Joshua Coffin (October 12, 1792 – June 24, 1864) was a historian, an American antiquary, and an abolitionist .
62-528: Coffin was born to Joseph and Judith (née Toppan) Coffin in Newbury, Massachusetts October 12, 1792 in the Coffin House . He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1817, and taught school for many years, numbering among his pupils the poet John Greenleaf Whittier , who addressed to him a poem entitled "To My Old School-Master". Coffin was ardent in the cause of emancipation, and was one of the co-founders of
124-497: A mill village , and once had six water-powered mills, manufacturing various products from woolens to snuff. The railroad entered the community in 1850, carrying freight but also tourists, helping Plum Island develop into a Victorian seaside resort. Back on the mainland, silver was discovered in a large field in 1878, and the Chipman Silver Mine would begin operations until it finally closed in 1925. By 1905, however,
186-526: A bridge was built two miles above the town where the river contained an island. Merrimack Arms and Brown Manufacturing Company made Southerner Derringer pistols in their Newburyport factory from 1867 to 1873. The sea captains of old Newburyport (as elsewhere in Massachusetts) had participated vigorously in the triangular trade , importing West Indian molasses and exporting rum made from it. The distilleries were located around Market Square near
248-588: A causeway to a narrow part of the Plum Island River just to the south of where it connects to the mouth of the Merrimack. A drawbridge was built there, the only access to the island by road. On the Newburyport side a small airport, Plum Island Airport , was built at the edge of the marsh. The portion of Plum Island that is in the city has no direct access to the rest of the city; similarly, there
310-487: A city's architecture and heritage, while still having it remain functional and liveable. Newburyport is located at 42°48′45″N 70°52′39″W / 42.81250°N 70.87750°W / 42.81250; -70.87750 (42.812391, −70.877440). According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 10.6 square miles (27 km ), of which 8.4 square miles (22 km )
372-471: A female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.16. In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 30.0% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
434-470: A female householder with no husband present, and 41.1% were non-families. Of all households, 33.1% were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90. In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.7% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
496-416: A free family concert, a lecture on the summer's repertoire, and a world premiere of a newly commissioned work often based on the culture, history, or landscape of the region. Prominent composers who have written for the festival include Jon Deak , Eric Ewazen , Jay Reise , and others. Newburyport has the following sister cities [REDACTED] Bura, Kenya Over the years, the town has cultivated
558-460: A great location to enjoy boutique shopping. The city sponsors several youth sports leagues, including baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse, basketball, and hockey. The city's youth services program also provides classes, campouts, and activities in robotics, music, rock climbing, chess, fencing, sewing, dance, skateboarding, judo, academics, cooking, yoga, cheerleading, art, fashion design, photography, biking, and frisbee. Yankee Homecoming, run not by
620-885: A large part of the city's income. A Coast Guard station oversees boating activity, especially in the sometimes dangerous tidal currents of the Merrimack River . At the edge of the Newbury Marshes, delineating Newburyport to the south, an industrial park provides a wide range of jobs. Newburyport is on a major north–south highway, Interstate 95 . The outer circumferential highway of Boston, Interstate 495 , passes nearby in Amesbury . The Newburyport Turnpike ( U.S. Route 1 ) still traverses Newburyport on its way north. The Newburyport/Rockport MBTA commuter rail from Boston's North Station terminates in Newburyport. The earlier Boston and Maine Railroad leading farther north
682-476: A popular spot for fishing and recreation, and the Plum Island Lighthouse, built in 1838. As of the census of 2010, there were 17,416 people, 8,264 households, and 4,428 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,086.2 inhabitants per square mile (805.5/km ). There were 7,897 housing units at an average density of 942.0 per square mile (363.7/km ). The racial makeup of the city
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#1732773237229744-565: A population of 2,800 living in 357 homes. There were three shipyards , no bridges, and several ferries , one of which at the foot of Greenleaf Lane, now State Street, carried the Portsmouth Flying Stage Coach, running between Portsmouth, New Hampshire , and Boston. The town prospered and 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. In 1792,
806-410: A significant tourist population. The quaint downtown shopping center includes businesses that appeal to all ages. Local businesses and restaurants surround Market Square and along State Street. During festivals throughout the year, visitors are invited to enjoy concerts, food, and entertainment. An old mill building on Liberty Street is home to other small businesses and a local farmers' market during both
