A Brief History of Newburyport

Newburyport was first settled in 1635 as part of "Newberry Plantation," now Newbury. On January 28, 1764, the General Court of Massachusetts passed "An act for erecting part of the town of Newbury into a new town by the name of Newburyport."
The act begins: Whereas the town of Newbury is very large, and the inhabitants of that part of it who dwell by the water-side there, as it is commonly called, are mostly merchants, traders and artificers, and the inhabitants of the other parts of the town are chiefly husbandmen; by means whereof many difficulties and disputes have arisen in managing their public affairs - Be it enacted ... That that part of the said town of Newbury ... be and hereby are constituted and made a separate and distinct town.

The act was approved by governor Francis Bernard on February 4, 1764. The new town was the smallest in Massachusetts, covering an area of 647 acres, and had a population of 2800 living in 357 homes. There were three shipyards, no bridges, and several ferries, one of which at the foot of Fish Street, now State Street, carried the Portsmouth Flying Stage Coach, running between Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Boston, Massachusetts.
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 facades downtown.
The town became a city in 1851. Situated near the mouth of the Merrimack River, it was once a fishing, shipbuilding and shipping center, with an industry in silverware manufacture.

 

Historic Events

First United States Coast Guard station

First of many subsequent Clipper ships built here

First "Tea Party" rebellion to oppose British Tea Tax

First state mint and treasury building

Oldest active and continuously running court house

 

Historic Sites Include

Cushing House Museum: 98 High Street 978-462-2681. 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 May-October, Tue-Fri, 10am-4pm, Saturday, 11am-2pm.Last tour begins one hour before closing. Admission Charged. Visit their website www.newburyhist.com

Custom House Maritime Museum: 25 Water Street, 978-462-8681. Housed in the restored 1835 granite Custom House, the museum exhibits artifacts form Newburyport’s rich maritime history as a major shipbuilding center and seaport, sending ships to the Far East and around the world. Admission charged. Visit www.themaritimesociety.org

Old Hill Burying Ground, located adjacent to the Bartlett 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. A walk through the Oak Hill Cemetery, off State Street, is the gravesite of shipbuilder Donald McKay, Civil War veterans, past mayors and other prominent citizens.

Coffin House: 14 High Road, Newbury 978-462-2634. Built c.1678, this house chronicles the evolution of domestic life in rural New England. Located just over the city line, it is open seasonally and operated by Historic New England (formerly SPNEA). Visit www.historicnewengland.org

The Little Farm: 5 Little’s Lane, Newbury 978-462-2634. This 230-acre farm exemplifies the area’s rich farming heritage and features a unique c.1690 stone and brick manor house. Open seasonally and operated by Historic New England (formerly SPNEA). Visit www.historicnewengland.org

Lowell’s Boat Shop: Point Shore, Amesbury 978-388-0162.Opened in 1793, this is the country’s oldest continuous boat building business in operation still producing dories. Managed by the Newburyport Maritime Society, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visit www.themaritimesociety.org

 

News

Newburyport currently has two major newspapers in circulation:

The Daily News of Newburyport

The Newburyport Current

There also exists an alternative, politically focused journal called "The Undertoad", which was run by Editor Tom Ryan until 2007 when it was sold to Salisbury resident Steve Nichols.

 

Education

According to the Sixty-Fifth Edition of The Clipper's Compass: A Student Handbook for 2005-2006, Newburyport High School was the result of the union in 1868 of the Latin and English High School (1831), later called the Brown High School (1851), the Putnam Free School (1848) and the Female High School (1843). After the union it was the Consolidated High and Putnam School, to become Newburyport High School in 1889.
The current building, designed by Edwin S. Dodge, occupies the previous Mount Rural on High Street. The school has been renovated a number of times. Today it is a fine-looking building with a grand entrance overlooking lawns sweeping down to High Street. The hill continues to descend to the river. The slope supports a residential area of colonial and nineteenth century buildings in good repair.
The school colors are crimson and old gold; the emblem is a clipper ship. There is a song, and a flag. The school has a student government and athletic programs.
Concerning accreditation the handbook says: "Newburyport High School is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and has met the evaluation requirements of the Commission on Public Secondary Schools."
The current site of Newburyport High School was purchased from Harvard University early in the 20th century. The original location still exists, in fully renovated condition, on the corner of Green and High streets. The location does indeed exist, however only as the former site of the original high school. The building currently on the property is a totally different structure.

