Bedford is located in the state of Massachusetts and has a lot of culture to offer as well as great sights and interesting destinations. So if you’re planning a trip to Bedford (Massachusetts), you’ve come to the right place!
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Vacation in Bedford (Massachusetts)
If you’re looking for a vacation destination that has it all – stunning natural beauty, rich history, and an array of activities to keep you entertained – look no further than Bedford, Massachusetts. This charming town, located just 20 miles northwest of Boston, is the perfect place to enjoy a summer getaway.
The centerpiece of Bedford is its gorgeous town green, which dates back to the 1700s and is surrounded by historic homes and buildings. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a good book or picnic lunch, and in the evening you can stroll around the green and enjoy the lovely views.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be in heaven in Bedford. The town is home to several conservation areas, including Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, Hanscom Air Force Base Reservation, and Minute Man National Historical Park. You can also hike or bike the many trails that wind through Bedford’s forests and meadows – and in the winter, you can even go crosscountry skiing!
Bedford is also rich in history. The town played a key role in the American Revolution, and you can learn all about it at the Bedford Museum and Library. After exploring Bedford’s past, stop by one of its many excellent restaurants for a delicious meal. You’ll find everything from farmtotable cuisine to international flavors.
Looking for some fun activities to do with the kids? Bedford has you covered there, too. Visit the Bedford Springs Wildlife Sanctuary to see turtles, snakes, and birds, or head to Punchard Community School to play on the playground or take a swim in the pool. And don’t forget to cool off with some ice cream from Bedford Farms!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape or a funfilled adventure, Bedford is the perfect vacation destination.
Sights in Bedford (Massachusetts)
Bedford is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is within the Greater Boston area, 15mi northwest of the city of Boston. The population was 13,676 at the 2010 census. Bedford was founded on December 13, 1630, when Approved by the General Court, it was incorporated as a town on February 21, 1634; the first town meeting was held on March 7, 1634.[5][6] This earliest settlement in the land now part of Bedford was at “Merry Mount” (near presentday Quincy), a site first settled by Thomas Morton in 1625.
In 1729, the town was divided into three new and distinct parishes: St. Paul’s, Christ Church, and St. Peter’s, which were organized into 28 wards. By order of the General Court, a meeting house for each parish was to be built within three years of the division. In 1756, the parishioners of St. Peter’s and St. Paul’s voted to build a new church building to replace the smaller buildings which served as their meeting houses. The result was ChrisChurch, which remains an active congregation.[7]
During King Philip’s War, parts of Bedford were burned in what became known as the Burning of Bedford on July 16, 1676, in retaliation for the town’s support of the rebellion against the Native American leader Philip, who was also known as Metacomet. Indian remains were found in several caves and one of the local routes became known as the Pequossette Trail since many of the ashes traditionally used in Native American ceremonies were found along it.[8]
When the first European settlers arrived in Bedford in 1630, they found several Native American tribes already living in the area. The Pennacook were a peaceful tribe and had good relations with the settlers, helping them to get started in their new home. The Wampanoag, however, although they also initially had good relations with the settlers, turned hostile when the settlers refused to share their corn crop with them in 1639. This led to open warfare, culminating in the burning of the village of Merry Mount by Captain Benjamin Church in 1676. The Pennacook later merged with other tribes and relocated to New Hampshire, while the Wampanoag continued to live in southern Massachusetts.[9]
Bedford was originally part of the farming community of Billerica, which had been founded in 1655. In 1724, the town was declared a district separate from Billerica and was named after Lord John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford, who was also the Secretary of State for the Southern Department from 17211742. The town was finally incorporated as a town in 1729.[10]
The town prospered during the 18th century as a farming community, and its farms were some of the largest in the area. They produced large quantities of wheat, rye, flax, and Hay, as well as sheep and cattle. Bedford was also known for its horse breeding farms, which produced some of the finest horses in the country.[11]
The town’s success as a farming community came to an end in the early 19th century, however, when the construction of the Middlesex Canal and the Boston & Lowell Railroad made transportation of goods to market much easier. Farmers no longer needed to rely on Bedford’s livestock and grain market, and they began to sell their products elsewhere. The town’s Population began to decline in the early 19th century as farmers moved away, and Bedford became a sleepy backwater town.[12]
The town began to revive in the late 19th century, however, when wealthy Bostonians began to build summer homes in Bedford. These “cottages”, as they were called, were typically large, grandiose houses, and their owners brought with them a taste for the finer things in life. This led to the development of several hotels and inns in the town, as well as a number of upscale shops and businesses. Bedford’s population began to grow once again, and it has remained relatively stable since the early 20th century.[13]
Today, Bedford is a quiet, picturesque town located just a short drive from Boston. Its quiet streets are lined with trees, and its historic homes and buildings give the town a charming New England feel. Bedford’s close proximity to Boston makes it a popular bedroom community for people who work in the city, and its excellent schools have made it a popular choice for families. The town still retains its smalltown character, and its residents take pride in their community. Bedford is truly a special place, and its residents are proud to call it home.
History of Bedford (Massachusetts)
The area which is now the town of Bedford, Massachusetts was first settled in 1630 as part of Concord. The name “Bedford” was first used in 1729 when the parish of Newicum was established. The name “Bedford” comes from Lord Russell, the 3rd Duke of Bedford and the then British Secretary of State for the Southern Department.
In 1737, the parish of Newicum was divided into two parts, with the western part keeping the name of Newicum and the eastern part becoming the new town of Bedford. The town of Bedford officially incorporated in 1750.
The early history of Bedford is closely tied to that of Lexington and Concord, as it was part of those towns during their early years. Bedford was the site of several key events during the American Revolution, including the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, and the Battle of Concord on April 19, 1775.
After the Revolution, Bedford continued to grow and prosper. The Bedford Springs Resort, which opened in 1824, was a popular destination for the wealthy and famous. The resort closed in the late 19th century but was later revived and is now a popular tourist destination once again.
Today, Bedford is a thriving suburban community with a rich history. The town is home to a number of historic sites and buildings, as well as a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses. Bedford is also home to several schools, including the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy.
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