Settled in 1635, the Town of Newbury originally incorporated what are now Newburyport and West Newbury, but since 1819 has occupied over 25 square miles spread over three distinct districts: Byfield, Oldtown and Plum Island.

Newbury originally extended from the Merrimack River to the Parker River, and from Plum Island to the Town of Bradford. Plum Island, a nine-mile sandy barrier beach forming the eastern boundary of the town, was from the beginning a great natural asset, an abundant source of salt hay and pasture for horses and cattle during the winter.

In the beginning, the town was one parish called the First Parish of Newbury. Early settlers were largely engaged in agriculture and stock raising, but as the town grew and spread along the Merrimack, the residents built wharves and docks where domestic and foreign trade flourished. These waterside people felt they were different from the husbandmen of Newbury and petitioned the General Court to be set apart as a separate town.

Newbury officials opposed the change, but after extensive litigation and financial adjustment, Newburyport was incorporated in 1764 and West Newbury was incorporated in 1819.

Although Newbury is smaller than in its first settlement days, it has inherited and incorporated many of the founders' principles: the importance of the Town Meeting form of government, the strength of the churches, the quality of education and the obligation of the town to care for the well-being of all its residents.

In addition to three elementary schools and a regional high school, Newbury is home to Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, the oldest private secondary school in the country.

Spotlight on Newbury:

Population: 7,100

Square Miles: 26.45

Tax rate fiscal 2008: $8.57

Government: Board of Selectmen

How To Contact:

Selectmen : 978-462-8232

Municipal Offices: 978-465-9241

Police: Emergency 911 non-emerg: 978-462-4440

Fire: Emergency 911 non-emerg: 978-462-2282

Hospital/Emerg.: Anna Jaques Hospital : 978-463-1000

Schools:

Elementary School- The Round School

Triton Middle School (7-8): 978-8171

Triton High School : 978- 462-8171 Superintendent: 978-465-2397

Library: 978-465-0539

MBTA Commuter Rail Service: from Newburyport to Boston with stations in Ipswich and Rowley. Schedules and Information: (800) 392-6100 or www.mbta.com