Annual events

Yankee Homecoming

"Yankee Homecoming" is the annual festival celebrating the natives coming home to Newburyport. The event was initiated in 1957 by native of Newburyport, George Cash man, who sought to stimulate the economy and lift the spirit of the citizens.
It lasts only a week. The first Sunday of the festival, known as "Olde Fashioned Sunday," is celebrated at the Bartlet Mall in Newburyport, and features many activities, including an art show, an appearance by the city's oldest fire engine, the "Neptune," and the participation of many local businesses. There is also an antique car parade. Each Yankee Homecoming features a grand marshal and numerous street vendors.
The festival includes nine days and over 200 events. There are concerts every night at Market Landing Park along with the "Annual Boat Parade." Other popular events include the Newburyport Lions' 10-mile and 5-kilometer road races, which run through the city's downtown streets and neighborhoods. There is also an amazing 45-minute fireworks show, and, most notably of all, the famous Yankee Homecoming parade on the last Sunday of the festival.
Newburyport's "Yankee Homecoming" is the 2nd oldest homecoming festival in the United States. Many charities raise their funds during this time. The Yankee Homecoming Festival celebrates its 50th year in Newburyport this year.

Waterfront Concert Series

Held Friday evenings in Waterfront Park in downtown Newburyport, these free concerts are intended for all ages. The concerts are presented by the Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and the Waterfront Trust and are sponsored by a local insurance agency, Arthur S Page Insurance. Concert dates for 2008 are Fridays, July 18 and 25 and August 8 and 15 from 6-7:30 pm.

Newburyport Literary Festival

Held during the last weekend of April, The Newburyport Literary Festival was started in 2006 as a new effort by the city to increase interest in reading and literary arts. Many local authors are invited to sign and chat about their book, and schoolchildren create projects to show to an author that visits their school. Among the authors that regularly visit are Andre Dubus III and Tess Gerritsen.

 

BUS

C&J Trailways
603-430-1100
Newburyport to Boston’s Logan Airport
$20.00 one way/$35.00 round trip
Newburyport to Boston’s South Station
$14.00 one way/$24.00 round trip
www.citrailways.com for information and schedules

TRAIN

Commuter Rail
617-222-3200
Newburyport to Boston’s North Station
$7.75 each way
www.mbta.com for information and schedules

CAR RENTALS

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
978-499-0021
193 Elm Street, Unit #2
Salisbury, MA 01952
Pick up and drop off service is available to Newburyport if needed
Hours of operation:
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM
Sat 9AM-12PM
1 800 RENT-A CAR

TAXI / LIMOUSINE

Seacoast Taxi
978-499-9990
Approximate fare to Logan Airport
$90.00 one way/$149.00 round trip
Approximate fare to Manchester Airport
$79.00 one way/$149.00 round trip

Regal Limousine Service
800-709-3500
Approximate fare to Logan Airport
$93.00 plus gratuity (town car)
Approximate fare to Manchester Airport
$93.00 plus gratuity (town car)
www.regallimo.com

Walkey’s Livery
888-844-0384 / 978-388-7755
Approximate fare to Logan Airport
$84.00 plus gratuity (mini van, private car)
Approximate fare to Manchester Airport
$90.00 plus gratuity (mini van, private car)

 

Abraham's Bagels & Pizza
11 Liberty Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-465-8148
Serving warm delicious bagels and thin crust Italian pizza, fresh salads made daily, plus a variety of delicious sandwiches. We serve breakfast & lunch and are open Friday evenings.

Agave Mexican Bistro
50 State Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-499-0428
www.agavemexicanbistro.com
Newburyport's only Authentic Mexican restaurant. With 3 floors of dining, each having its own unique atmosphere. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes including tableside guacamole.

Ballotin Chocolates
16 Unicorn Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-465-3800
www.ballotinchocolates.com

Experience the world of chocolate. Ballotin Chocolates boutique and café offers a carefully edited collection of the world's finest premium chocolates. We serve drinks and desserts, and have indoor and outdoor seating. Warm, friendly and inviting, a trip to Ballotin is an affordable, yet elegant adventure.

Bob Lobster
49 Plum Island Turnpike, Newbury MA 01951
978-465-7100
www.boblobster.com
On the way to and from Plum Island. Fish market, lobster pound and eatery. Open year-round. Dine in the rough: lobster rolls, lobster dinners, fried seafood, chowder, ice cream and more or take home fresh local fish, live or steamed lobsters or our own ready-to-bake seafood pies.

