Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
1845 - WORCESTER. [Pop. 7,497. Inc. 1684.]

Worcester was called Quinsigamond by the Indians, who joined with Philip against the colonists in the bloody war of 1675.

In 1701, Worcester was deserted by the inhabitants, through fear of the Indians.

In 1786, Worcester was disturbed by the insurrection of Daniel Shays, to suppress which the State was obliged to raise an army. Besides the ordinary buildings of a county town, Worcester contains the State Lunatic Hospital, a splendid monument of philanthropy, and the Hall of the Antiquarian Society, whose cabinet and library are very curious and valuable.

The sources of the Blackstone meet in Worcester, and furnish valuable privileges.

The Blackstone Canal extends from Worcester to Providence, in Rhode Island, but the subsequent construction of rail-roads has rendered the canal unprofitable.

The chief manufactures are woollen and cotton goods, boots and shoes, hats and bonnets, paper, and iron ware.

Distance from Boston, 40 miles.

An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

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