Boxford, Massachusetts History, Economy and Politics
Boxford, Massachusetts is a small town located in the northeastern corner of Essex County. It is bordered by North Andover and Middleton to the north, Topsfield and Georgetown to the east, West Boxford to the south, and Andover to the west. The town’s total area is approximately 28 square miles, with a population of 8,377 according to the 2010 United States Census. Visit Sourcemakeup to learn about Barnstable County, Massachusetts.
Boxford is primarily a rural town, with several large areas of conservation land and open space. Much of the town is covered by woods, wetlands and agricultural lands. The Ipswich River runs along its western border with Andover, providing a scenic backdrop for many of Boxford’s picturesque locations.
The highest point in Boxford is located in its southwestern corner at an elevation of 246 feet above sea level. This point is located on High Rocks Hill, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and nearby Boston skyline.
Within Boxford’s borders lies Lake Cochichewick, which provides residents with fishing opportunities and recreational activities such as kayaking and canoeing. In addition to this lake, there are several other ponds scattered throughout the town including Spofford Pond, Baldpate Pond, Hole-in-the-Wall Pond and Wenham Lake.
Boxford’s climate is typical for New England, with warm summers and cold winters that bring snowfall each year. Summers are usually warm but can be muggy at times due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean which lies just 45 miles away. Winters are cold but generally milder than those experienced elsewhere in Massachusetts due to its location near the ocean which helps moderate temperatures somewhat.
Overall, Boxford is an attractive rural community that offers its residents plenty of natural beauty as well as convenient access to larger cities such as Boston just 40 miles away. Its diverse geography from rolling hills to wetlands provides residents with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities while still being close enough for easy commuting or day trips into nearby cities for work or entertainment purposes.
History of Boxford, Massachusetts
Boxford, Massachusetts was first settled in 1645. The town was named after the small English village of Boxford in Berkshire, England. It is believed that settlers from the original Boxford were among the first to arrive in Massachusetts and settle this area. The town was officially incorporated in 1685.
In the 1700s, Boxford saw a large influx of settlers due to its proximity to Boston and other major cities. This resulted in rapid population growth and an increase in economic activity. During this era, many mills were built to take advantage of the abundant water power available from local rivers and streams. As a result, industries such as paper making, flour milling, and leather tanning flourished throughout the area. In addition to these industries, several farms were established throughout Boxford which provided food for both local consumption and export to other areas of New England. By 1800, Boxford was a prosperous rural community with a population of around 1,100 people.
Economy of Boxford, Massachusetts
The economy of Boxford, Massachusetts has been shaped by its history of industry and agriculture. In the 1700s, Boxford saw a large influx of settlers due to its proximity to Boston and other major cities. This resulted in rapid population growth and an increase in economic activity. During this era, many mills were built to take advantage of the abundant water power available from local rivers and streams. As a result, industries such as paper making, flour milling, and leather tanning flourished throughout the area. In addition to these industries, several farms were established throughout Boxford which provided food for both local consumption and export to other areas of New England.
In the 19th century, the economy of Boxford continued to grow with the expansion of railroads connecting it to other towns in Massachusetts as well as Boston and New York City. This allowed for increased trade between Boxford and other towns as well as access to new markets for goods produced in Boxford. The town also benefited from its location on the North Shore which gave it access to a variety of maritime industries including fishing and shipbuilding.
Today, the economy of Boxford is largely based on small businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, professional services firms, manufacturing companies, and technology firms. These businesses provide employment opportunities for residents while also providing services that are necessary for daily life in a small town such as medical care facilities and financial institutions. Agriculture remains an important part of life in Boxford with several farms located throughout town providing fresh produce for local consumption as well as export markets within New England.
Politics in Boxford, Massachusetts
The politics of Boxford, Massachusetts has been shaped by its history of independence and self-governance. The town was founded in 1639 and has long been a center of local government in the region. In the 1700s, Boxford had a strong sense of civic pride and was actively involved in the American Revolution. This spirit of independence still exists today with citizens actively participating in local politics by voting in elections and attending town meetings.
Boxford is part of the Massachusetts House of Representatives’ Ninth Essex District and is represented by Democrat Ted Speliotis. The town’s other representatives include Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Brad Hill, and Senator Joan Lovely. All three are Republicans who have held their respective offices since 2017.
At the local level, Boxford has a Town Meeting form of government with an elected Board of Selectmen that serves as the executive branch and a Town Moderator that presides over Town Meetings which are held twice each year. These meetings are attended by all registered voters in town who can vote on various issues such as budget allocations or changes to local laws or regulations.
In addition to Town Meetings, Boxford also holds regular elections for various positions such as members of the Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, Tax Collector and Assessors, School Committee Members, Constable, Fire Chief, Planning Board Members, Trustees for Public Funds, Library Trustees and Park Commissioners. Through these elections citizens can have their voices heard on important matters affecting their community such as school budgets or zoning regulations.
Overall, politics in Boxford is marked by active participation from citizens who take pride in their community’s independence while also recognizing the importance of working together to create positive change for their town.
