North Andover

North Andover is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 27,202 at the 2000 census. There is evidence that North Andover has been inhabited for more than 8,000 years. The Weir Hill area was likely an encampment and home for Native Americans due to the abundant natural resources associated with Lake Cochichewick and the Merrimack Valley. The name Weir Hill comes from the anadromous fish run that historically ran up... more

North Andover is a town in Essex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 27,202 at the 2000 census. There is evidence that North Andover has been inhabited for more than 8,000 years. The Weir Hill area was likely an encampment and home for Native Americans due to the abundant natural resources associated with Lake Cochichewick and the Merrimack Valley. The name Weir Hill comes from the anadromous fish run that historically ran up Cochichewick Brook into the lake. North Andover was first settled, as Andover, in 1646, when the Indian town of Cochichawicke was purchased by the Rev Mr. John Woodbridge (1613-17 March 1694/95) for "£6 and a coat." On 26 May 1647, the General Court appointed John Osgood and Thomas Hale to lay out a road from Andover to Haverhill. The town of North Andover was officially incorporated 7 April 1855. Due to its location near the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, North Andover was at one time of minor importance as a mill community with some... less