868-756: A tiny study housed within an ell of the house, Joshua wrote his History of Ancient Newbury . On December 2, 1817, Coffin married his first wife Clarissa Dutch of Exeter, New Hampshire. They had two children together: Sarah Bartlett (born Nov. 21, 1818) and Lucia Tappan (born Sept. 6, 1820). His first wife passed away in 1821. On April 20, 1835, Coffin married his second wife Mrs. Anna Wiley Chase, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They had three children together: Elizabeth Wiley (born Jan. 26, 1836), Anna Lapsley (born July 17, 1838), and Mary Hale (born Dec. 29, 1840). Their three children were born in Philadelphia. Coffin died on June 24, 1864, in Newbury, Massachusetts and
930-487: Is Sean Reardon, and the next election year for mayor is 2025. Newburyport is part of the Massachusetts Senate's 1st Essex district . Interstate 95 passes through the western side of town, with one exit at Route 113 . Route 113 itself has its eastern terminus at U.S. Route 1 and Massachusetts Route 1A , with Route 1A continuing along the same right of way as 113 towards Newbury. Route 1 and 1A cross
992-467: Is a privately owned general aviation airport located within the city limits. It is open to the public and managed by Plum Island Aerodrome, Inc., a not-for-profit organization. The nearest scheduled commercial air service can be found at Boston's Logan International Airport , Worcester's Worcester Regional Airport , Portsmouth's Pease International Tradeport or Manchester's Manchester-Boston Regional Airport . The current site of Newburyport High School
1054-653: Is at Logan International Airport . The Newburyport branch of the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail passes through town, with its northern terminus just over the Newburyport line. As of the census of 2000, there were 6,717 people, 2,514 households, and 1,815 families residing in the town. The population density was 277.0 inhabitants per square mile (107.0/km ). There were 2,816 housing units at an average density of 116.1 per square mile (44.8/km ). The racial makeup of
1116-478: Is bordered by Newbury to the south, Joppa to the northeast, and downtown to the northwest. The border between the South End and Joppa is just behind Hancock Street, Chestnut Street and part of Prospect Street. Plum Island: The Newburyport neighborhood on North end of Plum Island is geographically isolated from the rest of Newburyport but served by Newburyport services and schools. It features Plum Island Point,
1178-601: Is buried at the Newbury First Parish Burying Ground. Attribution: Newbury, Massachusetts Newbury is a town in Essex County , Massachusetts , United States. The population was 6,716 at the 2020 census . Newbury includes the villages of Old Town (Newbury Center), Plum Island and Byfield . Each village is a precinct with its own voting district, various town offices, and business center. Native Americans lived along
1240-407: Is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km ) (20.77%) is water. The city is part of Massachusetts' North Shore ; Newburyport was laid out on the elevated south bank of the Merrimack River between the river and Newbury marshes. The shipyards, now boatyards (and still vigorously active), extended along the bank at the edge of the river. They were connected by Merrimac Street, which ends upriver where
1302-417: Is no access between the mainland and Woodbridge Island or Seal Island, west of Plum Island (the latter being shared between Newburyport and Newbury). Several parks and beaches dot the city, including Plum Island Point Beach, Simmons Beach, Joppa Park, Waterfront Park, Woodman Park, Cashman Park, Moseley Pines Park and Atkinson Common and March's Hill Park. Newburyport Forest is located in the southwest corner of
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#17327732372291364-601: Is part of the Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School district. Newburyport, Massachusetts Newburyport is a coastal city in Essex County, Massachusetts , United States, 35 miles (56 km) northeast of Boston. The population was 18,289 at the 2020 census . A historic seaport with a vibrant tourism industry, Newburyport includes part of Plum Island . The mooring, winter storage, and maintenance of recreational boats, motor and sail, still contribute
1426-636: Is water. Newbury lies just south of the mouth of the Merrimack River , and is drained by the Little River and Parker River, which, along with the Plum Island River, drain into Plum Island Sound, separating Plum Island from the mainland. Much of the town land is made of marshes, and is protected land, included in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge , Old Town Hill Reservation Area, Kents Island Wildlife Management Area, Downfall Wildlife Management Area and parts of
1488-592: The Gulf of Maine (Atlantic Ocean) to the east, Newbury to the south and southeast, West Newbury to the west and southwest, Amesbury to the north and northwest, and Salisbury to the northeast. Joppa: Joppa is bordered by Newbury to the southeast, the South End to the southwest, and Downtown to the Northwest. This is the closest neighborhood to Plum Island Airport located in Newbury. South End: The South End
