“A priceless reservoir of early American history”
Ipswich, Massachusetts was founded in 1634, and is America’s best-preserved Puritan town. Opposition by the people and leaders of Ipswich to a tax imposed in 1687 is commemorated in the seal of the town of Ipswich, with the motto, “The Birthplace of American Independence 1687.” View a visual index of this site below.
Recent news
61 Turnpike Road, the John Foster house (1780) - The Ipswich Historical Commission on March 15 placed a one-year delay on a demolition permit requested for the John Foster house.This month in history
Leslie’s Retreat, or how the Revolutionary War almost began in Salem: February 26, 1775 - In our struggle for Independence, the British military received its first setback from the inhabitants of Salem in an episode that could not have been more ludicrous or entertaining if it had been written for Monty Python. 
The Great Ipswich Fright, April 21, 1775 - Capt. Jonathan Burnham with the Hampton company arrived in Ipswich on the morning of April 21, 1775 after an all night march, and found the town panic-struck. The town was nearly defenseless, as more than three hundred of its men had marched off with their Ipswich captains to fight the British regulars at Concord and Lexington. A rumor had spread … Continue reading The Great Ipswich Fright, April 21, 1775Historic Ipswich
Town Historian’s Stories from Ipswich - Legends and stories from Ipswich and surrounding communities. View all archived stories, pages and posts
Ipswich history - Ipswich, Massachusetts was settled in 1633 in an area the Native Americans called "Agawam," and is one of America's best-preserved Puritan towns.
Old North Burying Ground - The Old North Burying Ground in Ipswich, Massachusetts was established in 1634 and is one of the oldest cemeteries in North America. 
First Period and other Colonial-era houses of Ipswich - There are more remaining first Period houses ( 1625 through 1725) in Ipswich MA than any other town in the country.
