Curious Traveler | C.J. Fitzwater Dec 26, 2023 Updated Dec 26, 2023
Before the last decade of the 19th century, the diverse landscapes of Salisbury, Massachusetts, stood at the crossroads of change. Known for its industrial prowess on a global scale, Salisbury was about to experience a transformation that would rewrite its destiny.
The pivotal moments almost came in 1864 and 1870 when the Massachusetts Legislature cast decisive votes. A considerable part of Salisbury was on the brink of being integrated into Amesbury, its western neighbor. This change wasn’t about mere land; it involved significant territories with deep-rooted identities. The lush Salisbury Plains were part of this, where expansive farmlands offered a life somewhat removed from Salisbury’s core but closer to the conveniences of Amesbury.
Also integral to this discussion was Salisbury Point, a strategic and economically vital area where the Pow Wow and Merrimack rivers converged, leading up to the notable Chain Bridge. This location was more than a geographic marker; it was a bustling hub of trade and transport.
Salisbury Mills, however, was the most valuable, and debated area. With its flourishing mills in Market Square, it had become the most densely populated and industrious part of town. The Rocky Hill Meeting House, standing at the convergence of these territories, held a symbolic place in the hearts of the West Parish of Salisbury.
The annexation found strong support among Salisbury Mills’ residents. For them, the benefits were clear: thriving mills, closer access to Amesbury’s amenities like the post office, and job opportunities.
Many were already part of the workforce at Salisbury Mills and the Carriage Mills, and the proximity to the Merrimac Hat Company in Amesbury, a significant employer, added to the appeal. This led mill owners and businessmen on Market and Elm streets to actively advocate for the annexation.
However, this prospect wasn’t met with universal enthusiasm. The “Old Towners” of Salisbury, particularly those from East Salisbury, including the three selectmen, anticipated a loss profound in nature. Their history and identity, tied to landmarks like Lowell’s Boat Shop, the Rocky Hill Meetinghouse and Union Congregational Church, faced a huge shift. In 1886, after years of close votes and fervent debates, a part of Salisbury’s essence was finally ceded to Amesbury.
This change had far-reaching impacts. Salisbury’s identity as an industrial leader was replaced by a seaside resort persona, though it retained a strong agricultural base. Meanwhile, Amesbury embraced the industrial revolution, becoming a hub for hat production, furniture making, and carriage building. The Eastern Railroad, with its Salisbury branch, opened new avenues for mill workers to travel, before then embracing the emerging era of automobiles.
As we explore Amesbury today, its streets and buildings steeped in history, it’s hard not to encounter the echoes of old Salisbury. Each corner, building, and even the quiet cemeteries tell a story of a time lost.
The Old Towners’ legacy, their homes, churches, and places of eternal rest, stand as silent yet poignant reminders of what was relinquished in 1886. This bittersweet sentiment lingers, evoking a sense of loss for the original Salisbury, with some of the town’s most important history now belonging to its neighbor.
Salisbury resident C.J. Fitzwater is a curious traveler, perpetually on the lookout for fresh frontiers. With each journey, he blends historical threads into his stories.
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