History of Newbury, Massachusetts, USA

1635 - Newbury is settled and incorporated

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1839 - Newbury
Newbury, Massachusetts
Essex county. This ancient and respectable town lies on Merrimack river, opposite to Salisbury. It formerly comprised the territory of Newburyport and West Newbury. The soil is of an excellent quality, and in a high state of cultivation. Parker and Artichoke rivers are pleasant streams; the former falls nearly 50 feet in the town, and affords it good mill seats. A part of Plum island is attached to this town. This island, about nine miles in length and one in breadth, extending from Ipswich river to the mouth of the Merrimack, is comprised of sandy beach and salt meadow; and is noted for the beach plum, which ripens in September.

A curious cavern, called the "Devil's Den," contains specimens of asbestos, limestone, marble, serpentine and amianthos. The scenery on the high grounds is rich, variegated and beautiful.

Dummer academy, founded in 1756, is a flourishing institution: it is situated in the parish of "Byfield."

The manufactures of Newbury... Read MORE...

1845 - NEWBURY. [Pop. 3,789. Inc. 1635.]
The Indian name of Newbury was Quafcacanquen. It was originally a large town, and the settlement began on the banks of Parker's river.

Newbury included Newburyport and West Newbury, and the greater part of Plum Island, which is a mere sand bank, belongs to Newbury. Dummer Academy, supposed to be the oldest in the State, is in Byfield Parish. The chief employment of the inhabitants is in ship building and the fisheries.

Distance from Salem, 17 miles ; from Boston, 31.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1854 - Newbury
Newbury, a post-township of Essex co., Massachusetts, on the S. side of the Merrimack river, 34 miles N. by E. from Boston. It is intersected by the Eastern railroad. Population, 4426.
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 - Newbury, Mass., mourns the death of Betsy Rogers, a remarkable berry woman, whom a broken leg killed at the age of 96.
She leaves the memory of 3,000 bushels of gathered berries, a snug sum of money, and five generations of descendants, embracing fifty persons.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 20, 1869

1870 - Miss Anna L. Coffin, who was chosen on the Newbury (Mass.) School Committee, declined to serve, as she could not attend to the duties if she would, and would not if she could.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 30, 1870

Newbury Massachusetts, 1890
Newbury is an ancient and pleasant agricultural town in northeast part of Essex County, 32 miles northeast of Boston on the Eastern Division of the Boston and Maine Railroad. Through it from the west also comes the Danvers, Haverhill and Newburyport Branch. It is bounded on the north by Newburyport, east by the ocean, south by Rowley southwest by Georgetown, and northwest by West Newbury. Its length from east to west, curving southward, is above 8 miles, and its width about 3 miles. The assessed area is 13,094, more than 2,000 acres less than the actual area.

There are about 1,500 acres of woodland. A section of Plum Island forms the ocean frontage, — separated by an arm of the sea called Plum Island River, or Sound. Parker River with its branches — Little River from the north and Mill River from the southwest — are the principal streams, and furnish some motive power. The land is undulating, except in the vicinity of Plum Island Sound, and a large distance of Parker River, where... Read MORE...

1895 - Newbury
Newbury, a township of Essex co., Mass., contains Newbury Old Town, a part of Byfield, and a part of Plum Island. It is traversed by the Eastern Railroad and a branch of the Boston & Maine Railroad. Pop. 1426.
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
Newbury, a township (town) of Essex co., Mass. It has woollen and felt-mills and manufactures of tobacco. Pop. in 1900, 1601.
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

Newbury, Massachusetts is a charming town with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do. Here's a list to get you started:
Plum Island Beach: Start your visit to Newbury with a trip to Plum Island Beach. This pristine barrier island offers miles of sandy shoreline, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge on Plum Island is also a great place for birdwatching and hiking.

Parker River National Wildlife Refuge: Explore the natural beauty of the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, home to diverse wildlife, including shorebirds, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Hiking trails and scenic overlooks make it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts.

Joppa Flats Education Center: Located in the wildlife refuge, the Joppa Flats Education Center offers educational programs and exhibits focused on local wildlife and natural history. It's a great place for families to learn more about the area's ecosystems.

Tendercrop Farm: If you love fresh, locally grown produce, don't miss a visit to Tendercrop Farm. They offer a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, meats,... Read MORE...