History of Andover, Massachusetts, USA

1642 - Andover is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1646 - Andover founded
The original Andover, founded by Simon and Anne Bradstreet along with the Barker, Osgood, Stevens, Woodbridge and other families, broke into two separate towns April 7, 1855.
wikipedia.org

1839 - Andover
Andover, Massachusetts
Essex county. This town lies on the south side of the Merrimack river and is well watered by the Shawsheen river; and by Great Pond and Hagget's Pond, covering an area of 721 acres. It is 20 miles N. by W. of Boston, 15 N.N.W. of Salem, 10 E. of Lowell, and 43 S.S.E. of Concord, N.H. This town was first settled in 1643. Incorporated, 1646. Population, 1837, 4,878. This town has a valuable water power, which is used for manufacturing purposes to a great extent. The value of its manufactures, for the year ending April 1, 1837, amounted to $624,450. They consisted of woolen goods, boots, shoes, leather, flax, soapstone, machinery, tin and cabinet wares, chairs and hats. This is a very beautiful town of fine soil and under excellent cultivation. It is on high ground and commands a variety of beautiful landscape. The access to Andover from Boston by the railroad is easy and very pleasant. This town has long been celebrated for its literary and theological... Read MORE...

1845 - ANDOVER. [Pop. 5,207. Inc. 1646.]
The Indian name was Cochichewick, and that of Andover was given in remembrance of Andover in England, from which some of the first settlers came.

Andover suffered considerably from the Indians just before and after Philip's war.

Great Pond, in the east, sends a stream into the Merrimack; and Shawshin river divides the town, and furnishes valuable mill seats.

Andover is bounded by the Merrimack on the north, and is the most extensive township in the county.

The Theological Institution, in the South Parish, is the best endowed of any in the country ; and Phillips Academy has long been distinguished.

The chief manufactures are woollen cloths, and boots and shoes.

Distance from Salem, 16 miles ; from Boston, 20.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1853 - THE RAILROAD ACCIDENT - LATER PARTICULARS.
Boston, Friday, Jan. 7.
Accounts from Andover this morning, state that General PIERCE and lady are now at the house of JOHN AIKEN at that place. They obtained some rest last night, and have not received much if any physical injury. The following is a correct list of the persons injured:
MR. NEWELL, of Cambridge, had his ribs broken, and is beyond recovery.
BENJ. KITRIDGE, of Pelham, N. H., one leg broken and otherwise seriously bruised.

The wife of JASON H. J. NEWELL, of Hillsboro, N. H., considerably bruised.

The daughter of MRS. NEWELL, had her foot so badly crushed that amputation is inevitable.

HORACE CHILDS, of Henniker, N. H., Bridge Contractor, head and face badly bruised.

F. D. RICHARDSON, a returned Californian, burned by the stove and bruised.

E. A. BAILEY, of Dumbarton, N. Y., thigh badly broken.

A. E. HALL, draftsman of the Phenix Company at Lawrence, badly hurt.
Among those who escaped injury were Professor RICHARDS, of Bowdoin College; Rev. MR.... Read MORE...

1854 - Andover
Andover, a post-township of Essex county, Massachusetts, 21 miles N. from Boston, and 16 miles N. E. from Salem. The town ship extends to the Merrimack river on the N., and is intersected by several railroads. The situation of the village is elevated and pleasant. The streams in the vicinity afford excellent water-power, which is extensively employed in manufacturing. Flannels, linen, and shoe-thread are the principal articles. Andover is the seat of Phillips Academy, one of the oldest and best-endowed academical institutions in New England ; and of Andover Theological Seminary, founded in 1807. Phillips Academy was instituted in 1788, principally through the efforts of the Hon. Samuel and John Phillips, from whom it derives its name. It has a valuable chemical and philosophical apparatus, and libraries containing 2500 volumes. The buildings are on a range with those of the theological seminary, about 40 rods distant. The large income arising from the funds, amounting to about... Read MORE...

1857 - Watched People Search for Her
The Andover Mass. Advertiser tells a story of a woman belonging to that town, who had a falling out with her husband, and threatened to drown herself in the 'great pond.' Her husband was not at first alarmed, but at length she disappeared; soon her bonnet and shawl were discovered at the water's edge, the alarm spread throughout the neighborhood; diligent search was initiated. Several persons were engaged in dragging the pond, grappling irons were brought into requisition, but to no purpose. All efforts, however, proved abortive, and the anxious ones were about to give up in despair, when lo and behold, the lost one appeared, safe and sound. She had been seated in a thicket overlooking the whole affair, and congratulated herself on having come it over them. She richly deserved a ducking, the jade.
genealogybank.com
New-Hampshire Patriot
New Hampshire
August 19, 1857

1859
ANDOVER, a town of Massachusetts, U. S., in the co. of Essex, 21 m. N of Boston; 16 NW of Salem. Pop. in 1820, 3,889; in 1830, 4,540; in 1840, 5,207. It is pleasantly situated on the SE side of the Merrimack, and is also watered by the Shawsheen. It has some inconsiderable manufactories; but it is chiefly celebrated for its literary institutions, and particularly for its theological seminary, founded in 1807, which is under a president and 4 professors; is attended by about 140 students; and has a library of 20,000 vols. Phillips' academy, founded in 1788, is well endowed, and affords education to 132 students.

