Methuen is located in the northern corner of Massachusetts in the Merrimack Valley. Located 25 miles north of Boston, the town elected their first mayor in 1993 and has a population of more than 40,000. But it is not new by any means, since it was first formed in the early 1700s. You won't travel there for the fancy resorts or theme-parks. The history runs deep in Methuen, and tourists go for the historical sites and to hear stories of the millionaires and benefactors that formed this town.
During the industrial growth of the 1800's, Methuen city fathers Edward F. Searles, Charles H. Tenney, and David C. Nevins gained considerable personal fortunes through manufacturing, textile production and railroads. They chose to invest their wealth locally in Methuen and ultimately influenced the city's economic development, leaving a legacy of architecture and civic works. In 1992, the Searles Tenney Nevins Historic District was established by the City of Methuen and draws thousands of tourists each year.
Methuen is best known for it's beautiful architecture. The granite and stone buildings decorated with marble and turrets date back centuries and will be compelling reasons to dig into the rich history of this town. Historical buildings line the streets, including the John Hancock Masonic Hall, one of the oldest masonic halls in the nation. The town's historical society has compiled a history of each street and its buildings. Fragile town documents as well as a copy of The Declaration of Independence are on display in city hall.
If you are an animal lover, Nevins Farm is a must-see. This 55-acre complex is devoted entirely to the caring and adoption of all animals, including equine and birds. A pet cemetery is located on the grounds and the facility is a member of the national MSPCA Angell organization. Nevins Farm holds fundraisers throughout the year and also offers a children's summer camp.
For 17 years, the Festival of Trees has attracted thousands to Methuen. It is the largest Festival of Trees in New England and one of the largest such festivals in the country. The festival was formed by volunteers wanting to raise funds for the restoration of the Tenney Gate House in 1994. Since then, the Christmas fundraiser has grown to feature dozens of fully decorated Christmas trees, all in an effort to help pay for restoration and preservation of many of the town's historical sites. More than 25,000 people attended the festival in 2010.
