Manchester
Massachusetts
Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea
The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea was included in a grant of land to the Massachusetts Bay Colony made in 1629 by Charles I who signed the charter in that year. By June of the same year the first ship, the Talbot, dropped anchor in Manchester Harbor carrying settlers who were attracted by "the promise of a safe harbor, streams of water, the sheltering hills and an abundant opportunity for building fishweirs, which offered an almost ideal spot for the planting of a new settlement."
Manchester became "Manchester" in 1645, when the people of "Jeoffereyes Creeke" requested and were granted the village name. Before that, the area was part of the town of Salem, and before that belonged to the Algonquin Indians. The settlers acquired land by purchase or by "peaceful possession" until 1700, when a final payment was made to the grandson of Masconomo. At that time, the Native Americans relinquished all right, title, and interest in the land then comprising this township.
During this period, because there were many Manchesters in New England, it became vogue to call the town "Manchester-by-the-Sea." The usage so irked Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes that he headed his letters to Manchester friends "Boston-by-the-Charles." Regardless, the custom persists today.
Manchester is probably best known for its exceptionally beautiful beaches and harbor, its pleasant residential character, its numerous buildings of historical significance and its handsome estates.
Recent News
Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea : Skate By The Sea
Skate by the Sea (This page will be updated as information becomes available) Masconomo Park Free to the public! Skate by the Sea is a fun new event sponsored by the Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea thanks to a special grant awarded by the…
Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - February 2, 2023
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - January 26, 2023
COVID Update (PCR Positive Tests Reported by MA DPH) Total COVID Cases to Date: 902 Active Cases on 1/25/23: 1 (Active cases are a snpshot at time of reporting.) MBTS COVID Vaccination Rate (of all eligible residents) Ages 6 months+: 75% Fully…
Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - January 19, 2023
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - January 12, 2023
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea MBTS Community Newsletter - January 2023
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - January 5, 2023
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea News Tree Collection
Curbside Tree Collection will take place during the weeks of January 3 and 9 in Manchester-by-the-Sea. Please remove all decoration and place Christmas trees curbside on 1/3 and 1/9. Allow time for DPW to collect all trees.
Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - December 29, 2022
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - December 22, 2022
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - December 15, 2022
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - December 9, 2022
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Read More »Town Of Manchester- By-The-Sea The Tide Weekly Update - December 1, 2022
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