Originally part of the town of Newbury, settled by European immigrants in 1635, West Newbury became an independent entity in 1819. Many of Essex County’s best farms were in West Newbury. Farmers raised crops and kept cattle. Fine orchards abounded. Although agriculture was the basis of the local economy, several industries grew up here. A comb manufacturing business was started after the Revolutionary War by Enoch Noyes. Several comb factories sprang up in the town, all of which relied on animal horns for raw material. The industry declined after the invention of celluloid, and the last of the West Newbury operations closed its doors in 1906.

The Merrimack River, flowing along the town’s northern border, provides scenic beauty and recreational boating. The 200 acre Mill Pond preserve offers passive recreational activities including cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, horse riding rings and trails, as well as a winter carnival, fall hayrides and other family oriented activities. West Newbury is adjacent to Newburyport, which offers numerous cultural and recreational attractions.

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Mass. Department of Revenue “At A Glance” report for West Newbury

U.S. Census Demographic Data

Official Town of West Newbury Web site

Pentucket Regional School District

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce

Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce