Shrewsbury History

Founding of Shrewsbury

In 1717, the General Court granted petitioners a tract of land to establish a new town. The new town was given the name Shrewsbury. On December 15, 1727, Shrewsbury was officially incorporated.  Our town’s history has been well documented by many local historians.  You can find more information about the founding of Shrewsbury at the Shrewsbury Historical Society. 

FUN FACT

Did you know Shrewsbury is older than the United States?

Check out these links to learn more

Shrewsbury Historical Society has a large collection of manuscripts, ledgers, books, maps, photographs, films, and electronic records.

Shrewsbury Public Library has many historic materials. Here are a few books and manuscripts written by local authors. Check with a research librarian or search the catalogue for more titles. 

  • Books from the old social library donated to the first public library in 1872 (stored in the Ward Room.)

    1. Artemas Ward : A Fictionalized Account of an Unsung Hero, by Isabelle Chang

    2. Old Times in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, published in 1892 by Elizabeth Ward 

    3. History of the Town of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, from its Settlement in 1717 to 1829, published in 1847 by Andrew Henshaw Ward 

    4. The Spirit of Shrewsbury: Exemplary Lives, by Isabelle Chang.

    5. Books by local historian Michael Perna

      • Remembering Lake Quinsigamond: from steamboats to White City 

      • Images of America: Lake Quinsigamond and White City Amusement Park 

      • Images of America: Shrewsbury (MA)

      • Spag: His Life and Legacy

      • Shrewsbury Through Time

      • Shrewsbury Through Time II

      • Shrewsbury In the Civil War

      • The History of the Shrewsbury Fire Department

Community Advocate articles by historian Mike Perna

Telegram & Gazette Historic photos: A town of Shrewsbury time capsule from our archives

Shrewsbury Media Connection maintains Historical Videos Playlist on a variety of topics on YouTube.