History of Essex, Massachusetts, USA

1634 - Essex is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1819 - Essex is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Essex
Essex, Massachusetts
Essex county. This town lies at the head of Chebacco river, running into Squam bay, 13 miles N.E. from Boston, and 5 miles S.E. from Ipswich, from which it was taken in 1819. Many vessels of 50 to 120 tons are built in this town and many small vessels are employed in the coasting trade and the fisheries.—The manufactures of vessels, leather, boots, shoes, bar iron, barrels, cordage, pumps and blocks, in the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $102,271. The tonnage employed in the cod and mackerel fishery was 878 tons. Population, 1837, 1,402. Essex is a pleasant and flourishing 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 - ESSEX [Pop. 1,450. Inc. 1819.]
Essex, formerly called Chebacco, was a parish of Ipswich until 1819.

The chief business, is ship-building, fishing, and agriculture.

Distance from Salem, 10 miles ; from Boston 25.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Essex
Essex, a post-village of Essex county, Massachusetts, on an arm of Squam bay, 28 miles N. E. from Boston. The industry of the inhabitants is directed chiefly to ship building, the coast trade, and manufactures. Population of the township, 1585.
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.

1857 - CURIOUS INCIDENT.
In the snow storm on the night of the 18th, the dwelling house of Mr. William Perkins, a good-sized two-story house, located under the brow of a hill, in the town of Essex, Mass., was completely buried in a drift above the chamber windows, insomuch that the occupants were unable to ascertain when it was morning, except by the clock, Mr. Coggswell, one of the neighbors, shovelled away the snow from one of the chamber windows, when Mr. Perkins took the sash out and thus obtained egress.
The Pittsfield Sun
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
February 19, 1857

1859
ESSEX, a township in Essex co. in the state of Massachusetts, 32 m. NE of Boston. Pop. 1,450.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1869 - O'Baldwin, the Irish giant, has been found guilty, in the Essex (Mass.) Superior Court, of prize fighting.
His counsel appealed and the case will go to the Supreme Court of Massachusetts.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 20, 1869

Essex Massachusetts, 1890
Essex is a finely diversified and beautiful town in the easterly part of Essex County, long noted for shipbuilding and the hardy and enterprising character of its people. It lies northeast of Boston, and about 27 miles distant by the Essex Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, which connects with its several villages. It is bounded on the north by Ipswich, on the east by Gloucester, south by Manchester, and west by Hamilton. Its assessed area is 7,841 acres, 1,180 being woodland, containing pine, oak, maple and beech.

The rock is sienite. On the summit of a ledge cropping out in the central village is a mass of cloven bowlders piled up grotesquely, called Martin's Rock, which has served to bear up a liberty pole. From Burnham's Hill in the north, White's Hill in the centre, and. Perkins' Hill (a survey station), the observer obtains delightful views of the valley of Chebacco, of the bay with its various creeks and rounded islands, Castle Neck, Annisquam Harbor, and the ocean.... Read MORE...

1895 - Essex
Essex, a post-village and township of Essex co., Mass., on the sea-coast, 28 miles N.N.E. of Boston, and at the terminus of a branch of the Eastern Railroad. It has 3 churches, a newspaper office, a shoe-factory, a saw-mill, and manufactures of fish-lines. The principal business of Essex is building vessels for the fisheries. Rufus Choate was born here in 1799. Pop. of the township, 1713.
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

1914 - Fried Clams are invented
Woodman's in Essex claims to have invented the fried clam. The story goes that Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman tossed a few clam strips in the fryer in 1914, and was so impressed with the result that he started selling boxes of his new creation.
www.onlyinyourstate.com

1916
Essex, a post-village and township (town) of Essex co., Mass., on the sea-coast, 28 miles NNE. of Boston, on the Boston and Maine R. It has manufactures of boats and fish-lines. The principal business of Essex is building vessels for the fisheries. Pop. of the town in 1900, 1663.
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 see and things to do in Essex:
Essex Shipbuilding Museum:

Dive into the town's maritime heritage by visiting this museum. It offers insights into Essex's shipbuilding history, featuring models, artifacts, and exhibits.

Antique Shops:

Essex is known for its antique shops. Stroll through Main Street and explore the various shops that showcase a wide array of unique antiques.

Essex River:

Take a boat tour or kayak along the Essex River. It's a picturesque way to experience the natural beauty of the area and learn about the ecosystem.

Crane Beach:

If you're a beach lover, Crane Beach is a must-visit. Relax on the sandy shores, take a dip in the ocean, or enjoy a scenic walk along the coastline.

Cogswell's Grant:

This historic farmstead provides a glimpse into early colonial life. The property includes a beautifully preserved Georgian-style mansion and expansive grounds.

Woodman's of Essex:

Indulge in a classic New England seafood experience at Woodman's, known for inventing the fried... Read MORE...