Early colonial settlers, American Revolution, the Underground Railroad; when it comes to the background of Lynnfield, MA’s history, it’s nothing short of surprising.
Since the town was first discovered in 1638, Lynnfield has been a safe and prominent location in Massachusetts’s historical timeframes.
If you’re new to the town of Lynnfield or just want to learn more about the town’s impact, here’s a brief history lesson on the now small, suburban town.
The Early Days
As already stated, the first settlers arrived on the soil of Lynnfield in 1638, but it wasn’t until 1782 when Lynnfield was officially established and separate from the town of Lynn.
To give you an idea of just how small Lynnfield is, it’s recorded that the entire town is composed of 10.5 square miles total, with 9.9 of its land and 0.58 of its water. Since the first settlers arrived, Lynnfield has been a quiet town that has continued that legacy today.
What The Town Offers
Since its establishment, Lynnfield has been called a “bedroom” town, which means its primary purpose is to give the residents a place to lay their heads every night before commuting for work. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a governing body within the town.
Aside from the police and fire forces, Lynnfield has an excellent public school district with five schools from elementary to high school. There’s a full-functioning library, recreational department, and lively senior center for residents 60 years and up to enjoy.
American Revolution/Underground Railroad
Speaking of the Lynnfield Library, one of the books on their shelves, “Lynn In The Revolution,” writes about the town’s involvement during the war and prominent figures that helped shape the freedom.
One of the earliest casualties in the revolutionary war was a resident of Lynnfield. There was a lot of involvement during the war to take place in Lynnfield. For instance, when the rumor got around that the minutemen would come to Lexington/Concord, they assembled at a tavern in Lynnfield Centre.
The town also serves as a burying ground for Daniel Townsend, a man who died in the war by the British soldiers while trying to retreat. He was only 36 at the time he died, and it’s reported that the whole town of Lynnfield attended his funeral in 1775.
As far as Lynnfield’s involvement with the Underground Railroad, the town served as a “safe haven” during this time. Since most of Lynnfield is rural and covered with trees and forests, it was easy to find a place to hide during the tumultuous and courageous event.
Natural History
Since Lynnfield is a quiet town, most of its history lies in its nature. There are several historical parks and reservations to visit, like Lynn Woods. Lynn Woods is a park that features several hiking trails, biking paths, picnic areas, and a stone tower to check out.
From the tower, you can see Boston’s beautiful skyline and the small bodies of water Lynnfield is home to. What better place to call home?