Learn more about the Beverly, Salem, Danvers, Peabody, Hamilton, Wenham, Manchester, Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Swampscott, Marblehead, Ipswich, and Topsfield Massachusetts Area 

Beverly		Beverly Farms
Founded in 1626, the City of Beverly Massachusetts is one of the oldest communities in the state. Residents describe their city as the birthplace of the United Staes Navy, noting that the first ship commissioned by the Navy first sailed from Beverly Harbor. The city boasts Endicott College, North Shore Community College and Montserrat College of Art, as well as the North Shore Music Theatre, which attracts over 100,000 visitors every season for Broadway-style shows. Beverly has long been home to some of America's most historic families and their gracious estates. Click here for Beverly Chamber website.		Situtated on the edge of Cape Ann, Beverly Farms was first settled in 1630. Long known for its long green fields and deep woods, the area was farmed for more than 200 years. After the introduction of train service, the town changed, as the wealthy Bostonians who otherwise would not have come, were attracted to the peaceful and natural beauty of the area. In the 1800's they tried to secede from Beverly, but each time the bill was defeated. Today, Beverly Farms is still a part of Beverly but remains a self sufficient village.
Danvers		Essex
The Town of Danvers is one of the earliest settlements in the area. Colonists had moved into the area as early as 1630, when Salem began allocating land grants and a village was authorized in what is now modern Danvers as early as 1636. Governor John Endicott was one of the first settlers in the town and established Orchard Farm, a very large land holding for its day with 300 to 400 acres. The town's location, proximity to Salem and easy access to roads north and south have transformed it from a small colonial farming community to a vigorous suburban municipality. Click here for North Shore Chamber website.		Essex, home of rthe fried clam, has some of the best clam flats in the world. The town, located on the Essex River, has a long history of shipbuilding. Over 4,000 Schooners have been built in Essex, many used in nearby Gloucester. Antique shops are a main draw for visitors to Essex, as well as its fine restaurants and beautiful scenery. There are several tours of the river available, either by boat or kayak. With a poplulation of just over 3,000, Essex is the smallest of the towns on Cape Ann.
Gloucester		Hamilton
Gloucester, located 35 miles north of Boston, is America's oldest seaport and it remains one of the busiest fishing ports on the Eastern seaboard. The working seaport, with beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, whale watching excursions and tours both on land and sea, is a popular spot for visitors to the Cape Ann area. The famous Gloucester Fisherman stands over the harbor honoring the many fisherman who have lost their lives at sea. Rocky Neck, the oldest working art colony in America, is home to many talented artists. Click here for Cape Ann Chamber website.		Many of the approximately 7,000 residents of the Town of Hamilton commute to Boston, 24 miles away, while others are employed in area communities. Currently, the town has no manufacturing industry and no industrially-zoned land. Hamilton is predominately a surburban bedroom community. Its location provides easy access to the Atlantic seashore.The town's surroundings typify rural New England with the Audubon preserve, Bradley Palmer State Park and Myopia Hunt Club and many historic homes.
Ipswich		Manchester-by-the-Sea
Once a thriving mill town, Ipswich today is a culturally and economically diverse community of approximately 12,000. There are summer communities mixed with year-round residence's. The town has a rich and varied history and is distinguished by a large number of 17th and early 18th centruy homes. Ipswich's growth as a suburban town occured during the 1950's. Among the town's attractions are Crane Beach, Castle Hill, extensive salt marshes, the Ipswich River, shellfishing and other waterfront activities.		Manchester-by-the-Sea is a lovely community with one of New England's most scenic harbors. Visitors come and stroll the downtown area where there are quaint shops, fine dining and historic buildings, a perfect example of old New England charm. Its 12 mile shore line provides several beautiful beaches, a renowned yachting harbor, and is home to commercial lobstermen. The most quiet of the coastal communities, Manchester-by-the-Sea has a population of 5,500 and is located 25 miles north of Boston.
Marblehead		Peabody
Marblehead is a picturesque seacoast town steeped in history. In its early years, fishing and the shoe industry were its two main sources of income. Today it is mainly a residential community with some minor industry and a few unique retail stores. The major attractions for visitors are the beautiful harbor, narrow crooked streets in the Historic district lined with Colonial and Victorian Buildings, some of which have been placed on the National Register, and the original of the famous painting "The Spirit of '76" located in Abbot Hall in the office of the Board of Selectmen. Click here for Marblehead Chamber website.		Throughout its history, Peabody has been a regional employment center for the North Shore. From its rise as one of the world's great leather-producers with over 100 tanneries, to today's modern Centennial Industrial Park, North Shore Mall and rejuvenated downtown, Peabody continues to be a focal point for the North Shore economy. Citizens of Peabody have a sense of community and support community activities such as the International Festival, Brooksby Harvest Festival, The Holiday Festival and the Community Concert series. Click here for Peabody Chamber website.
Rockport		Salem
Rockport, home of Motif #1, one of the most widely painted coastal shacks in the world, can be found on the northern end of Cape Ann. This quaint little town, settled in 1690, boasts a population of just over 7,000 and is filled with interesting shops and galleries attracting visitors from all over the world. This town, surrounded by a charming harbor, was once a leader in granite cutting and still has an active fishing fleet. The Art Association is very active and Rockport has one of the oldest artist colonies in the country.		Since 1626, the first settlers arrived, Salem has been attracting people from all points of the compass. Many come to visit and some decide to stay and make Salem their home. It may be most widely known as the site of the Salem witchcraft trials of 1692, but this colorful, coastal city has much to offer both residents and visitors: a diverse population, a rich maritime heritage, an impressive display of historic architecture and amazing stories that span almost four centuries. Salem has a population of over 40,000. Click here for Salem Chamber website.
Swampscott		Topsfield
Swampscott is a small picturesque seaside community north of Boston. It is home to many Boston commuters, whom board the Boston bound train from one of the last remaining Victorian-style railroad depots in the country. Many other interesting buildings of historical value are situated in the town, including Marian Court, formerly known as White Court, the summer residence of President Calvin A. Coolidge and the Georgian Revival style building that now serves as the Town Hall was the former residence of Professor Elihu Thompson, founder of General Electric Company. Swampscott's contributions to the fishing industry are the invention of the Swampscott Dory and the lobster pot; both are used by fishermen world-wide.		Topsfield lies approximately at the center of Essex County. It is a fairly compact town of thirteen square miles. Topsfield is a town of rolling hills and winding streams, with some of the highest land in Essex County. In addition to the VIllage Shopping Center, there are other small businesses located principally along US Route 1. However, Topsfield remains primarily a residential community with a population of approximately 5,700. The town remains a rural character with a  typical New England Town Common. Each year thousands of visitors come to see the Topsfield Fair, the oldest running fair in the country.
Wenham
The town of Wenham was originally settled in 1643 and has retained much of its unique, historic character and tranquil rural scenery. It is a town of many open views of farm lands, lakes, woodlands and old stone walls that accompany its winding tree-lined roads. Wenham is home to Gordon College. A walk along Wenham's lovely main street provides a timeless picrture of beautiful old homes, gardens, and yards.

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