1550-654: The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association . The athletics program offers a variety of sports for girls and boys during the fall, winter, and spring seasons. The school colors are Crimson and Old Gold and the mascot is a Clipper Ship . Newburyport makes activities available for its residents, including a year-round ice skating rink and a beautiful waterfront and boardwalk. Many Newburyport residents love boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports. The city's picturesque downtown shopping district also makes it
1612-469: The Merrimack River for thousands of years prior to European colonization of the Americas . At the time of contact, Pennacook or Pentucket controlled territory north of the Merrimack, while Agawam and Naumkeag controlled territory southeast and southwest of the river respectively. The original name for the land that would become Newbury may have been Quascancunquen meaning "waterfall," referring to
1674-651: The New England Anti-Slavery Society in 1832, being its first recording secretary. From 1834 to 1837, Coffin was the manager of the American Anti-Slavery Society. He published The History of Ancient Newbury (Boston, 1845), genealogies of the Woodman, Little, and Toppan families, and magazine articles. As an adult, Coffin lived for a time in the downstairs southwest room of the Coffin House , his ancestral home; in
1736-569: The Parker River . A commemorative stone marks the spot where Nicholas Noyes was the first of the new settlers to leap ashore at Newbury, named after the town in Berkshire , England. In 1650, 30 acres of modern day West Newbury referred to as Indian Hill was purchased by the town of Newbury from an indigenous man named Great Tom for three pounds. In 1681, the descendants of an indigenous man Old Will would sell one hundred and sixty acres to
1798-675: The docks , which are shown on earlier maps extending into the channel of the Merrimack River, and the shipyards, where the waterfront parking lot is currently located. George Whitefield, the well-known and influential English preacher who helped inspire the First Great Awakening in America, arrived in Newburyport in September 1740. The revival that followed his labors brought into existence Old South Church, where he
1860-527: The falls in Byfield where Central Street crosses the Parker River, and was likely part of the territory of Agawam sachem Masconomet at the time of contact. No formal agreements between the original inhabitants of Newbury and English colonists would be made until more than a generation had passed from settlement and the effects of virgin soil epidemics had significantly decreased native populations in
1922-486: The fugitive slave act was passed, requiring all US states to capture and return runaway slaves. Because of this, runaways had to flee the country or risk returning to slavery. In this era, some white Newburyporters became stops on the Underground Railroad . As a port city and part of the triangle trade, Newburyport's abolitionists were often mariners. Capt. Alexander Graves, for example, smuggled slaves from
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1984-492: The poverty line , including 2.3% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over. Newbury is home to one public elementary school which serves K–6: Newbury Elementary School. Middle School students attend Triton Regional Middle School for 7–8, and high school students attend Triton Regional High School for 9–12, along with Rowley , and Salisbury . Along with 10 other towns and cities in Essex County, Newbury
2046-414: The waterfront . Caldwell's Old Newburyport rum was manufactured locally until 1961. As a part of the triangle trade, the first leg of which involved the purchase of slaves from West Africa, many Newburyporters were anti-abolitionists. Massachusetts abolished slavery in 1783, and many runaway slaves found refuge in the state. In the early 1800s, around 6000 runaway slaves were living in Newburyport. In 1850,
2108-722: The Mill River Wildlife Management Area and Crane Pond Wildlife Management Area. Newbury is located along the Atlantic Ocean , and is bordered by Newburyport to the north, West Newbury to the northwest, a small portion of Groveland to the west, Georgetown to the southwest, and Rowley to the south. The center of Newbury lies 19 miles (31 km) east of Lawrence , 19 miles (31 km) north of Salem , 32 miles (51 km) north-northeast of Boston and 24 miles (39 km) south of Portsmouth, New Hampshire . Interstate 95 passes through
2170-683: The Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and the Waterfront Trust and were sponsored by a local insurance agency, Arthur S Page Insurance. 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 books, and schoolchildren create projects to show to an author who visits their school. Among
2232-773: The Newburyport School Committee unanimously (with one member absent) voted to implement a Start School Later policy, the first of the Cape Ann League to do so. The times will be: Newburyport is served by the Newburyport Public Library , part of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium . Newburyport High School competes in the Cape Ann League , an athletic conference in District A of
