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Newburyport is a city with a long and rich history. A city where historic preservation has been the key to economic revitalization. A city whose foundation is based on maritime trade. A city who values its historic sites.
History
Newburyport
has a long and rich history. Located on the south bank of the Merrimack River
before it empties into the Atlantic Ocean, the area was originally inhabited by the Pawtucket
Indians. It was settled in the 1630’s by European immigrants who founded
the city of Newbury. The small port of Newbury was quickly settled and became a fishing
and trading center with the rest of Newbury turning to agricultural
pursuits.
Newburyport
breaks from Newbury
By
1764, the port was so prosperous and densely settled that it broke off
from Newbury to become Newburyport. Maritime trade fueled the city’s economy, sparking extraordinary
building activity in the decades following.
Hard
Times
In
1811, a catastrophic fire leveled the downtown. That event, coupled with restrictive federal trading policies and
embargoes implemented in response to the War of 1812 and the national
financial panic of 1816, resulted in the city’s economic downfall. Ironically the 1811 fire led to stringent
fire safety building
codes, which helped in the preservation of the handsome brick downtown
facades.
Newburyport
Becomes a City
In
1851, the city annexed portions of Newbury and incorporated into a city. At the same time, technological innovations led to steam powered
mills and provided a financial boost to the city.
Many of the large red brick mill buildings scattered throughout the
city were built in this time period. By the early twentieth century, Newburyport had gone into another
decline and many remember the slumbering town of the 1950’s.In the 1970’s the city launched an extraordinary urban renewal
project that transformed Newburyport’s decaying downtown and waterfront
buildings into picturesque brick and cobblestone retail center with an
attractive waterfront park and boardwalk.
Past
& Present
Many
traces of Newburyport's past can still be found. Churches
and cemeteries evoke remembrances of local personalities. The Tannery district, close to downtown is an extension of
old steam mills and tanneries of the past. There were ropewalks, clammers’ shacks
and shipyards. Victorian
houses, federal mansions and colonial houses are cherished by today’s
homeowners.
Newburyport draws visitors from around the world to this seaport rich in history and beauty.
Maritime
History
The
Mighty Merrimack River
Captain Paul White built the first wharf
on the river in
1655. The 177-mile long Merrimack River has been used in many ways over
the years - as a conduit for food and transportation for Native
Americans, a commercial port in the colonial town, a protected harbor
during the Revolutionary War, and a center for privateers and
shipbuilders during the War of 1812. It was the source of water that
powered the Industrial Revolution, and a place to launch ships for 100
years.
Newburyport
Privateers
Although
each of its services to the town was successful, the Merrimack gained
special importance as the base of operations for Newburyport Privateers,
privately owned vessels licensed to attack enemy shipping. Newburyport privateers captured hundreds of British vessels during
the Revolution and the War of 1812, but suffered heavy losses themselves.
Trading
in Newburyport
Vessels from all over the world registered their cargoes with the port
surveyor at the Custom House. They brought cloth goods and hardware from Liverpool,
wine
from Madeira, gunpowder from St Petersburg, and molasses and sugar from
the West Indies. Ships built in Newburyport brought wealth and prestige
to their owners. 
Shipbuilding
In the shipbuilding
district in Newburyport, ships were built well into the late 1800's. The Currier yard built 97 ships as well as barques and schooners.
High Street mansions recall the names of those who made and lost fortunes in the maritime trade; Cushing,
Bartlet, Greenleaf, Marquand, Prince, Tracy and others. In 1844 Donald McKay introduced clipper ships,
and the last square-rigged ship built in Massachusetts was launched in Newburyport.
The
Coast Guard - Born in Newburyport
For over 100 years the Coast Guard has plied the waters
of the Merrimack River, beginning as revenue cutters that enforced navigation laws.
Today they rescue and supervise
boats and yachts that have difficulty navigating the “most
dangerous river mouth on the east coast.” Increasingly, the Coast Guard
functions as an important national security force. You can spot three
lighthouses erected by the Coast Guard on Water Street and Plum Island.
The Lighthouse Preservation Society is restoring the Range Lights. Call
1-800-727-BEAM to make reservations for dinner for two at the top of the
Water Street lighthouse.
Historic
Sites
Cushing House Museum & Garden
98 High Street; 978-462-2681
www.newburyhist.com
This
21-room brick Federal home houses the Historical Society of Old Newbury.
Visitors are treated to the treasures of the area’s rich historic past,
encompassing every aspect of life from the countryside to the city and its
merchants. There are guided tours, exhibits, special events, and lectures.
Open June - October, Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 4pm, Saturday - Sunday 12pm
- 4pm. Last tour begins one hour before closing. Admission Charged.
Custom House Maritime Museum
25 Water Street; 978-462-8681
www.customhousemaritimemuseum.org
Built in 1835, the
Newburyport Custom House was designed by Robert Mills,
architect of the Washington Monument and the U.S. Treasury
Building. The Museum features shop models and maritime art
as well as exhibits on ship building, the Coast Guard, and
author John Marquand.
Open from May 15 - December 15 Tuesday - Saturday 10am -
4pm; Sunday & holiday Mondays 12pm - 4pm.
Admission charged.
Old South Church
29 Federal Street; 978-465-9666
www.oldsouthnbpt.org
Old South Church was built in 1756 and is one of the oldest
wood frame churches in continuing use in New England. Its
bell was made by Paul Revere, and its steeple guided ships
to safe harbor in Newburyport. Built for the Rev. George
Whitefield, a prime mover behind "The Great Awakening," and
who is buried beneath the church's pulpit.
Old Hill Burying Ground
Located adjacent to the Bartlet Mall is a cemetery where
many prominent and colorful citizens including Lord Timothy
Dexter, Nathaniel Tracey, as well as sea captains and
revolutionary war veterans are buried
Oak Hill Cemetery
Brown Street - off State Street
www.oakhillcemeterynewburyport.com
Walk through the
Oak Hill Cemetery and you'll find the gravesites of clipper
shipbuilder Donald McKay; authors; past mayors; and other
prominent citizens.
Historic Cemetery
Tours
"Tiptoe Through the
Tombstones" - Stories, secrets and legends as well as local
history are features of leisurely walks through Oak Hill
Cemetery, Old Hill Burying Ground and Highland Cemetery. To
schedule a tour, email:
TipToeThroughTheTombstones@yahoo.com
William Lloyd
Garrison Statue
Brown Square -
William Lloyd Garrison remains one of the most famous
American voices from the city of Newburyport. One of the
most outspoken abolitionists of his time, Garrison began his
career as an apprentice at the "Newburyport Herald," which
catalyzed his career as a publisher and avid activist.
Sculpted by D.C. French.
Statue of George
Washington
Bartlet Mall - Washington
said of one of his visits to Newburyport: "In visiting the
town of Newburyport, I have obeyed a favorite inclination,
and I am much gratified by the indulgence. In expressing a
sincere wish for it's prosperity, and the happiness of it's
inhabitants, I do justice to my own sentiments and their
merit." Sculpted in 1879 by J.Q.A. Ward.
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