History of Nahant, Massachusetts, USA

1630 - Nahant is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Nahant
Nahant, Massachusetts
This celebrated watering place is a part of the beautiful town of Lynn. It is a peninsula, jutting out about 5 miles into Massachusetts bay, and forms Lynn bay on the south. From Boston to Nahant hotel, on the eastern point of the peninsula, by land, is 14 miles; from the centre of Lynn, 5; and from Salem 9 miles. On the N.E. side of this peninsula is a beach of great length and smoothness. It is so hard that a horse's foot-steps are scarcely visible; and, from half-tide to low water, it affords a ride of superior excellence. Much may be said in praise of Nahant without exaggeration. Its formation, situation, and rugged shore, excites the curiosity of all, and many thousands annually visit it for health, or pleasure.

It is only 10 miles N.E. from Boston, by the steam-boats, continually plying in summer months; at this place are good fishing and fowling, excellent accommodations: the ocean scenery is exceedingly beautiful in fair weather, and truly sublime in... Read MORE...

1853 - Nahant is incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1854 - Nahant
Nahant, a post-village and noted watering place of Essex county, Massachusetts, 10 miles N. E. from Boston. It consists of a narrow peninsula, about 3 1/ 2 miles in length, projecting from the mainland of Lynn into Massachusetts bay. Near its eastern extremity is an extensive hotel, and in other portions are numerous cottages, chiefly occupied by the citizens of Boston as summer residences. Nahant is one of the oldest watering places in New England, and thou sands resort to it during the sultry months to enjoy the sea-breeze and ocean scenery. At this season steamboats ply constantly be tween Boston and the peninsula, and between this place and Salem, Lynn, &c,
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.

Nahant Massachusetts, 1890
Nahant is a noted sea-girt town, consisting of three sections, almost islands, connected with each other and with the mainland by a curious series of level sandy beaches, some of which are long enough for delightful drives. It forms the east side of Lynn harbor, and the west and south sides of Nahant Bay. The area is 500 acres; and the peninsula which connects it with Lynn is two miles in length, or about one and a half miles to Little Nahant, a village on an expansion of the neck northward.

Long Bench is on the north side of the peninsula; next eastward is Little Nahant Beach, succeeded in the circuit of the town by Joseph's Pond, Lewis' and Coral beaches. Between these are East Point, John's Peril (point), Spouting Rock, Hood's, Cedar and East points; and westward, on the south side, are Bass Rock, Dorothy's Cove, Bass Point at the southwest, and Black Rock on the west. Pea and Shag islands lie near on the south of the eastern extremity; while north of it is Egg Rock with its... Read MORE...

1895 - Nahant
Na'hant', a post-village and summer resort of Essex co., Mass., is in Massachusetts Bay, on a small rocky peninsula, connected with Lynn township by a narrow sandy isthmus. It is 12 miles (by water) N.E. of Boston, and 4 miles from Lynn. Here are numerous cottages and villas, in which many of the people of Boston and Cambridge pass the summer. Pop, in 1890, 880.
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

1896 - LONGFELLOW COTTAGE DESTROYED.
Four Other Summer Residences at Nahant Swept Away by Fire.

Nahant, Mass., May 18. - Special Telegram. - During the high gale this afternoon fire broke out on the Longfellow cottage estate, and it spread rapidly through the residence section, destroying five mansions and causing a property loss of $100,000. The fire started in the yard of the historic Longfellow cottage, presumably from a spark from the pipe of a painter. It at once communicated with the cottage, reducing it to ashes before the fire department arrived.

The Duncan, Green, Cunningham and Russell mansions were soon a prey to the flames, and were totally destroyed despite the efforts of the firemen, who were hampered by the high wind and inadequate water service. The houses of Amory Lawrence and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge were saved, though in imminent danger for two hours. The houses destroyed were the finest summer residences here, and were being put in readiness for use.

The Longfellow cottage was historic, as... Read MORE...

1906
Nahant, a post-township (town) and sea-side resort of Essex co., Mass., is in Massachusetts Bay, on a small rocky peninsula, connected with Lynn township (town) by a narrow isthmus. It is 12 mile (by water) NE. of Boston and 4 miles from Lynn. Here are numerous cottages and villas, in which many of the people of Boston and Cambridge pass the summer. Pop. in 1900, 1152.
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 are the best places to see and things to do in Nahant:
Nahant Beach:

First things first, hit the beach! Nahant Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand where you can soak up the sun, take a refreshing dip in the ocean, or simply stroll along the shore. It's a great spot for beachcombing and picnics too.

Bailey's Hill:

Hike up Bailey's Hill for panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding area. It's a relatively short hike, but the payoff is fantastic. The trail is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

Nahant Golf Club:

If you're a golf enthusiast, you'll want to check out Nahant Golf Club. It's not just about the game; the views from the course are spectacular. Rolling greens against the backdrop of the Atlantic make for a memorable round.

Swampscott Lighthouse:

Take a stroll along the causeway to reach the charming Swampscott Lighthouse. The views are Instagram-worthy, and it's a great place to catch the sunset. The lighthouse adds a touch of New England charm to the... Read MORE...