2294-538: The South and to Canada. Newburyport once had a fishing fleet that operated from Georges Bank to the mouth of the Merrimack River. It was a center for privateering during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 . Beginning about 1832, it added numerous ships to the whaling fleet. Later, clipper ships were built there. Today, the city gives little hint of its former maritime importance. Notably missing are
2356-576: The Whittier Memorial Bridge, which brings Interstate 95 to Amesbury. The Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority provides regular bus service between the city and Haverhill, which includes access to the commuter rail station in Newburyport. The bus is free as of March 2023. Newburyport is the northern terminus of the Newburyport/Rockport Line of the MBTA Commuter Rail system, providing access through several North Shore cities to Boston's North Station . Plum Island Airport
2418-655: The area. English colonists settled and incorporated Newbury Plantation in 1635. The Rev. Thomas Parker and cousin Rev. James Noyes , along with the latter's brother Nicholas, led a group of about 100 pioneers from Wiltshire , England. They sailed from the River Thames aboard the ship Mary and John , first landing in Agawam (now Ipswich ) in 1634. They arrived the next spring at the Quascacunquen River, now
2480-582: The authors who regularly visit are Andre Dubus III , Tess Gerritsen , and Rhina Espaillat . Held towards the beginning of August, the Newburyport Chamber Music Festival was founded in 2001 by resident Jane Niebling and Philadelphia violist David Yang . For the duration of the festival, exceptional international artists are embedded in the community, giving many concerts but also holding open rehearsals in public places, chamber music reading parties in local homes (“hausmusiks”),
2542-440: The automobile. At this time, construction of major highways brought larger cities such as Lawrence and Lowell into shopping range. Consequently, by 1970, Newburyport's historic downtown section was scheduled to be razed prior to reconstruction with federal money. Ideas to rebuild the city's downtown were numerous, ranging from hotels and new stores to, ironically, a strip mall, with few buildings left for historical reasons. At
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2604-571: The bank merges into bluffs covered with pine forest. Colonial residences extend up the bank from Merrimac Street to High Street running parallel to it near the top of the ridge. The homes of the seafaring entrepreneurs line High Street. Many feature widow's walks , structures on the roof where the residents could watch for the return of sailing vessels. Nearly every home maintains a splendid flower garden, most dating to colonial times. Various cross streets, such as State Street, Green Street and Market Street, connect Merrimac Street and High Street. The top of
2666-641: The city's downtown streets and neighborhoods. There is also a 45-minute fireworks show on Saturday night, which is followed the concluding Sunday by the famous Yankee Homecoming parade. First held in 1958, Newburyport's "Yankee Homecoming" is the second-oldest homecoming festival in the United States. Many charities raise their funds during this time. This was held Friday evenings in Waterfront Park in downtown Newburyport, these free concerts were intended for all ages. The concerts were presented by
2728-511: The city's oldest fire engine , the "Neptune #8", 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 eight days and over 200 events. There are concerts every night at Market Landing Park. Other popular events include the Newburyport Lions' 10-mile (16 km) and 5-kilometer road races, which run through
2790-464: The city, and Maudslay State Park lies along the northwest part of the city, along the banks of the Merrimack. Newburyport is located 37 miles (60 km) north-northeast of Boston, 19 miles (31 km) east-northeast of Lawrence , and 21 miles (34 km) south-southeast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire . Situated 5 miles (8 km) south of the New Hampshire border, the city is bordered by
2852-546: The city, but by the non-profit Yankee Homecoming, Inc., is the annual festival celebrating the natives coming home to Newburyport. The event was initiated in 1957 by native Newburyporter George Cashman, who sought to stimulate the economy and lift the spirit of the citizens. It lasts one 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
2914-454: The economy had shifted back to agriculture, and Newbury became a supplier of eggs, milk and poultry. Some would dig for clams or hay the salt marshes. The town is today primarily residential, with many examples of fine antique architecture. According to the United States Census Bureau , the town has a total area of 26.3 square miles (68.1 km ), of which 23.4 square miles (60.5 km ) is land and 2.9 square miles (7.6 km ), or 11.17%,
2976-507: The first water-powered mill was established at the falls. Gristmills and sawmills were built, and in 1794, the first textile mill in Massachusetts. At Byfield in 1763 was founded the nation's first boarding preparatory school , Dum'r (Dummer) Charity School, known subsequently as Dummer Academy, Governor Dummer Academy, and now The Governor's Academy . It was also site of the first female seminary, founded in 1807. Byfield developed into
