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Using Essex History

Using Essex History

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Industries of Essex County

Essex County has always had a prominent industrial role. While these industries changed over time, they continue to influence the way we think about communities.

Subtopics: Shoemaking, Textiles, Transportation, New Deal Programs


  • Rogers Indenture, Gloucester 1785
  • Letters to Amos Rhodes, 1793
  • Studded Brogan (shoe), mid 1800s
  • Farris Indenture, Beverly 1808
  • Voice Indenture, Gloucester 1818
  • Daybook of J. Morgan, 1824
  • Account Book for Hannah Rowell, 1828-1831
  • Account Book for Abel Page, 1831-1832
  • First Shoe Pegged by Samuel Preston’s Machine, 1833
  • Jarvis Miller letter, Amesbury 1839
  • Fancy “turned shoe” c. 1840
  • Essex Railroad Ticket, 1848
  • Sarah Trask’s Diary, 1849
  • Poem, “Hannah, Binding Shoes” by Lucy Larcom, Mid-1800s
  • View from Prospect Hill, Lawrence 1850s
  • Railroad Transport Receipts, Manchester 1851
  • Nickerson Indenture, Gloucester 1852
  • Ann Letter, Lawrence 1854
  • Advertisement for Businesses, Lawrence 1860
  • Image of Pray’s Stitching Shop, Salem c. 1863
  • Photograph of Canal Street Boardinghouses, Lawrence
  • Daniel Hunkins’ Shoe Shop, Haverhill
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For further reading about countywide sites connected to this history download the Industrial Trail brochure of the Essex National Heritage Area, created in partnership with the National Park Service.
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