The History and Beauty of North Shore Massachusetts by JulieAnn Corbin
NEWBURYPORT, MA
Newburyport, Massachusetts is a beautiful North Shore city located on the lower Merrimack River’s south side. With a total area of over 10 square miles, this coastal community in Essex County earned the nickname “Clipper City” back in the 1650’s because of its impressive ship building industry which revolved mainly around the construction of clipper ships. The city was once home to piracy which adds an adventurous touch to its already legendary character. The historical piracy involved local sailors commandeering vessels which enabled them to smuggle cargo into the city to avoid taxes which were first imposed by the Queen of England and later by the U.S. Government following the Revolutionary War. To enforce the U.S. tax laws and apprehend freebooters, the Revenue Cutter Service was created in the late 1700’s which eventually merged with the U.S. Life-Saving Service to form what is now the U.S. Coast Guard. To this day, there is always a crew manning the Coast Guard Station Merrimack River now located on Water Street in Newburyport.
Once visitors and residents alike “smuggle” their way safely past the Coast Guard station they discover a bustling downtown area. There are shops brimming with eye-catching wares, numerous restaurants emitting mouthwatering aromas, crowd pleasing centers for visual and performing arts, museums overflowing with tantalizing pieces of history and so much more! The beautifully maintained brick buildings and merchant-filled streets of downtown attract tourists in the summer months and are a quiet haven for residents during the off season. Anyone in the mood for a pleasant stroll will enjoy its riverfront boardwalk dotted with benches to relax upon. At any vantage point along the boardwalk, the sights, smells, sounds and scenery of the Merrimack River can be enjoyed while sailing, fishing and pleasure vessels of all types fill its waters. Spectacular views are endless as brilliant colors paint the sky at sunset and awaken the world at dawn.
The appeal and charm of Newburyport is by no means limited to its downtown offerings. Its sprawling residential area of the city boasts grand homes that are themselves timelessly preserved pieces of history. Many homes near downtown were in fact sea-captain’s homes centuries ago. Such houses are impressive to admire for their exterior grandeur and interior elegance. Newburyport’s houses are transformed into truly unique homes by all who are lucky enough to own them. Many of the residents of Newburyport have painstakingly preserved the historical elements of their beautiful homes while others have updated all or part of the property’s interior and structure. Part of the charm of this historical area comes from its great diversity which is evident in its architectural grandeur and elegance.
Adding to the appeal of Newburyport is the fact that while it offers a “cozy” coastal city form of seclusion, it boasts numerous attractions which are easily accessible for any traveler. Shorter day trips might include a visit to the neighboring City of Amesbury along the Merrimack River, US-1 or I-95, or head across the Gillis Bridge via US-1 for a visit to Salisbury. For the more adventurous traveler desiring a larger city setting, breathtaking Boston is less than 40 miles to the south. No matter resident or world traveler, the beautiful, coastal town of Newburyport offers something for every taste.