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43-468: Bradley Palmer State Park is a public recreation area covering 736 acres (298 ha) on the Ipswich River in the towns of Hamilton and Topsfield , Massachusetts . The state park was once the estate of noted attorney Bradley Palmer . In addition to an extensive system of multi-use trails, the park features Palmer's restored Willowdale Mansion. The mansion is now home to Willowdale Estate ,

86-548: A central paved road lined with white pine and in one stretch of a few hundred yards of rhododendron and mountain laurel thickets. On its northeast edge, the park has contiguous access to the ruins of Willowdale Mill, a former textile mill. The Bradley Palmer mansion, a stone manse built in the Craftsman and Jacobean Revival styles. During Palmer's life, the mansion hosted many events such as Palmer's Harvard class reunions, business and governmental meetings, and races for

129-533: A colonial farmhouse currently being restored and a caretaker's house. Ipswich River Historically, the settlement of Essex County began at the oldest community there, the tiny seaport of Agawam (later renamed Ipswich, and not to be confused with present-day Agawam in Hampden County), and typically proceeded westward and northward along the Ipswich or its tributary creeks. When Middlesex County

172-467: A family was $ 81,173. Males had a median income of $ 58,258 versus $ 44,265 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 33,828. About 7.7% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line , including 13.3% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 or over. The ranking of unincorporated communities that are included on the list are reflective if the census designated locations and villages were included as cities or towns. Data

215-685: A gap from Ipswich road diverging southeasterly from the road and the south edge of the Turner Hill Golf Club to turn north and form the west border of the Julia Bird Reservation thence meanders north through settled Ipswich neighborhoods and directly through town center passing under MA 133 (County Road, aka. South Main Street) where it gradually begins widening until a mile beyond main Street it passes Nichols Field and

258-552: A premier event venue. Bordered on the north by the Ipswich River and Willowdale State Forest , the park is managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation . The park is the former estate of Bradley Palmer , an attorney of the early 20th century. Originally, the dense forest that composes the modern park would have been farmland, which Palmer both cultivated, and used to build his impressive steeplechase . During Palmer's lifetime, Palmer hosted regular horse races for

301-444: A relatively narrow, shallow channel that passes under Castle Hill and along Crane's Beach to the south. On the north, Sandy Point at the tip of Plum Island juts into the flow. In the days of sail, Bar Head, Bar Head Rocks, and Emerson Rocks posed some threat to sailing vessels trying to tack into or out of the estuary. The shallow waters often stranded vessels in storms, which would then be dismantled by severe breakers. The combination

344-594: Is a county in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Massachusetts . At the 2020 census , the total population was 809,829, making it the third-most populous county in the state, and the seventy-eighth-most populous in the country . It is part of the Greater Boston area (the Boston – Cambridge – Newton , MA– NH Metropolitan Statistical Area ). The largest city in Essex County is Lynn . The county

387-744: Is crossed by the Bay Circuit Trail and Discover Hamilton Trail. To the park's north, trails in Willowdale State Forest can be reached via footbridge over the Ipswich River. The park is used as the home field for meets of the Masconomet Regional High School cross-country team. In the autumn, the neighboring horse farms conduct fox hunts (they bring their own fox). Sometimes equestrian meets are held there. Numerous hurdles are in evidence in

430-409: Is from the 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Essex County is home to numerous libraries and schools, both public and private. School districts include: K-12: Secondary: Elementary: As of 2015, the county had total employment of 282,412. The largest employer in the county is Massachusetts General Hospital , with over 5,000 employees. Based on deposits in the county,

473-778: Is incorporated into towns or cities. Essex County includes the North Shore , Cape Ann , and the lower portions of the Merrimack Valley . These routes pass through Essex County: The Lawrence Municipal Airport and Beverly Municipal Airport are regional airports within the county; the nearest commercial airports are Logan Airport in Boston and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in Manchester, NH. The MBTA commuter rail has two lines operating in Essex County:

