after a town in England, and was originally a part of Salisbury.

Mills Village, a manufacturing place on both sides of Powow River, is partly in Amesbury and partly in Salisbury. The chief manufactures are of woollen goods.

Josiah Bartlett, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and afterwards Governor of New Hampshire, was born in this town.

Distance from Salem, 20 miles; from Boston, 40.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Amesbury
Amesbury, a post-township of Essex county, Massachusetts, on the N. side of the Merrimack river, and bordering on New Hampshire. The village, situated in the W. part, 40 miles N. of Boston, and about 7 miles N. W. from Newburyport, has 6 churches, and a flannel manufacturing company, with a capital of $200,000. Population, 8143.
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
AMESBURY, a town in Essex co. Massachusetts, U.S., 44 m. NE of Boston, on the N side of the Merrimac. Pop. 2,471.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1888 - Jewet Dargenton, proprietor of a boarding house at Amesbury, Mass., shot his wife on the 27th and then killed himself. Jealousy prompted the act.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
December 1, 1888

Amesbury Massachusetts, 1890
Amesbury is a prosperous manufacturing town lying on the northern border of Essex County, between the Merrimack River and the New Hampshire line, and about 41 miles north of Boston, with which it is connected at Salisbury Point by a branch from the shore line of the Boston and Maine (formerly Eastern) Railroad. It is connected with Newburyport by the same line, and also by a street railroad. New Hampshire bounds it on the north ; on the northeast is Salisbury (separated by Powow River) ; on the south are Newburyport and Newbury, on the opposite side of the Merrimack ; and on the west is Merrimack. The area is 7,332 acres, of which 862 are woodland.

The villages are Salisbury Point and Amesbury, which are also post-offices; and the first is a railway station. The surface of the town is beautifully diversified with hill and dale, but without any extremities in elevation. Kimball's Pond, at the northwest corner of the town, is a fine sheet of water 408 acres in extent, and 90 feet... Read MORE...

1895 - Amesbury
Amesbury, amz'bér-e, a post-town of Essex co., Mass: on the Merrimac River and the Boston & Maine Railroad, 36 miles N. of Boston. It has a high school, 3 banks, and 4 weekly newspaper offices. Amesbury is bounded on the S. by the Merrimac River. It has extensive manufactures of carriages and woollen goods, and contains 10 churches, including almost all denominations. Pop. in 1880, 33305 in 1890, 9798.
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

1898 - COULD NOT FIND THE BODY.
Diver Hurley was in Amesbury, Mass., on Wednesday, the 15th, inst., called there by the authorities to try and recover the body of a man named Hughes, who was drowned there on Friday last.

The man met his death while bathing in what is called the dam. Diver Hurley went down and thoroughly examined the bottom of the place, but failed to find the body. It is though that he must have gone through the gates which were open at the time.

There is some mystery surrounding Hughe's death, which the authorities would like to clear up. He was bathing with a young fellow who tells a number of conflicting stories about how the unfortunate man came to his death and ever since the accident has been acting suspiciously.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
June 16, 1898

1916
Amesbury, a banking post-town of Essex oo., Mass., on the Merrimac River and on the Boston and Maine R., 36 miles N. by E. of Boston. It has extensive manufactures of carriages, cotton and woollen goods, etc. Pop. in 1890, 9798; in 1900, 9473. Amesbury was for many years the residence of the poet Whittier, whose house is retained as a memorial site.
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

1930 - MEETS WITH PECULIAR ACCIDENT
Chief Electrician Alfred R. Ubanks, USN, for the past six months inspector of government at the Henchel Manufacturing Company, Amesbury, Mass., recently met with a peculiar accident and on the occasion of the celebration of his 42nd birthday. Returning from his woodshed with an arm full of wood logs for an open fire place he slipped on the ice covered pavement and fell to the ground. The sharp edge of one of the logs amputated the right middle finger at the base. He was removed to a civilian hospital for first aid and was found to be suffering much from shock and loss of blood. Later he was taken to the Naval Hospital at Chelsea.
Portsmouth Herald
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
February 12, 1930

Here's a mix of places to see and things to do in Amesbury:
Maudslay State Park: This beautiful park is a hidden gem in Amesbury. It features extensive walking trails, manicured gardens, and a stunning view of the Merrimack River. It's perfect for picnics, hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Maudslay Arts Center: Located within Maudslay State Park, this historic venue hosts a variety of outdoor concerts and performances during the summer months. Check their schedule for live music and theater events.

Lowell's Boat Shop: Visit the birthplace of the legendary New England fishing dory, where you can explore the historic boat shop, learn about boatbuilding techniques, and discover the rich maritime history of the region.

Lake Gardner: This serene lake is an ideal spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There's a small beach area, and it's a lovely place to relax on a sunny day.

Rough Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary: If you're a nature enthusiast, you'll appreciate this Audubon-owned sanctuary. It's a... Read MORE...