Nestled in Essex County, Rowley, Massachusetts, stands as a testament to early American resilience and development, with a history stretching back to its foundational settlement in 1639. This historic New England town, known for its enduring colonial heritage, played a significant role in the shaping of Massachusetts and the broader region. From its humble beginnings as a plantation, Rowley, Massachusetts, quickly evolved into a thriving community, marked by significant industrial innovation and pivotal historical events.
The Genesis of Rowley: From Plantation to Incorporated Town
The story of Rowley begins in the spring of 1639 when Reverend Ezekiel Rogers led a group of settlers to establish a new plantation. These intrepid pioneers sought to create a self-sustaining community rooted in their Puritan beliefs. The following spring, as the settlement grew in size and importance, the town of Rowley was formally incorporated. This new municipality encompassed vast territories, including what are now parts of Byfield, Georgetown, and Haverhill. The town’s name was a direct homage to Rowley, Yorkshire, England, where Reverend Rogers had faithfully served as pastor for two decades before embarking on his journey to the New World.
Early development was rapid and focused on establishing both spiritual and economic foundations. A church was swiftly constructed in that very first year, with Reverend Rogers taking up his pastoral duties in December. The early 1640s saw the construction of two vital mills, signaling the beginning of Rowley’s industrial prowess. The town quickly gained renown for its production of hemp, flax, and cotton cloth, leveraging the natural resources available. A notable engineering feat of this era was the construction of North America’s first stone arch bridge on the Mill River in 1642. This remarkable Keystone arch bridge was crafted entirely from hand-chiseled granite, notably without the use of mortar, showcasing the ingenuity of its early inhabitants. Though rebuilt in the mid-19th century, its original construction remains a significant historical landmark. By 1669, a sawmill was established, an enterprise whose lineage remarkably continues to this day, reflecting Rowley’s enduring commitment to its foundational industries. Throughout this period, agriculture and livestock farming were central to the economy, with the cultivation of hemp and flax for cloth, alongside cotton, being particularly prominent.
Territorial Shifts and Colonial Conflicts
As the Massachusetts Bay Colony expanded, so too did the administrative boundaries of its towns. In 1675, the westerly section of Rowley, historically known as the “Merrimack Lands” or “Rowley Village by Merrimack,” which had begun to see settlement around 1650, was officially incorporated as a separate town named Bradford. By 1680, Rowley itself was a well-established community, home to approximately 129 families, indicating a robust and growing population. Further divisions occurred in 1685 when the southwestern part of the town, long referred to as “Rowley Village,” was granted independent incorporation as the town of Boxford. These territorial adjustments reflect the dynamic growth and evolving demographics of colonial New England.
The late 17th century was a period of significant tension and conflict with Native American tribes, especially during King Philip’s War. In 1689, several men from Rowley were dispatched to defend the neighboring towns of Haverhill and Dover against potential Native American raids. While records do not explicitly state casualties from these particular engagements, the threat was very real. In 1690, when Sir William Phips mounted an expedition against Quebec during King Philip’s War, Rowley made a substantial contribution to the colonial effort, furnishing Captain Philip Nelson, one lieutenant, and thirty other men. Tragically, John Bailey and Moses Wood perished en route to Canada, underscoring the dangers faced by those serving in these early colonial conflicts.
The Shadow of the Witch Hysteria
The infamous Salem Witchcraft Hysteria, which gripped Massachusetts in the late 17th century, did not bypass Rowley. The town, like many others in the region, experienced its share of accusations and trials. Among those accused were John Howard, John Jackson, Sr., and John Jackson, Jr., who were believed to be related to Elizabeth Jackson Howe of Topsfield. Elizabeth Howe was found guilty of witchcraft and tragically executed by hanging on July 19, 1692. Mary Post, daughter of Mary Tyler Post Bridges of Andover—herself also accused of witchcraft—was another Rowley resident entangled in the hysteria. However, Rowley’s most poignant loss during this dark chapter was Margaret Stevenson Scott. An impoverished woman in her 70s, Margaret Scott was condemned and hanged on September 22, 1692, becoming one of the final victims of the Salem Witch Trials. These events left an indelible mark on the community and serve as a stark reminder of the perils of mass delusion and injustice.
