Amesbury Wedding

Settled in 1642, Amesbury was first recognized as "Salisbury New Town" in 1666 when it formally separated from Salisbury. It was incorporated as "Amesbury" in 1668, after Amesbury in Wiltshire, England. Beginning as a modest farming community, it would develop an aggressive maritime and industrial economy. The 90 foot drop in the falls of the Powwow River provided water power for sawmills and gristmills. Shipbuilding, shipping and fishing were also important. The ferry across the Merrimack River to Newburyport was a lively business until the construction of bridges to Deer Island. Newton, New Hampshire would be set off from Amesbury in 1741, when the border between the two colonies was adjusted.