| Welcome to the Acton Long Ago website. Join us while we travel through history in Acton, Massachusetts 01720. Acton Long Ago provides a connection to the past and an opportunity to experience the history of Acton, Massachusetts. Acton Long Ago Videos are our latest project. Listen to students talk about: – The Acton Quilt – Acton Artifacts and – Old School Day. Audio descriptions of The Acton Quilt squares come from Thais Savage's class at Douglas, photos and descriptions from Acton Artifacts are from Karen Sonner's class at Merriam, and recollections from Old School Day come from Ursula Konde's class in Boxborough. Background music is courtesy of Peter Broggi's classes. This site is brought to you by teachers in the Acton Public Schools. |
a tract of meadowland 26 miles northwest of Boston, now known as Acton, was called Concord Village. The villagers raised sheep and harvested hay on the land.
Eventually the early settlers grew tired of the 7-to-10 mile walk to church in the village center—especially during the severe New England winters. These settlers wanted a separate town with an accessible meeting house. In 1735, seventeen families petitioned the government for township. On July 3, Acton Massachusetts was incorporated.
What was it like to live in Acton long ago? When did the meadows turn to forests? What part did Acton play in the American Revolution? Which industries made Acton their home in those early years? This Web site answers those questions and more. We hope you will Discover Acton, and find it is a place for learning and fun! Please check out our games, activities and education sections. Or take a virtual tour! 
Legend has it that the town was named after Lord Acton, who promised to donate a bell for the new meeting house. Some dispute this legend, and say that Acton was named for its British counterpart 12 miles outside London in the county of Middlesex. Which legend would you choose?
Last Updated: June 16, 2010
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