Westford, Massachusetts, USA
1848 - Westford

This town was formerly a part of Chelmsford grant; after a long controversy it was incorporated as a distinct town in 1729. "The church and society was established here in 1724, and the town of Chelmsford paid 100 pounds towards building a meeting house for this parish, which was then called the west precinct in Chelmsford; they also received their proportion of the ministerial lands.” This is principally an agricultural township, the soil being strong and productive, well adapted to grass, grain, and fruit trees. The village in the center of the town contains two Congregational churches and an academy, one of the oldest in the state, having a respectable fund for the support of a preceptor. The village is situated on the summit of a large swell, having a fine prospect over the neighboring valleys and of the distant mountains. Wachusett, Monadnock, and many of less height, are distinctly visible. Population, 1,451. Distance, 10 miles from Concord, 30 from Salem, S from Lowell, 5 to Chelmsford, 6 to Carlisle, and 25 from Boston. In 1837, there were three forges in this town; 90 tons of bar iron were manufactured, valued. at $9,900. There are large quantities of granite quarried here, which is commonly called Chelmsford granite.”

Historical Collections Relating to the History... John Warner Barber, Worcester, Warren Lazell, 1848

Visit Westford, Massachusetts, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.