Continuing Challenges and Growth in the 18th Century
Just a month after Margaret Scott’s execution, Rowley faced another brutal challenge. On October 23, the town endured its sole recorded Native American raid. In what was then Byfield Parish, now part of Georgetown, Benjamin Goodrich, his wife, and their two daughters were tragically killed by the attacking Native Americans. Another daughter, seven-year-old Deborah, was taken captive but was fortunately redeemed at the province’s expense the following year. This event highlighted the persistent frontier dangers faced by settlers even as organized conflict waned.
In 1731, a section of the town known as “New Rowley,” which corresponds to modern-day Georgetown, was incorporated as the Second Parish, leading to the organization of a new church the following year. This period saw continued expansion and the establishment of new community centers. As the colonies matured and tensions with Great Britain escalated, men from Rowley consistently answered the call to duty. Many served in the French and Indian War, defending British colonial interests against French expansion, and later played a critical role in the American Revolution, fighting for independence from British rule. Their contributions underscored Rowley’s commitment to the emerging American identity.
19th Century Industrialization and National Conflicts
The 19th century ushered in an era of significant growth and diversification for Rowley. A crucial step in its civic development was the establishment of a post office in 1804, with James Smith appointed as the first postmaster, facilitating communication and commerce. When the War of 1812 erupted, Rowley once again demonstrated its patriotic spirit by furnishing 31 men to the national cause. Economically, the town saw a shift from its earlier agricultural focus. Tanning, along with the manufacture of boots and shoes, became increasingly prevalent and economically vital industries within the community. The establishment of a local bank in 1836 further solidified Rowley’s economic infrastructure. Religious life also flourished, evidenced by the organization of a Baptist Church in November 1839.
Mid-century, military readiness remained important. A military company named Poor’s Rifle Guards, under the command of Captain J. Scott Todd, was formally organized in July 1855. A decade later, during the harrowing years of the Civil War, Rowley once again exemplified its deep patriotic commitment, supplying its full quota of men to the Union effort, demonstrating a spirit as resolute as during the Revolutionary War. The post-Civil War economic snapshot of Rowley, for the year ending May 1, 1865, reveals a robust manufacturing sector. The town produced 5,650 pairs of boots and an impressive 26,310 pairs of shoes, employing 76 individuals. The shellfish industry was also significant, yielding 7,304 bushels valued at $3,527 and employing 15 hands for six months. Agriculture continued to thrive, with 132 farms encompassing 10,085 acres and employing 159 people. The sale of 7,273 gallons of milk, valued at $1,306.20, highlighted dairy production. Woodland resources were estimated at 2,000 acres, and horticultural efforts included 11,568 apple trees and 756 pear trees cultivated for fruit. Further industrial development was marked by the construction of a carriage factory in 1868 by Moses E. Daniels, showcasing the town’s diverse manufacturing base.
The 20th Century and Rowley Today
As the 20th century dawned, Rowley continued its legacy of industrial success. The town boasted a booming shoe industry and successful boat-building businesses, reflecting its adaptability and continued engagement with trade and craftsmanship. The preservation of this rich history became a community priority, leading to the establishment of the Rowley Historical Society in 1918. This organization remains dedicated to safeguarding its first-period home, the historic Platts-Bradstreet House at 233 Main Street, and all facets of Rowley’s extensive past. The museum offers tours by appointment, allowing visitors to delve into the town’s heritage.
Today, Rowley thrives as a charming small town of approximately 6,300 residents. It is characterized by a picturesque landscape dotted with well-preserved colonial homes alongside later architectural styles, each telling a piece of its long and vibrant story. The town’s commitment to preserving its historical identity while embracing modern life makes it a unique and valuable part of Massachusetts’s heritage. Rowley remains a community where the echoes of early American ingenuity and resilience are still palpable, offering a compelling glimpse into the past while looking forward to the future.
