Newburyport, Massachusetts
On the 28th of January 1764, the General Court of Massachusetts passed an act to create a new town from part of Newbury. The document stated that the water-side inhabitants were mostly merchants and traders while others were farmers. This division caused many disputes in managing public affairs. Governor Francis Bernard approved the act on the 4th of February 1764. The new town covered a small area with only 357 homes housing 2,800 people. Three shipyards operated there but no bridges connected the land. A ferry at Greenleaf Lane carried the Portsmouth Flying Stage Coach between Portsmouth and Boston.
Newburyport became a center for fishing and shipbuilding near the mouth of the Merrimack River. Sea captains participated vigorously in the triangular trade by importing West Indian molasses. They exported rum made from that molasses in distilleries around Market Square. Caldwell's Old Newburyport rum was manufactured locally until 1961. The city added numerous ships to its whaling fleet beginning about 1832. Later clipper ships were built there before the industry declined. Today the waterfront parking lot stands where shipyards once extended into the channel.
Many Newburyporters were anti-abolitionists because they profited from the triangle trade involving slaves from West Africa. Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1783 allowing many runaway slaves to find refuge in the state. Around 6,000 runaway slaves lived in Newburyport during the early 1800s. The fugitive slave act passed in 1850 required all states to capture and return runaways. Some white Newburyporters became stops on the Underground Railroad as mariners smuggled slaves to Canada. Captain Alexander Graves is one example of those who helped people escape bondage.
By 1970 the historic downtown section was scheduled for razing due to strip malls and automobile use. Ideas ranged from hotels to new stores with few buildings left for historical reasons. At the last moment the city changed its mind and signed a federal grant to keep most architecture. Renovation began during the early 1970s along State Street. It culminated with creation of a pedestrian mall along Inn Street. Preservationists cite this effort as an example of maintaining heritage while keeping a city functional.
The population reached 18,289 at the 2020 census according to United States Census Bureau data. Racial makeup showed 90.2% White residents with smaller percentages of African American and Asian populations. Irish ancestry comprised 25% of the total population while English made up 16%. A new charter took effect in 2013 establishing a mayor with a four-year term. An eleven-member City Council runs alongside the executive branch. Current mayor Sean Reardon faces his next election year in 2029.
Yankee Homecoming initiated in 1957 by native George Cashman lasts one week each year. The first Sunday known as Olde Fashioned Sunday features activities including an art show and antique car parade. Eight days and over 200 events fill the festival schedule with concerts every night at Market Landing Park. The Newburyport Literary Festival started in 2006 during the last weekend of April. Local authors like Andre Dubus III visit to sign books and chat about their work. The Chamber Music Festival founded in 2001 embeds international artists into the community for open rehearsals.
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Common questions
When was Newburyport Massachusetts officially created from part of Newbury?
The General Court of Massachusetts passed an act to create the new town on the 28th of January 1764. Governor Francis Bernard approved the act on the 4th of February 1764.
What economic activities defined early Newburyport Massachusetts history?
Newburyport became a center for fishing and shipbuilding near the mouth of the Merrimack River. Sea captains participated in the triangular trade by importing West Indian molasses and exporting rum made in distilleries around Market Square.
How did Newburyport Massachusetts participate in the Underground Railroad during the 19th century?
Some white Newburyporters became stops on the Underground Railroad as mariners smuggled slaves to Canada after the fugitive slave act passed in 1850. Captain Alexander Graves is one example of those who helped people escape bondage.
Why was historic downtown Newburyport Massachusetts preserved instead of being razed in the 1970s?
The city changed its mind at the last moment and signed a federal grant to keep most architecture before razing could begin. Renovation began during the early 1970s along State Street and culminated with creation of a pedestrian mall along Inn Street.
Who are the current political leaders of Newburyport Massachusetts and when do they face elections?
Current mayor Sean Reardon faces his next election year in 2029 under a new charter that took effect in 2013. An eleven-member City Council runs alongside the executive branch.