Soon after Amesbury was settled in 1642, the rushing waters of the Powow River were harnessed for mills, and the modest farming community began its ascent into American industrial history. Amesbury, it is believed, was the site of the first American factory to produce machine-made nails. Ship building, followed in the 19th century by textile mills, dominated the settlement’s early industry. From 1853 until well into the 1900’s, Amesbury carriages, known around the world for their workmanship and style, were the economic heartbeat of the town. The Merrimack Hat Factory at its peak produced more head gear than any of its competitors. And the nation’s number one candy was, for a while, Hoyt’s Buffalo Brand Peanut Butter Kisses, produced...in Amesbury.

In 1996 the people of Amesbury took the bold step of voting to adopt a city form of government. They chose experienced leadership to revitalize the downtown and envigorate the industrial base while preserving its traditional, rural roots and historic charm. See for yourself. Discover Amesbury.

About Our Community

Business: Major industries are high technology, defense companies, furniture manufacturers, and metal and plastic fabricators.

Business Organizations: Alliance for Amesbury-5 Market Street-Amesbury, Ma. 01913 (978) 388-3178)

Churches: Six Protestant churches, two Catholic churches, one Friends Meeting House and one Seventh Day Adventist church.

Elder Services: Council on Aging Amesbury Senior Center, Community Action, Inc.

Government: Mayor, nine member Municipal Council.

Hospital and Health Services: Amesbury Health Center, Merrimack Valley Rehabilitation Center, various adult care facilities.

Housing (Subsidized): Amesbury Housing Authority.

Library: Amesbury Public Library.

Post Office: Full service, on Main Street.

Recreation: Town Park, Friend Street; Town beach, Lake Gardner; Woodsom Farm and Town Forest (hiking, bird watching, cross-country skiing); Amesbury Sports Park (snow tubing, driving range); Amesbury Golf & Country Club, fishing and boating in lakes, rivers and ocean; sports leagues.

Safety: Police and Fire Departments; Ambulance service, and Emergency Management.

Schools: One high school, one vocation-technical high school, one middle school, three elementary schools. Private school: Seventh Day Adventist School, Harbor Schools residential treatment center. Sparhawk School. YMCA Kid Stop. Head Start. Literacy Center. Two full-service day care and pre-school programs. Higher learning; Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill. Adult Education; Whittier Regional Vocation Technical High School, Haverhill.

Service Organizations: Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary, Masons.

Social Services: Community Action Inc.; Transitional House for Women and Children.

Transportation: Bus service to cities throughout the Merrimack Valley and beyond. Frieght service at the bordering city of Newburyport by The Boston and Main Railroad. Commuter rail service from Newburyport, and Haverhill. Airports at Lawrence, Newburyport and Boston.

Young People’s Groups: Boy Scouts; Girl Scouts; Amesbury Parent/child Co-op; Amesbury Community Parnership, Mayor’s Council for Youth.