David's Tavern at Brown Square
11 Brown Square, Newburyport MA 01950
978-462-8077
www.davidstavern.com
A local favorite for over 14 years. Located in the historic Garrison Inn, David's features fresh cut steaks, fresh grilled seafood, pizzas, unique house specialties & a raw bar. Child care while you dine, acoustic entertainment on the weekends & special event catering for all occasions. Sunday buffet brunch is served from 10:00am to 2:30pm.

The Grog
13 Middle Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-465-8008
www.thegrog.com
Everyone meets at the Grog. Full service family restaurant. Live entertainment Tuesdays thru Sundays.

Jewel in the Crown
23 Pleasant Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-463-0956
www.newburyportjewel.com
Indian Restaurant.

Joseph's Winter Street Cafe
24 Winter Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-462-1188
www.josephswinterstcafe.com
Voted the best in cosmopolitan dining in the North Shore. Jazz piano 7 nights. Holiday lunch served Mon - Fri in December. Function room available. Cozy fireplace lounge waiting to be discovered.

Michael's Harborside
Tournament Wharf, Newburyport MA 01950
978-462-7785
www.michaelsharborside.com
Your favorite waterfront restaurant with eclectic creative cuisine. Enjoy the deck overlooking the Merrimack in the summer. Live music. Special Monday family night; Tuesday pasta night and Wednesday lobster night. Caterer of the Phoenix Room of Newburyport.

Mr. India Restaurant
114 Merrimac Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-465-8600
www.mrindiarestaurant.com
Serving lunch from 11:00am to 2:30pm, Monday - Sunday. Dinner from 5:00 to 10:00pm seven days a week. Readers choice award winner. Fine dining and authentic Indian cuisine. Take out and catering available. Luncheon specials start at $6.95. Serving the Seacoast area continuously for 16 years.

Not Your Average Joe's
1 Market Square, Newburyport MA 01950
978-462-3808
www.nyajoes.com
Creative casual cuisine. Located in the heart of Market Square in downtown Newburyport at the Firehouse Theatre.

Park Lunch
182 Merrimac Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-465-9817
Where everyone knows your name.

Starboard Galley Restaurant
55 Water Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-462-1326
www.starboardgalley.net
Delicious seafood in a casual atmosphere.

Szechuan Taste & Sushi Yen Thai Cafe
19 Pleasant Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-463-0686
www.szechuantaste.com
Specializing in the finest Chinese, Japanese and Thai cuisine.

Ten Center Street Restaurant & Wine Bar
10 Center Street, Newburyport MA 01950
978-462-6652
www.tencenterstreet.com
Newburyport’s legendary dining address offers two very distinct dining experiences in one location. Upstairs, guests enjoy refined surroundings that are both historic and hip; downstairs, a casual pub atmosphere welcomes with cozy booths and a crackling fireplace. For private gatherings the restaurant features a function room with a striking view of Newburyport harbor.

 

Cinemas

Newburyport Screening Room
82 State Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-3456

Cinemagic
Elm Street, Crossroads Plaza
Salisbury, MA
978-499-9494
http://www.cinemagictheaters.com

Cinema 95
201 Elm Street
Salisbury, MA
978-495-7641

 

Theatre

Firehouse Center for the Performing Arts
Market Square
Newburyport, MA
978-462-7336

 

Night Life

Glenn’s Restaurant and Cool Bar
44 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-465-3811
Live jazz music every Sunday evening 6pm-9pm

The Grog
13 Middle Street
Newburyport, MA
978-465-8008
Live music every Tuesday-Sunday evening downstairs

Joseph’s Winter Street Café
24 Winter Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-1188
www.josephswinterstcafe.com
Piano/vocal seven nights a week

 

Downtown Newburyport

The heart of Newburyport is just a short walk from the inn. Turn left when you leave the inn onto Center Street, walk a short distance, turn right at Liberty Street and you will arrive at Market Square. The Square is filled with shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
Take note of the beautifully restored brick buildings that surround the waterfront and boardwalk on the Merrimac River.

The Tannery

Turn right as you leave the inn onto Center Street, turn right at Water Street and walk a short distance to the Tannery. Originally a leather mill, these buildings have been restored and now house a unique mix of shops. Home décor, books, toys, birding supplies, coffee and specialty foods just to name a few.

Inn Street

Just beyond Market Square, another street filled with antique, fine arts, women’s clothing
and jewelry shops. The original street is now a bricked walkway for your convenience.

