History of Methuen, Massachusetts, USA

1642 - Methuen is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1725 - Methuen is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Methuen
Methuen, Massachusetts
Essex county. In this town is a beautiful water fall of 30 feet, on Spicket river, which furnishes an excellent hydraulic power. Methuen lies on the N. bank of Merrimack river, and is 25 miles N. by W. from Boston, and 20 N.W. by N. from Salem. It was taken from Haverhill in 1725. Population, 1830, 2,011; 1837, 2,463. There are 2 cotton and 2 paper mills in the town, and manufactures of leather, shoes, hats, ploughs, segars, essences, chaises, harnesses, chairs, tin and cabinet wares, and piano-forte frames: value, for the year ending April 1, 1837, $462,525. An excellent bed of peat has recently been discovered. It is 14 feet in depth, and very extensive. The soil of Methuen is very good, the village is pleasant, and the scenery around it, romantic and beautiful.
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 - METHUEN. [Pop. 2,251. Inc. 1725.]
The eastern part of Methuen was once a part of Haverhill.

The Merrimack forms the southern boundary of the town, but its industry depends much upon a little stream, called the Spicket, which runs through Methuen, and affords excellent sites for factories.

The chief manufactures are cotton goods, shoes, hats, and paper.

Distance from Salem, 20 miles; from Boston, 25.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845

1854 - Methuen
Methuen, a manufacturing post-village of Essex co., Massachusetts, 30 miles N. by W. from Boston, is situated near the Merrimack river, on both sides of the Spicket, which here has a fall of 36 feet, affording excellent water- power, and on the Manchester and Lawrence railroad. The principal articles produced are cotton goods, boots and shoes, hats, and leather. About 1,000,000 yards of twilled goods and tickings, and 2,000,000 bricks are annually made. Pop. of the township, 2543.
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.

1869 - A stone at Methuen, Mass., is situated in two States, Massachusetts and New Hampshire,
three counties, Rockingham and Hillsborough, N. H., and Essex, Mass., and three towns, Salem and Pelham, N. H., and Methuen, Mass.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 6, 1869

Methuen Massachusetts, 1890
Methuen forms the northwest angle of Essex County, and lies on the north side of the Merrimack River, but separated from it at the middle by half the city of Lawrence; by which, with the deep intrusion opposite of a large angle of Salem, N. H., the town is nearly cut in two parts. Haverhill and Bradford bound it on the northeast; North Andover, Lawrence and Andover on the southeast, and Dracut on the west. The assessed area is 13,333 acres, of which 3,017 are forest.

The noble Merrimack forms the line between this town and Andover, North Andover and Bradford. From New Hampshire comes the Spicket River, its volume increased from South Fond, in the western part of the town, and Mystic, near the centre. At Methuen village it has a wild and beautiful fall of 36 feet over a broken and precipitous ledge of slate rock. The eastern part of the town is drained by Hawke's Brook.

The land is good, and is finely interspersed with hills and valleys. The farms, 212 in number, are neatly kept, ... Read MORE...

1895 - Methuen
Methu'en, a post-town of Essex co., Mass., on Spicket (or Spigot) River, with a station on the Manchester & Lawrence Railroad, 2 miles N.N.W. of Lawrence, and 24 miles S.S.E. of Manchester. It has 4 churches, a high school, a national bank, and manufactures of cotton, jute, and woollen goods, hats, and shoes. It is connected by a street railroad with Lawrence and North Andover. Pop. in 1890, 4814.
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

1895 - Mill Fire
METHUEN, Mass., May 18.- A fire started in Couses' cotton mills since midnight and destroyed it.
Sandusky Register
Sandusky, Ohio
May 17, 1895

1906
Methuen, a banking post-township (town) of Essex co., Mass., on the Spicket (or Spigot) River and on the Boston and Maine R., 2 miles NNW. of Lawrence. It has manufactures of cottons, woollens, knitted goods, organs, hats, and shoes. Pop. in 1900, 7512.
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

2023 - Here's a list of places to see and things to do in Methuen:
Tenney Castle and Grounds:

Explore the beautiful Tenney Castle and its surrounding grounds. It's a historic mansion with an interesting history. While the castle itself may not always be open to the public, the exterior and the grounds are worth a visit.

Methuen Rail Trail:

Take a stroll or bike ride along the Methuen Rail Trail. It's a scenic path that follows the former Manchester and Lawrence Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad. Perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Forest Lake:

Enjoy some time by the water at Forest Lake. It's a great spot for picnics, fishing, or simply taking in the serene surroundings. There are also walking trails around the lake.

Methuen Memorial Music Hall:

If you're a fan of music and history, check out the Methuen Memorial Music Hall. This iconic venue hosts various concerts and events. The architecture alone is worth the visit.

Greycourt State Park:

Explore the Greycourt State Park, known for its natural beauty. It's a... Read MORE...