3038-474: 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 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 (2.62 km ), and had
3100-422: The last moment, however, the city changed its mind and signed a federal grant that allowed it to keep most of its historic architecture. Renovation and restoration began during the early 1970s, and continued throughout most of the decade, initially along State Street, and culminating with creation of a pedestrian mall along Inn Street. Newburyport is often cited as an example by preservationists of how to maintain
3162-506: The poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 6.9% of those age 65 or over. Upon adopting a new charter in 2011 which took effect in 2013, Newburyport has been run by a mayor with a four-year term and an eleven-member City Council (prior to that, the mayor's term lasted for two years). During the mid-twentieth century, Newburyport enjoyed a typical "small community" approach, conducted, most notably, by city mayor and activist Ed Molin, who died in 2005. The current mayor of Newburyport
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#17327732372293224-399: The ridge proved an ideal location for later institutions, such as Newburyport High School and nearby Anna Jaques Hospital. The ridge drops more sharply to the marsh on the other side. Along its margin a third parallel street developed, Low Street. The river bank gradually descends to marshes at Joppa Flats beyond downtown Newburyport. The Plum Island Turnpike was pushed out over the marsh on
3286-700: The river along the Newburyport Turnpike Bridge; it had originally followed State Street and ended at Merrimac and Water Streets before crossing the river via ferry to Salisbury. The Turnpike Bridge is the easternmost crossing of the Merrimack; upstream the river is crossed by the Newburyport Railroad Bridge (just west of the Turnpike Bridge), the Chain Bridge , one of the oldest bridges along the river, and
3348-466: The town of Newbury for six pounds, thirteen shillings, and four pence. Finally, in 1700, the grandson of sachem Masconomet of the Agawam would relinquish his title to any lands in Newbury for a sum of ten pounds. In 1791, 3,000 head of cattle grazed town lands, or on the region's abundant salt marsh hay. Other trades included tanning and shipbuilding. Newbury originally included Newburyport , set off in 1764, and West Newbury , set off in 1819. In 1636,
3410-401: The town was 98.32% White , 0.37% African American , 0.13% Native American , 0.45% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.28% from other races , and 0.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91% of the population. There were 2,514 households, out of which 35.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 7.4% had
3472-557: The western part of town, with two exits providing access to the town. U.S. Route 1 , locally known as the Newburyport Turnpike, passes from north to south through the middle of the town, and Massachusetts Route 1A 's northernmost portion passes through the east of town, just inland from the marshes. The town is home to the Plum Island Airport , a private general aviation airport; the nearest national service
3534-408: Was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.7 males. The median income for a household in the town was $ 74,836, and the median income for a family was $ 83,428. Males had a median income of $ 52,366 versus $ 35,656 for females. The per capita income for the town was $ 34,640. About 1.2% of families and 3.1% of the population were below
3596-405: Was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 78,557, and the median income for a family was $ 103,306. Males had a median income of $ 51,831 versus $ 37,853 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 34,187. About 2.8% of families and 5.2% of the population were below
3658-465: Was 90.2% White , 3.6% African American , 0.1% Native American , 0.61% Asian , 0.01% Pacific Islander , 0.16% from other races , and 1.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.7% of the population. The top five ethnic groups are: (United States 2010 Census quickfacts) There were 7,519 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had
3720-515: Was buried after his death in 1770. The city's historical highlights include: Historic events: The Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank on State Street was founded in 1854 and is one of the oldest banks in the United States still in operation. Historic houses and museums: Literary interests: Despite its former prosperity, in the 1950s and 1960s Newburyport's center fell into disrepair because of several factors, most notably strip malls taking away from local business and increased use of
3782-517: Was discontinued, but a portion of it has been converted into a recreation trail. 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
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#17327732372293844-623: Was purchased from Alice L. Atkinson in 1935, and the deed was recorded at the Southern Essex County Registry of Deeds as Book 3030, Page 279 in March 1935. Newburyport High School is one of the oldest public high schools in the United States . Newburyport is served by several public schools, belonging to the Newburyport School District, and several private schools. On Monday, November 4, 2019,
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