History of Manchester, Massachusetts, USA

1629 - Manchester is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1645 - Manchester is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Manchester
Manchester, Massachusetts
Essex county. This is a flourishing fishing town on Massachusetts bay, 26 miles N.E. from Boston and 5 S.W. from Gloucester. It was taken from Salem in 1645. Population, 1837, 1,346. There are a number of vessels belonging to the town employed in the fishing and coasting business. The value of the fishery, the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $12,800. The value of the articles manufactured was $96,473. Those articles consisted of vessels, boots, shoes, leather, chairs, cabinet ware, palm-leaf hats, and ships' wheels. The village is very pleasant, and commands fine prospects. Although Manchester is a rocky, rough township, it can boast a rare native production in this climate,—the magnolia, a beautiful flowering tree.
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 - MANCHESTER. [Pop. 1,855. Inc. 1645.]
Manchester, when a part of Salem, was called Jeffrey's Creek. The Magnolia, a beautiful flowering tree, is found in this town, and no where else in New England, in a native state.

The inhabitants are more or less connected with navigation.

Distance from Salem, 8 miles; from Boston, 26.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Manchester
Manchester, a post-village and seaport of Essex county, Massachusetts, on the Eastern railroad, 9 miles N. E. from Beverly, and 23 miles N. E. from Boston. The industry of the inhabitants is chiefly directed to the manufacture of cabinet-ware, which employs a capital of $500,000. Incorporated in 1045. Population of the township, 1648.
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.

Manchester Massachusetts, 1890
Manchester, one of our most beautiful towns, lies along north side of Massachusetts Bay, in the southeasterly part of Essex County, 8 miles northeast of Salem, and 25 miles northeast of Boston. It is on the Gloucester Branch of the Eastern Division of the Boston and Maine Railroad, which has stations at West Manchester, Manchester and Magnolia. Manchester is the principal village and the post-office. Other villages are Crescent Beach, Kittle Cove Village, West Manchester and Newport. Northeast of Manchester village is Rosedale Cemetery; and a locality beyond, near Baker's Pond, formerly bore the name "North Yarmouth."

It is bounded on the north by Essex, on the east by Gloucester, on the south by the sea, and on the west by Beverly and Wenham. Its shore line is about 4 miles. In the offing are House, Kettle and several smaller islands. The area is 5,134 acres; about two-thirds, chiefly along the northern side of the town, being well filled with forests of oak, pine and hemlock.... Read MORE...

1895 - Manchester
Manchester, a post-village of Essex co., Mass., in Manchester township, on the Atlantic Ocean, and on the Gloucester Branch of the Eastern Railroad, 23 miles N.E. of Boston. It has 3 churches, and manufactures of chairs and cabinet-furniture, &c. It is a popular seaside resort, and has several fine beaches and bold promontories. Pop. of the township, 1560. Here is a noted mass of rocks in the sea, called Norman's Woe.
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

1906
Manchester, or Manchester-by-the-Sea, a post-village of Essex co., Mass., in Manchester township (town) on the Atlantic Ocean and on the Boston and Maine R., 23 miles NE. of Boston. It has manufactures of furniture, etc. It is a popular sea-side resort and has several fine beaches (including a "singing beach") and bold promontories. Pop. of the town in 1900, 2522. Here is a noted mass of rocks in the sea, called Norman's Woe.
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

1907 - BOSTON MAN'S SUMMER COTTAGE IS DESTROYED.
Manchester, Nov. 24. - A summer cottage which Charles Head, the Boston broker and banker, was building for his daughter, Mrs. Philip Stockton of Boston, on Glouscester road, was burned today, the loss being fully $40,000. F. L. Whitcomb of Boston was the contractor and he was to have turned the house over to Mr. Head next week. The fire started from a heater in the basement. Several workmen lost their kits. The house was a two-story frame structure, finished in stucco. The amount of insurance is not known.
The Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
November 25, 1907

Here's a list of places to see and things to do in Manchester, Massachusetts:
Sing a Sea Shanty at Singing Beach:

Start your day by heading to Singing Beach, known for the unique squeaky sound the sand makes when you walk on it. It's a great place to relax, soak up the sun, and maybe even join in a sea shanty or two with the locals.

Visit the Manchester Historical Museum:

Explore the town's history at the Manchester Historical Museum. It's housed in the Trask House, a beautiful 19th-century mansion, and showcases the rich maritime history of the area.

Shop and Stroll in Downtown Manchester:

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming downtown area. You'll find boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. It's a great place to pick up unique gifts or souvenirs.

Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library:

If you're a book lover, make sure to visit the local library. It's not just a place for books; the architecture itself is worth admiring.

Explore Coolidge Reservation:

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy Coolidge Reservation, which offers... Read MORE...