Chelmsford MA Town and School Info

 

 Driving through its busy streets today, it is difficult to imagine Chelmsford as a frontier village fearful of Indian raids. But this is its early history. Chelmsford received its charter of incorporation in 1655. In 1729, the western section separated from the town and became Westford.   In 1826, more of its land was taken and incorporated into a potion of the newly established city of Lowell.

 

 Within Chelmsford's boundaries, the Middlesex Canal opened in 1803. It ran 27 miles from Middlesex Village ( now in Lowell, but once part of Chelmsford) to Boston. The triumph of the railroads forced its demise in 1852.

 

Until after World War II Chelmsford was traditionally a farm community, although it always supported practical industries such as lumber and woolen mills, and granite quarries.

 

In the past several decades, residential subdivisions and commercial centers have replaced Chelmsford’s farms and orchards.

 

Today Chelmsford enjoys a population of almost 33,000, and offers varied opportunities for housing, and employment, as well as substantial retail, service and dining choices. Proximity to Lowell and the New Hampshire border, in addition to Boston, make this suburban town a top commuter choice.