A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Volume 1
Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1869 - The Congregationalists of this country have six theological seminaries,
in which are two hundred and forty-five students. Andover, Massachusetts, has the largest, and Oberlin, Ohio, the smallest.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
February 6, 1869

Andover, Massachusetts 1890
Andover is a flourishing and delightful town of 5,711 inhabitants, 202 farms, 1,014 dwellings, and a valuation, in 1888, of $4,952,750. The rate of taxation was $11 on $1,000. It is situated in the northwestern part of Essex County, about 23 miles from Boston. On the north is Dracut, Methuen and Lawrence ; North Andover is on the northeast, North Reading and Wilmington on the south, and Tewksbury on the southwest. The territorial area is about 20,000 acres ; of which about 6,000 acres are woodland. The geological formation is calcareous gneiss, with an intervening bed of granite and steatite, or soapstone. The most conspicuous eminences are Prospect Hill, — just south of the centre of the town, — 420 feet, and Wood Hill, 320 feet above sea-level. The view from Seminary Hill, also, embracing the valley of the Shawsheen, is very beautiful and extensive. The Merrimack River forms the western half of the town's north line, and at the northeast receives the Shawsheen, which comes through... Read MORE...

1895 - Andover
Andover, a post-village of Essex co., Mass, is in Andover township, and on the Boston & Maine Railroad, 23 miles N. of Boston, and about 10 miles E. of Lowell. It contains a savings-bank, a national bank, the Abbott Female Academy, a free public library of 11,500 volumes, and a liberally endowed institution called Phillips Academy, which was founded in 1778, and has an attendance of about 350 students annually. It is also the seat of Andover Theological Seminary, which was founded in 1807 and is under the control of the Congregationalists. This seminary has an endowment of $550,000 and a library of about 30,000 volumes. The number of students is nearly 100, and the number of alumni about 2000. It has 12 professors. The seminary and academy are under the same board of trustees, and have a productive property of about $500,000, and an unproductive property of about $300,000.

Andover township is bounded on the N.W. by the Merrimac River, and is intersected by the Lowell & Lawrence... Read MORE...

1906 - STUDENTS IN DISGRACE - Handle Innkeeper Roughly and Trouble is Brewing.
Andover, Mass. May 23. - Between 15 and 20 boys, students at the Phillips-Andover academy, will be expelled from school, it is announced, because of their participation in a scheme which resulted in John M. Stewart, the proprietor of the Phillips Inn, being roughly used and thrown into Rabbit pond. This action was taken because the boys believed that Stewart had reported one of their number to the faculty for violating the school regulations. When Principal Stearns returned to Andover he began an investigation of the matter, Travers Brown of Chicago, the offending student, having been dismissed in the meantime.

Over 100 students were in the procession which marched to the inn, but according to Principal Stearns, only 15 or 20 actually handled Stewart or were involved in the mixup later in which he was thrown into the pond.
Youngstown Vindicator
Youngstown, Ohio
May 23, 1906

1916
Andover, a banking post-village of Essex co., Mass., in Andover township (town), on tne Boston and Maine R., 23 miles N. of Boston and 10 miles E. of Lowell. It is the seat of the Abbott Female Academy, Punchard High School, Phillips Academy (founded in 1778), and the Andover Theological Seminary, which was founded in 1807 and is the leading educational institution of the American Congregationalists. This seminary has a large endowment and a library of over 50,000 volumes. Harriet Beeoher Stowe, who resided here after the publication of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," is buried in the private cemetery of the trustees of Phillips Academy. Andover township (town) is bounded on the NW. by the Merrimac River. It has woollen-factories, flax-mills, and manufactures of linen and rubber. Pop. of the town in 1890, 6142; in 1900, 6813.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to visit and activities to enjoy in Andover:
Addison Gallery of American Art: Located on the Phillips Academy campus, this gallery houses an impressive collection of American art, featuring works from renowned artists like Winslow Homer, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Jackson Pollock. It's a must-visit for art lovers.

Phillips Academy: Take a stroll through the historic Phillips Academy campus, founded in 1778. The beautiful architecture, serene landscapes, and the Addison Gallery make it a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk.

Merrimack College: Explore the scenic campus of Merrimack College, known for its lovely architecture and green spaces. It's a great place for a peaceful walk or to attend various cultural and sporting events.

Pomps Pond: If you're into outdoor activities, Pomps Pond is the place to go. You can fish, swim, or simply relax by the water. There are picnic areas and walking trails, making it a great spot for a family outing.

Harold Parker State Forest: Nature enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, mountain... Read MORE...