Amesbury, MA
Amesbury was incorporated in 1668, beginning as an agricultural settlement along the Merrimack River before growing into a center of industry in the 19th century, particularly known for carriage manufacturing that helped shape early transportation in America. The town is closely associated with John Greenleaf Whittier, the abolitionist whose home still stands here, as well as Josiah Bartlett, who was born in this area and later became governor of New Hampshire. Today, Amesbury reflects these layers of history—river, industry, and reform—offering a story shaped by both innovation and ideas.
Recent Posts
John Greenleaf Whittier House
John Greenleaf Whittier was the reason I first visited Amesbury many years ago. A poet, writer, and one of the leading abolitionists of the 19th century. Whittier used both his words and public influence to speak out against slavery during one of the most divided periods in American history. The home behind me, The John Greenleaf […]
First Settlers Memorial
One of the things I enjoy most while exploring small towns is discovering the smaller memorials that quietly preserve the memory of the people that first settled these communities. This monument in Amesbury honors the first settlers of Amsbury in 1654, listing many of the families who helped establish the town during the early colonial period. What […]
John Bartlett Monument
In Amesbury, there is a prominent statue of Josiah Barlett, a figure whose life connects this small New England town to the founding of the nation. Josiah Bartlett was born in 1729 in what was then part of Amesbury. Trained as a physician, he built a reputation for both skill and dedication. As tensions grew […]
