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The potential of the Merrimack River Valley led to the settlement of the area near Pawtucket Falls by Native Americans. While the coastline north of Boston is punctuated by charming seacoast communities with miles of beaches, the towns located inland are ripe with fertile farmland and lush forests. Incorporated in 1734, the Tewksbury economic base depended on farming and grazing with lumbering a secondary industry. Development of transportation resources in the Valley shaped the history of Tewksbury as a major site of American industrial development in the 19th century. In fact, the Middlesex Canal Museum preserves and illuminates the history of the Canal and its impact on the rural countryside from the Lowell area to Boston.
Tewksbury also developed greenhouses and market gardens into the early 20th century and was often called the "carnation town" because of an abundance of hothouse carnations sold to numerous city markets. As industry replaced agricultural long ago, today technology industries have ignited an economic resurgence in the Tewksbury-Lowell area. Residents also look to their larger neighbors for cultural opportunities. In Lowell, the Brush Art Gallery, Whistler House Museum of Art, New England Quilt Museum, Textile History Museum and Revolving Museum are popular attractions. The Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington is a unique experience for anyone fascinated by American history and culture. Exploring historic homes, taking part in historic hometown festivals, catching a theatre or dance performance are exciting adventures in Tewksbury and surrounding cities. Year-round recreation is also possible especially on the 1,000 acres of Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsborough State Forest, where six miles of trails provide ample opportunity for jogging, walking, backpacking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing. New England's seacoast and mountains are also within an hour's drive. |