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516-576: Is land and 336 square miles (870 km ) (41%) is water. Essex County is adjacent to Rockingham County, New Hampshire to the north, the Atlantic Ocean (specifically the Gulf of Maine and Massachusetts Bay ) to the east, Suffolk County to the south, Middlesex County to the west and a very small portion of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire to the far north west in Methuen . All county land

559-582: Is where Elbridge Gerry (who was born and raised in Marblehead ) created a legislative district in 1812 that gave rise to the word gerrymandering . Due to a confluence of floods, hurricanes, and severe winter storms, Essex County has had more disaster declarations than most other U.S. counties, from 1964 to 2016. From the founding of the Republican Party until the New Deal, Essex County

602-543: The Haverhill Line and the Newburyport Line , both of which go toward Boston. Close to Boston, MBTA buses also exist. The MVRTA is a bus company that connects cities within the Merrimack Valley portion of Essex County. Because of Essex County's rich history, which includes 17th century colonial history, maritime history spanning its existence, and leadership in the expansions of the textile industry in

645-582: The Merrimack River , were annexed to Essex County. These communities had been part of Massachusetts' colonial-era Norfolk County (1643–1680). The remaining four towns within "Old" Norfolk County, which included Exeter and what is now Portsmouth , were transferred to the Province of New Hampshire . The Massachusetts-based settlements were then subdivided over the centuries to produce Essex County's modern composition of cities and towns. Essex County

688-581: The Myopia Hunt Club . Palmer was an active member in the Topsfield community, owning approximately 10,000 acres in Topsfield, Hamilton , and Wenham areas. Palmer often rode his favorite horse, Rifle, around the towns, smoking a cigar sticking straight out of a pipe. Near the end of his life (between 1937 until 1944), Palmer willed his lands "“to the people of Massachusetts as a place to enjoy

731-495: The Pleistocene Era, it was the site of the edge of the last glaciation, at approximately 18,000 BC. This glacier had planed the land under it nearly flat. Gravel- and boulder-lined streams ran along its surface. From 18,000 to about 10,000 BC, the glacier receded, dropping its stony contents as eskers and moraines, the dominant features of the region. The glacier 's recession created ridges , deposited sand and gravel ,

774-559: The Salem Turnpike ), and thence, about a mile south, gains volume draining all of Harold Parker State Forest in the tri-town corner of Andover, North Andover , and Middleton — excepting the few acres draining to Ipswich tributary, Boston Brook along the other side of MA 114 . Both tributary creeks enter and mingle with the Ipswich proper in Middleton , proceed south into northern Peabody , then loop northwards through

817-673: The 19th century, the entire county has been designated the Essex National Heritage Area by the National Park Service . The following areas of national significance have also been preserved: As of the 2010 United States Census , there were 743,159 people, 285,956 households, and 188,005 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,508.8 inhabitants per square mile (582.6/km ). There were 306,754 housing units at an average density of 622.8 per square mile (240.5/km ). The racial makeup of

860-407: The age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.3% were non-families, and 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.14. The median age was 40.4 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 64,153 and the median income for

903-452: The area, connecting people to the places of Essex County, MA. The commission's mission is to promote and preserve the historic, cultural and natural resources of the ENHA by rallying community support around saving the character of the area. This is accomplished through the commission's projects and programs, which include Partnership Grant Program, Explorers membership program, photo safaris, and

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946-440: The county region, but there is no county council, commissioner, or county employees. Communities are now granted the right to form their own regional compacts for sharing services. Essex County is roughly diamond-shaped and occupies the northeastern corner of the state of Massachusetts. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 828 square miles (2,140 km ), of which 493 square miles (1,280 km )

989-410: The county was 81.9% White, 3.8% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, 0.4% American Indian, 8.2% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 16.5% of the population. In terms of ancestry, 23.3% were Irish , 17.1% were Italian , 12.6% were English , 6.1% were German , and 3.6% were American . Of the 285,956 households, 32.9% had children under

