Located in Middlesex County approximately 30 miles northwest of Boston, Chelmsford is a town of about 33,000. It was founded in 1653 by settlers from Woburn and Concord and was incorporated in 1655. It originally contained the neighboring towns of Carlisle and Westford, as well as parts of Lowell. Chelmsford is named for Chelmsford, England and is the only town in the United States so named.

Historical Highlights

1653
Citizens from Woburn and Concord settle and found Chelmsford.

1655
Chelmsford is incorporated, as are nearby Billerica and Groton.

1718
The first one-room school house is built on the Forefathers Burying Ground.

1798
The first post office in town opens.

1802
The Chelmsford Glass Works is established.

1803
The Middlesex Canal is completed connecting Chelmsford and Boston.

1835
The first Lucifer matches to be produced in America are manufactured in South Chelmsford.

1879
The Town Hall is built on North Road.

1893
The Town votes to establish a Free Public Library.

1901
The Chelmsford Ginger Ale Company is founded.

1955
The Drum Hill Rotary at Route is built.

1989
The legislative body of the town is changed from an open town meeting to a representative one.

2005
The town celebrates its 350th anniversary.