A Brief History of Newburyport, MA
Coastal Byway Miles: 5.2 Miles
Newburyport, MA first settled in 1635 as part of Newbury, MA. The commercial area of Newbury split off in 1764 to form Newburyport. The city was a center for privateers during the American Revolution. After the war, Newburyport also became a center for abolitionists and the birthplace of William Lloyd Garrison. Situated near the mouth of the Merrimack River, Newburyport was a fishing, shipbuilding and shipping center.
Exploring Newburyport From The Byway
Today, Newburyport is a vibrant area along the Merrimack River situated near the Salisbury Beach Jetty. Here, visitors can enjoy delicious dining, nightlife, art galleries, and specialty shops. History lovers will adore the downtown area for its historic b&bs and federalist buildings built by wealthy clipper ship owners and whalers in the 19th century.