Two Brothers Rocks

Picture two dignified gentlemen paddling down-stream on the frigid waters of the Concord River in January 1617.  You can probably feel the chill as you envision them turning their canoe to the east bank and disembarking at two great rocks.

These men, John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley, were the two most prominent leaders in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, and as a result of this trip the General Court of England would grant them approximately 2,000 acres for the purpose of starting a “plantation.”

Using a small stream to part their lands, along with the two very large rocks as the dividing property between them, given by England, they agree on the boundaries, some of which are reflected on the ancient map on the inside cover of Hazen’s History of Billerica.  Their handshake seals the agreement, and the seeds are sown which will, some fifteen years later, provide the first tiny roots of the land which will become our town, Billerica.

Little by little more parcels of land were granted by the General Court, which functioned under the control of England.  By 1653, 13 families had settled in the area.  A “ten acres” lot entitled the owner to 113 acres of upland and 12 acres of meadowland, which was essential for growing hay and grazing stock.

How did the 13 original families manage in their chosen spot, which by 1655 had officially adopted the name of its chosen mother-town, Billericay, in Essex County, England?  One hearty settler, Jonathan Danforth, proved to be an accurate surveyor.  Danforth mapped out Billerica as well as other towns in the surrounding area.  Danforth was eventually named the father of our town.

By 1673 there were 50 families in Billerica, and they were not alone!  The settlements in Chelmsford, Andover, Woburn, Concord, and Cambridge had been established, providing neighborly assistance to farmers anxious to develop their crops.  more…

For more information about the history of Billerica, and the surrounding area, contact the Billerica Historical Society.