1032-457: The deep channels to small streams some often small enough one can hop across to fish elsewhere. The river is navigable upstream to nearly Ipswich center by small craft. There a sharper drop in elevation over some rocky areas upstream characteristic of Northeastern US streams in general and which prevents further navigation without portaging light boats. The river and riverlands currently suffer from diminished flow due to extensive withdrawals from

1075-542: The development of the shoe and textile industries, and the growth and decline of the maritime industries, including fishing, privateering, and the China trade. The Essex National Heritage Area is one of 49 heritage areas designated by Congress, affiliated with the National Park Service. The Essex National Heritage Commission is a non-profit organization chartered to promote tourism and cultural awareness of

1118-460: The dominant material of the riverbed , over which mud has been deposited. Low-gradient drainage created the meandering streams, which typically drop no more than 30–40 feet. The first written record about the Ipswich River is from 1638 when John Winthrop bought from Chief Masconomet and the Agawam tribe the lands along the river and exclusive fishing rights for 20 pounds sterling . Most of

1161-401: The equestrian runs, which are periodically mowed. Horses brought in by trailer at will may usually be seen on any non-winter day, more so toward the autumn. The park also offers picnicking, canoeing, and fishing in addition to handicapped-accessible wading pool and restrooms. The former barn and garage facilities have been turned into a headquarters and maintenance center. Also on the grounds is

1204-739: The five largest banks are TD Bank, N.A. , Salem Five Cents Bank , Institution for Savings , Bank of America , and Eastern Bank . On November 12, 1996, Essex National Heritage Area (ENHA) was authorized by Congress. The heritage area consists of all of Essex County, MA a 500-square-mile (1,300 km ) area between the Atlantic Coast and the Merrimack Valley. The area includes 34 cities and towns; two National Historic Sites (Salem Maritime National Historic Site and Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site); and thousands of historic sites and districts that illuminate colonial settlement,

1247-461: The ground water in urban areas upstream. The upper third of the river may become a dry bed in the summer. Wetland reservations, for wildlife have been created along much of the lower river and the mean water level therein has been prevented from falling precipitously by Willowdale Mill Dam , a remnant of a 19th-century mill system. It is currently privately owned by a canoe-rental concession. The combined Ipswich River/Plum Island Sound exits through

1290-545: The important Middlesex Canal passed over it on an aqueduct), Reading , thence to North Reading , where it is joined by the left bank tributary Skug River — which originates in North Andover and Andover southwest of Boston Hill in a large Beaver Pond and marshland, situated north of Gray Road-jct.-Gray Street (very near the townlines of the two towns) where it crosses via culvert south of Rt. MA 125 and west of Rt. MA 114 (historically, and by street name,

1333-449: The land along the river is privately owned but in certain recreational areas non-motorized boats, fishing, and swimming are allowed. It is attractive to canoeists and birders. In the swampy and wetland areas a wide variety of birds and smaller wildlife species can be seen. Drinking water for many communities is provided from Ipswich River. It is estimated that source of public drinking water for approximately 350,000 people comes from

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1376-523: The municipalities of Danvers , Topsfield (crossing US Route 1 just south of the Topsfield Fairground , entering from the west turns northerly and runs the greater length of Teal Pond southwest to north, the east bank of which forms a part of the western border of Hamilton , and exits the lake turning easterly staying south of Ipswich Road to head through and between the Willowdale State Forest and Bradley Palmer State Park , then opens

1419-640: The nearby Myopia Hunt Club , of which Palmer was a member. Between 1997 and 2007, the building was restored by the Forsythe-Fandetti family as part of the state's historic curatorship program. It opened in 2007 under the name Willowdale Estate and may now be rented for a variety of different events including weddings and corporate occasions. Willowdale Estate also hosts a variety of public events each year including historical tours and holiday events. Park trails are used for walking, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The park

