📍 Location & Geography
Amesbury is a city located in the northeastern part of Massachusetts, in Essex County. The city is situated on the left bank of the Merrimack River near its mouth, upstream from Salisbury and across the river from Newburyport and West Newbury. The city covers a total area of 13.7 square miles, of which 12.3 square miles is land and 1.5 square miles is water.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Amesbury, Massachusetts are approximately 42.8584° N latitude and 70.9300° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Amesbury is part of the Greater Boston region, which is the metropolitan area of New England that is most populous. It is also part of the Merrimack Valley, a bi-state region along the Merrimack River in northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the city of Amesbury had a population of approximately 17,430 people. The city’s population is predominantly white, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Hispanic, African American, Asian, or from other racial or ethnic backgrounds. The median age in Amesbury is around 43 years.
🏛️ History
Amesbury was first settled by Europeans in 1655 as a part of Salisbury, but was officially separated from Salisbury in 1666 and incorporated as the town of Amesbury in 1668. It was named after Amesbury in Wiltshire, England. The town was known for its mills and shipbuilding industry in the 19th century. In 1997, the town was officially granted city status by the Massachusetts legislature and renamed the City of Amesbury.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Amesbury is home to several parks and green spaces, including the Amesbury Town Park and Lake Gardner. The city is also located near the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, a popular spot for bird watching, hiking, and wildlife photography. The Merrimack River that flows through the city provides opportunities for boating and fishing.
🏫 Education
Amesbury is served by the Amesbury Public Schools district, which includes Amesbury Elementary School, Amesbury Middle School, and Amesbury High School. There are also several private schools in the area. For higher education, residents have access to nearby institutions such as Northern Essex Community College and Merrimack College.
🚧 Transportation
The major routes through Amesbury are Interstate 495, which provides access to Boston and other major cities, and Route 150, which serves as the main local thoroughfare. The city is also served by the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority, providing public bus transportation. The nearest airport is Boston Logan International Airport, located about 40 miles south of Amesbury.
📜 Trivia & Events
Amesbury is known for its annual Amesbury Days festival, a week-long celebration featuring music, food, and fireworks. The city is also home to the Amesbury Carriage Museum, which celebrates the city’s rich history in carriage manufacturing. Amesbury was once the home of the famous American poet John Greenleaf Whittier, and his birthplace is now a historic site open for tours.