Ipswich, MA

Ipswich is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 21,811 at the 2010 census. Ipswich is located on the eastern bank of the Merrimack River opposite Newburyport and about 25 miles north of Boston.

The town was first settled in 1634 as part of Ipswich Plantation, which was granted by the Plymouth Company to Captain John Mason and his brother-in-law Sir Ferdinando Gorges. Ipswich became an independent town in 1713. The first mills were built on the Merrimack River in Ipswich around 1690; these mills were used to produce cloth for the British military during the American Revolution. In 1802, a canal was built connecting Ipswich to Lawrence (now Lowell), allowing goods to be transported more easily between these two towns. The railroad arrived in Ipswich in 1845; this helped to spur growth in the town as businesses began to move into downtown Ipswich.

Today, Ipswich is home to many businesses including banks, restaurants, and retailers. The downtown area has been revitalized over recent years and now features boutiques, art galleries, and coffee shops. There are also several parks located throughout the town which provide residents with opportunities for recreation such as hiking and biking trails.