1462-767: The peace and beauty of river, woods, fields, and hills”. During the 1960s and '70s the park was the location of the Massachusetts Civil Defense Training Academy. The academy utilized the rooms of the Willowdale Estate as classrooms, dormitory and mess facilities. A disaster town was constructed in a clearing apx. One-quarter mile east of the mansion consisted of a burn house, five story rappelling tower, shed class rooms and four collapse building simulators. The park features meadows where blueberries can be picked, equestrian runs, stands of climax white pine and hemlock , and

1505-830: The records based on them. The county has been designated the Essex National Heritage Area by the National Park Service . The county was created by the General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony on May 10, 1643, when it was ordered "that the whole plantation within this jurisdiction be divided into four sheires ". Named after the county in England , Essex then comprised the towns of Salem , Lynn , Wenham , Ipswich , Rowley , Newbury , Gloucester and Andover . In 1680, Haverhill , Amesbury and Salisbury , located north of

1548-408: The river's watershed although most of these people live outside the area. There are some concerns about the quality of the water as the river dries up and some places become a dumping ground for tires. The river begins in the northeastern part of Burlington in northcentral Middlesex County Massachusetts and heading generally southeasterly, it passes through the towns of Wilmington (where once

1591-425: The salt marsh floodplain begins. From Nichols it traverses a bit over 2.5 miles (4.0 km) joins with Plum Island Sound in connecting with the Atlantic Ocean at Ipswich Bay. There is always some flow from the river into the bay. However, the lower Ipswich and Plum Island Sound, as well as the lower four other rivers flowing into it, and the much larger Merrimack River to the north, are all tidal estuaries, so

1634-476: The stream anywhere east of Wilmington in colonial times. The only route north out of Boston to the northeast (today called the North Shore ) was via the Andover Road, an often muddy track, later made a wagon road which forded the stream just below the confluence of Lubbers and Maple Meadow brooks . The topography of eastern Massachusetts was determined most by the fact that, at the maximum glaciation of

1677-419: The water is brackish from mixing ocean born saltwater inland during flood tides, and the lands immediately along the banks, where not inundated some of the time, are nonetheless saturated by brackish water and support only hearty plants capable of tolerating the waters such as salt marsh hay . High tides cover all of Great Marsh and the flood plains of the lower rivers. Low tides uncover the mud flats, reducing

1720-688: Was a Republican stronghold in presidential elections. Since 1936, it has trended Democratic, with Dwight Eisenhower in 1952 and 1956 and Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984 being the only Republicans to carry the county since. Like several other Massachusetts counties , Essex County exists today only as a historical geographic region, and has no county government. All former county functions were assumed by state agencies in 1999. The sheriff (currently Kevin Coppinger ), district attorney (currently Paul Tucker ), and some other regional officials with specific duties are still elected locally to perform duties within

1763-482: Was formed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony , only Salem and Charlestown across the Charles River mouth and Boston harbor's inner estuary from Boston's much smaller hill dominated peninsula were older settlements. The upper river runs through and drains at least parts of Burlington, the lower river forms part of the borders between the towns of: The wide swamps along the river made it impossible to ford

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1806-665: Was inevitably tragic to vessels caught there in a northeaster, or violent winter storm of near-hurricane-force winds. Despite these difficulties, the sound and the mouth of the Ipswich were mooring places of ocean-going cargo vessels and fishing and whaling boats, before the opening of Newburyport Harbor, then blocked by a sandbar. The now abandoned shores of the region give little hint of its former importance to commerce and prosperity. [REDACTED] Media related to Ipswich River at Wikimedia Commons Essex County, Massachusetts 42°38′N 70°52′W  /  42.64°N 70.87°W  / 42.64; -70.87 Essex County

1849-809: Was named after the English county of Essex . It has two traditional county seats : Salem and Lawrence . Prior to the dissolution of the county government in 1999, Salem had jurisdiction over the Southern Essex District, and Lawrence had jurisdiction over the Northern Essex District, but currently these cities do not function as seats of government. However, the county and the districts remain as administrative regions recognized by various governmental agencies, which gathered vital statistics or disposed of judicial case loads under these geographic subdivisions, and are required to keep

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