Kittery Outlets

Located 30 minutes to our North off Route 95 (exit 3), this is a shopping paradise for those who love outlet malls. These famous name outlet shops are spread out for one mile along coastal Route 1, and are open year round.

Malls

The Fox Run Mall
Newington, NH-20 minutes to our North
603-431-5911
Take 95 North to Exit 4, continue to Route 16, and exit at Fox Run Road directly to the mall.

North Shore Mall
Peabody, MA-30 minutes to our South
978-531-3440
Take 95 South to Exit 50, Route 1 South. Continue on Route 1 to 114 East towards Peabody. Mall will be 2 miles down on your right.

Spas and Health Clubs

Interlocks Salon & Day Spa
58 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-465-3010

Created in 1988, Interlocks has grown to a staff of nearly 50 professional, licensed stylists, estheticians, massage and spa therapists ready to provide you with award winning services. Offering a rich blend of the finest European and American products, combined with all the ingredients for exceptional beauty and wellness

Spa Paradiso
18 Titcomb Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-5530

Spa Paradiso utilizes the latest in natural holistic health therapies and products for optimal well-being. Pamper yourself with the best in healthful, natural products.

Natural High Fitness Club
50 Water Street #4 at The Tannery
Newburyport, MA
978-499-0993
Non-member options available

The Fitness Factory
75 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA
978-465-2546

$10.00 per visit, Id required to use the equipment or to take any classes
Check their website online www.fitnessfactoryiii.com for class schedules

YWCA
13 Market Street
Newburyport, MA
978-462-7622

Drop in fee for non-members is $10.00
Pool use available for lap and open swim

 

More Shopping

Annie's
Mr. Ted Hochheiser
11 Pleasant Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2608
(978) 462-5577

Best of British
Mr. Bob Williams
22 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-6976

Brass Lyon
Ms. Diane Gronbeck
36 Market Square
Newburyport, MA 01950-2566
(978) 465-5002

Bountiful Baskets by the Sea
Ms. Edith Drinkwater
38 Market Square
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-1055

The Cuckoo's Nest
Ms. Karen Fletcher
11 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-6609
(978) 462-6690

Ganesh Imports, Inc.
Mr. Bill Bixby
60 Main St
Kingston, NH 03848
(978) 463-8626

HEAVEN
Ms. Kathy Peabody
260 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-5454

Lock, Stock & Barrel
Mr. Harvey T. Forman
114 Warwick Rd
Melrose, MA 02176
(781) 665-8696

Newburyport Card & Gift Shop
Mr. Jack O'Connor
15 Pleasant Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2608
(978) 462-2352

Newburyport Printmaker
Mr. Garry Hughes
18 Inn Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2516
(978) 462-6021

Soak
Ms. Dianne Sirard
7 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-7625

Valentine's
Ms. Pat Valentine
27 Water Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 463-0002

The Book Rack
Mr. Robert Hugo
52 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-6692
(978) 462-8615

Jabberwocky Bookshop
Ms. Susan Little
50 Water Street, Mill #1
Newburyport, MA 01950-2891
(978) 465-9359

Alpine Shop
Ms Kathy Salmonson
7 Liberty Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2714
(978) 465-2543

Amy Williams LLC
Ms. Amy W. Tremblay
46 Pleasant Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-0020

Azure
Ms. Belinda Kaya
37 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-0790

Elephant's Trunk, Inc.
Ms. Claudia S. Harris
28 Inn Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2516
(978) 462-9707

French Lessons Boutique
Ms. Gilda Tunney
18 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 499-0499

Headlines Boutique
Ms. Helen Tierney
1 Merrimac Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2558
(978) 465-2113

John Farley Clothiers
Mr. John F. Allison
31 Water Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2576
(978) 462-5401

The Joy of Socks
Ms. Suzanne Hawes
4 Lavalley Lane
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465-5575

Life is Good
Ms Jennifer Manson
8 State Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 463-2010

Market Flair
Ms. Jane Carrigg
13 Pleasant Street
Newburyport, MA 01950-2608
(978) 465-9003

Mary Jane
Ms. Lise Carrigg
20 Pleasant Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-1119

The Monkey's Fist, Inc.
Malcolm & Marlene L. Bell
35 Market Square
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-4676

Native Sun, Inc.
Mr. John Darke
11 Market Square
Newburyport, MA 01950-2548
(978) 465-4120

Talbot's
Ms. Sally O'Toole
15 Green Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 463-0699