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Chelmsford is a suburban town located in Northeastern Massachusetts,
west of the Concord River, just south of the New Hampshire border and
24 miles to the north of Boston.
Originally established in 1653 as a preserve, or “Praying Town” for
Christina Indians, the area did not enjoy significant growth for
approximately one century. However, the community’s fresh water
fishing, its access to abundant fish runs in Merrimack and Concord, and
good agricultural lands along its rivers led to rapid growth after the
eighteenth century.
Chelmsford was a town characterized by farming and grazing, along with
the specialties of dairying and orchards. There was also some lumbering
as well as the small operation of gristmills, lime quarries, and
brickyards. In the nineteenth century, Chelmsford saw the establishment
of machine shops and the granite quarry, which supplied the material
for the building of Quincy Market.
A
number of buildings, inns, and homes of historical interest may be
found in Chelmsford. Some of these buildings are used in conjunctions
with the elementary schools’ social studies program. Through this
program, local children can share the experience of those youngsters
attending schools here in the early nineteenth century. For instance,
and 1802 schoolhouse is complete with hornbooks and a dunce stool. The
Garrison House allows second graders to spend the day making quilts,
dipping candles, and examining the tools used in running a colonial
farm. Other historical sites include the original 1832 Toll House used
on the Middlesex Canal and the 1897 Fiske House, listed in the Register
of Historic Places. Granite markers have also been placed along the
route traveled by Chelmsford Minutemen to the Battle of Concord on
April 19,1775.
Local
residents enjoy outdoor recreation offered by its lakes, ponds, and
conservation lands. Swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, horseback
riding and ice-skating are some of the activities available. Golf and
tennis can be played at the Apple Country Club, and the area’s schools
offer facilities for playing softball, baseball, basketball, football
and soccer.
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