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Danvers, MA

Danvers is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States, located on the Danvers River near the northeastern coast of Massachusetts. The suburb is a fairly short ride from Boston and is also near the beaches of Gloucester and Revere. Originally known as Salem Village, the town is most widely known for its association with the 1692 Salem witch trials. It was also the site of Danvers State Hospital, one of the state's 19th-century psychiatric hospitals. Danvers is a local center of commerce, hosting many car dealerships and the Liberty Tree Mall. As of the 2020 United States Census, the town's population was 28,087.

The area was long settled by indigenous cultures of Native Americans. In the historic period, the Massachusett, a tribe of the Pequot language family, dominated the area. The land that is now Danvers was once owned by the Naumkeag branch of the Massachusett tribe.

Around 1630, English colonists improved an existing Naumkeag trail as the Old Spanish Road, creating a connection to the main cities of Salem and Boston. Danvers was permanently settled in 1636 as Salem Village. The historical event for which Danvers is best known is the Salem witch trials of 1692, which began in the home of Rev. Samuel Parris and spread throughout the region. Resident Rebecca Nurse was convicted in a trial for witchcraft and executed, along with 19 other innocent victims. The Rebecca Nurse Homestead is still standing in Danvers and can be visited as a historical landmark.

The residents of Salem Village petitioned the Massachusetts General Court several times over the following decades to become a town separate from Salem. In 1752, the General Court finally separated Danvers from Salem but established Danvers as an independent self-governing "district" instead of incorporating it as a town, because of a royal prohibition against creating new towns in Massachusetts. A district had all the rights and powers of a town except the ability to send representatives to the legislature. Danvers was likely named for Danvers Osborn, and 1752 is the date locally commemorated on major anniversaries as the creation of Danvers, despite it not being incorporated yet at that time, because that is when it received its name.

On June 9, 1757, Massachusetts incorporated Danvers as a town regardless of the royal prohibition and, according to legend, King George II later vetoed this act of incorporation and returned it with the message "The King Unwilling." Massachusetts simply ignored this royal veto, which was later included on the town's seal.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Danvers has a total area of 14.1 square miles (37 km2), of which 13.3 square miles (34 km2) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km2), or 5.75%, is water. The tidal Danvers River begins near the southeast corner of town and is formed by the confluence of the Porter River, Crane River, and Waters River. These rivers, in turn, are fed by several brooks. The Ipswich River also flows along the town's western border. The Putnamville Reservoir lies in the north end of the town, and supplies drinking water to the towns of Salem and Beverly.

Though being at sea level in the Danversport area, the town has numerous hills reaching around 130 to 180 feet in elevation, including Dales Hill (located at St. John's Preparatory School), Ferncroft Hill, Folly Hill, Hathorne Hill, Lindall Hill, Nichols Hill, Putnam Hill, Rocky Hill and Whipple Hill (part of Endicott Park). Danvers has numerous villages dating back to the late 1800s when the town had a bustling railroad. These include Burley's Corner, Danvers Center, Danversport, Downtown, Ferncroft, Hathorne (which still has its own post office and ZIP code), Putnamville, and Tapleyville.

Danvers places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Beth Israel Lahey Health Care Center–Danvers has a state-of-the-art facility that provides exceptional medical and surgical services for the whole family. Fitness enthusiasts can head to Choice Fitness - Danvers for a comprehensive gym experience with state-of-the-art equipment and classes. The YMCA of Greater Springfield provides extensive fitness programs, including swimming and group exercises. For a unique outdoor activity, the Bear Hole Reservoir offers scenic hiking and biking trails. Yoga practitioners can join classes at Mantra Yoga to enhance their practice. The Eastern States Exposition hosts various health fairs and wellness events throughout the year. Additionally, the West Springfield Park and Recreation department organizes numerous sports leagues and fitness programs for all ages.
 

Top Sites in Danvers, MA: Connors Farm, Endicott Park, The Rebecca Nurse Homestead, and Liberty Tree Mall.

ZIP code: 01923, 01937 (Hathorne). Area code: 351 / 978. Elevation: 48 ft (15 m). Area: 14.1 square miles (37 km2). Population: 28,087 (2020).

FAQs

What is Danvers, MA known for?

Originally known as Salem Village, the town is most widely known for its association with the 1692 Salem witch trials. It was also the site of Danvers State Hospital, one of the state's 19th-century psychiatric hospitals. Danvers is a local center of commerce, hosting many car dealerships and the Liberty Tree Mall. As of the 2020 United States Census, the town's population was 28,087.

Why did Salem change its name to Danvers, MA?

Abigail Williams, who made numerous witchcraft accusations, disappeared from official records after June 1692, offered no known apology, and is believed to have died in 1697. The village gained its long-sought independence in 1752, adopting the name Danvers to avoid confusion with Salem Town. Salem Town, which now just goes by Salem, had a harder time forgetting its role in the witch trials.

Is Danvers, MA a good place to live?

The city of Danvers is truly a great place to live. It provides simple access to Downtown Boston and boasts a quiet, middle-class lifestyle. There are great jobs for people seeking work and loads of opportunities to grow within this awesome area. Residents of Danvers have a median household income of about $79,795. The area is home to a large number of great employers who offer good opportunities across many industries.
 

Sources

Town of Danvers

Wikipedia

Atlas Obscura

Mass Bay Movers

Connors Farm 

Endicott Park 

The Rebecca Nurse Homestead 

Liberty Tree Mall

Beth Israel Lahey Health Care Center–Danvers

Choice Fitness - Danvers

YMCA of Greater Springfield

Bear Hole Reservoir 

Mantra Yoga

Eastern States Exposition

West Springfield Park and Recreation

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