Haverhill, MA
Founded in 1640, the city of Haverhill sits along the banks of the Merrimack River.
Farming gave way to shipbuilding and leather industries during the early 19th century. By 1836 it had become a major center of shoe, comb, and hat manufacturing. By 1913, one tenth of the shows produced in the U.S. were made in Haverhill, nicknamed the “Queen Slipper City.”
Throughout the 21st century, Haverhill has undergone a substantial renaissance. State and Federal funds have resulted in the conversion of several abandoned factories in downtown into loft apartments and condominiums. Additionally, the Washington Street area gained new dining and entertainment spots, murals, a new boardwalk, and boat docks.
The city has a tremendous array of active and passive recreational opportunities, such as four 18-hole golf courses, a downhill ski area, two horseback riding academies, a public skating rink and a sailing program. The Merrimack River meanders through the city, providing walking, jogging, bird-watching and boating opportunities.
View the Haverhill Visitor Guide here.
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Settled
1640
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Population
69,860
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Website
Did you know?
Haverhill was the original inspiration behind Bob Montana’s “Archie” comic strip setting of Riverdale. Other famous residents include: Alexander Graham Bell (was a tutor to the deaf son of a prominent shoe magnate who later invested in Bell’s telephone concept); Rowland H. Macy (The first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade was held in Haverhill); Louis B. Mayer (co-founder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios); Tom Bergeron (television personality, comedian, and game show host); American short story writer Andre Dubus and his son novelist Andre Dubus III.
Highlights
- Main Street Historic District
- The Tap Brewing
- The Museum of Printing
- Buttonwoods Museum
- The John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace
- Winnekenni Castle
Getting Here
From Boston: Take I-93 North to 495 North, then take exit 108 to merge onto MA-97 S/Broadway toward Haverhill. (source: Google Maps)
MBTA: From North Station, take the Haverhill Line to the Haverhill train station.
Haverhill, MA Businesses & Attractions
