Place Information
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Haverhill (pronounced ) is a city in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 58,969 at the 2000 census. Haverhill is home to Northern Essex Community College. History
Situated on the Merrimack River, the area was originally called "Pentucket," meaning "land of the winding river," by the native Pentucket Indians, a branch of the Pennacook nation. It was first settled by European colonists in 1640. Purchased from the tribe in 1641, the town was incorporated as "Haverhill," after Haverhill, England. It was attacked by Indians on March 15, 1697, when about 39 people were either killed or captured, and about 6 houses were burned. Although it began as a farming community, it would evolve into an important industrial center, beginning with sawmills and gristmills run by water power. In the 18th century, Haverhill developed tanneries, shipping and shipbuilding. The mill town was for 180 years home to a large shoe-making industry, which faded with the Great Depression of the 1930s. It also once manufactured hats. Incorporated as a city in 1870, Haverhill would annex part of Bradford in 1897. Haverhill was the site of the original Macy's store, established to sell dry goods in 1851 by Rowland H. Macy. It was also where Hollywood mogul Louis B. Mayer got his start in show business by operating a chain of theatres. The city has much fine old architecture, particularly in the Victorian style, built during the flush mill era. Haverhill is also one of the main inspirations for the comic Archie. The comic's creator, Bob Montana, lived in Haverhill and attended Haverhill High School from 1936 to 1939, and based characters Archie, Jughead, Veronica, Betty, and Reggie on people he knew at Haverhill High.[1]. In 1998, Haverhill was chosen as the finish for the History Channel's 16th annual Great Race which features a 4000-mile journey across the country for antique cars. Although the event was expected to bring over 50,000 people to the city, the worst rain storm in 41 years caused the attendance to drop to 14,000 people.[2] 'Historic sites & museums:' Research Tips
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